Lesson 7

LOGARITHMIC FUNCTIONS

Learning Outcome(s): At the end of the lesson, the learner is able to solve problems involving
logarithmic functions.

Lesson Outline:

1. Conversion of logarithmic form to exponential form

2. Logarithmic Functions

Definition: The logarithmic of 𝑥 to the base 𝑏 is the inverse of the exponential function 𝑏 𝑥 , where 𝒃 >
𝟎 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃 ≠ 𝟏. The equation 𝒙 = 𝒃𝒚 , which is the equation for the inverse function g, can be written
equivalently as 𝒚 = 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝒃 𝒙 which is read as “𝒚 equals the logarithm of 𝒙 to the base 𝒃" or “𝒚 equals
log 𝒙 base 𝒃".

Example 1: Find the inverse 𝑔 of 𝑓(𝑥) = 4𝑥 .

Solution: 𝑦 = 4𝑥 Replacing 𝑓(𝑥) with 𝑦

𝑥 = 4𝑦 Interchanging 𝑥 and 𝑦

𝑔(𝑥) = log 4 𝑥 Replacing 𝑦 with 𝑔(𝑥)

Example 2: Since 𝑥 = 𝑏 𝑦 and 𝑦 = log 𝑏 𝑥 are equivalent equations, an expression in logarithmic form
can be converted to an exponential form and vice versa. Study the following table:

Logarithmic Form Exponential Form

log 3 9 = 2 32 = 9
log 4 1 = 0 40 = 1
1 1
log 25 5 = 252 = 5
2
3 3
log 9 27 = 92 = 27
2
1
log 1 8 = −3 (2)−3 = 8
2

Exercises: Express each of the following to its corresponding exponential or logarithmic form.

𝑥
1. 12𝑦 = 𝑥 5
4. (11) = 𝑦
2. log16 𝑝 = 13 1 1
5. log 3 = −2
3. log 9 3 = 𝑥 + 2 √3
2
6. (√27)3 = 9

1
 Logarithmic Form Exponential Form
1
7. log 6 = −2
36
2 −3 27
( ) =
8. 3 8

1
9. 164 = 2

10. log √5 5 = 2

Solving Logarithmic Functions

Given that 𝑥 = 𝑏 𝑦 is equivalent to 𝑦 = log 𝑏 𝑥, one can solve equations involving logarithms
using this relationship.

Example 1: Solve for the value of 𝑏 in the equation log 3 243 = 𝑏.

Solution: First, express log 3 243 = 𝑏 in exponential form.

3𝑏 = 243

3𝑏 = 35 Expressing 343 in exponential form with base 3

𝑏=5 Property of equality for exponential equations

3
Example 2: Solve for the value of 𝑥 in the equation log 𝑥 27 = 2.

3
Solution: 𝑥 2 = 27 Equivalent exponential form

3 2 2
2
(𝑥 2 )3 = 273 Raising both sides to the power of to solve for 𝑥.
3

𝑥=9

Example 3: Solve for 𝑏 in the equation log 1 81−𝑏−3 = 2𝑏

27

1
Solution: (27)2𝑏 = 81−𝑏−3 Equivalent exponential form

(−𝑏−3)
(33 )−2𝑏 = 34 Expressing 27 and 81 in exponential form with the same base, 3

3−6𝑏 = 3−4𝑏−12 Distributive property of multiplication

−6𝑏 = −4𝑏 − 12 Property of equality for exponential equations

−6𝑏 + 4𝑏 = −12 Combining like terms by transposition

−2𝑏 = −12 Divide both sides by −2𝑏

𝑏=6

2
 1
Example 3: Solve for 𝑦 in the equation log 4 4 = 𝑦.
1
Solution: 4𝑦 = 4

4𝑦 = 4−1
𝑦 = −1

3
References

Albay, Batisan, Caraan, Sumagit.(2016). General Mathematics. Makati City: Diwa Learning System, Inc.

Aonan, Plarizan, Regidor,,Simbulas.(2016). General Mathematics. Quezon City: C&E Publishing, Inc.

Barnett, Ziegler, Byleen, & Sobecki. (2011). College Algebra with Trigonometry (Ninth Edition). New
York: McGraw Hill.