TERMINOLOGY

Euler’s number: This number, e, approximately exponential function : A function in the form
2.718 28, is an important constant that is the y = ax
base of natural logarithms logarithm: The logarithm of a positive number y
EXT1 exponential decay: When a quantity is the power to which a given number a, called
decreases according to the exponential function the base, must be raised in order to produce the
N = Aekt, where k is negative number y, so loga y = x means y = a x
logarithmic function: A function in the form
EXT1 exponential growth: When a quantity
y = loga x
increases according to the exponential function
N = Aekt, where k is positive

WS
10.01 Exponential functions
Homework
An exponential function is in the form y = ax, where a > 0.
Graphing
exponentials

EXAMPLE 1
WS

Homework
Exponential
Sketch the graph of the function y = 5x and state its domain and range.
functions

Solution
WS
Complete a table of values for y = 5x.
Homework
Translating
exponential
graphs x −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3
1 1 1
y 1 5 25 125
125 25 5

y
30
25
20
15
10
5
1
−3 −2 −1 1 2 3 x
−1

Notice that ax is always positive. So there is no x-intercept and y > 0.

For the y-intercept, when x = 0, y = 50 = 1.
The y-intercept is 1.
From the graph, the domain is (−∞, ∞) and the range is (0, ∞).

536 MATHS IN FOCUS 11. Mathematics Extension 1 ISBN 9780170413299

 INVESTIGATION

THE VALUE OF a IN y = ax
Notice that the exponential function y = a x is only defined for a > 0.
1 Suppose a = 0. What would the function y = 0x look like? Try completing a table of
values or use technology to sketch the graph. Is the function defined for positive
values of x, negative values of x or when x = 0? What if x is a fraction?
2 Suppose a < 0. What would the function y = (-2)x look like?
3 For y = 0x and y = (-2)x:
a is it possible to graph these functions at all?
b are there any discontinuities on the graphs?
c do they have a domain and range?

The exponential function y = ax

• Domain (-∞, ∞), range (0, ∞).
• The y-intercept (x = 0) is always 1 because a0 = 1.
• The graph is always above the x-axis and there is no x-intercept ( y = 0) because
ax > 0 for all values of x.
• The x-axis is an asymptote.

EXAMPLE 2

Sketch the graph of:

a f (x) = 3x b y = 2x + 1

Solution

a The curve is above the x-axis with y

3 (1, 3)
y-intercept 1. We must show another
point on the curve. 2
f (x) = 3x
1
f (1) = 31 = 3.
1 x

ISBN 9780170413299 10. Exponential and logarithmic functions 537

 b For y-intercept, x = 0: Notice that this is the graph y
of y = 2x moved up 1 unit. 6
y = 20 + 1 5
=1+1 4
3
=2 1 y = 2x + 1
(−1, 1 2 ) 2

Find another point, when x = -1: 1

y = 2-1 + 1 −1 1 x
−1
1
= +1
2
1
= 12

EXAMPLE 3

Sketch the graph of:

a f (x) = 3(4x) b y = 2x + 1

Solution

a The values of f (x) = 3(4x) will be 3 times y

greater than 4x so its curve will be steeper. 40 y = 3(4x )
−1 30
f  (−1) = 3(4 ) = 0.75
20
f  (0) = 3(40) = 3 10 (1, 12)
3
1
f  (1) = 3(4 ) = 12 x
−2 −1 1 2
2
f  (2) = 3(4 ) = 48

b f  (−1) = 2−1 + 1 = 1 y
4
f  (0) = 20 + 1 = 2 3
y = 2x + 1
f  (1) = 21 + 1 = 4 2
(−1, 1)
1
f  (2) = 22 + 1 = 8
−3 −2 −1 1 x

This is the graph of y = 2x shifted 1 unit left.

538 MATHS IN FOCUS 11. Mathematics Extension 1 ISBN 9780170413299

Reflections of exponential functions
We can reflect the graph of y = ax using what we learned in Chapter 7, Further functions.

EXAMPLE 4

Given f (x) = 3x, sketch the graph of:

a y = –3x b    y = 3-x c    y = -3-x

Solution

a Given f (x) = 3x, then y = -f (x) = -3x. y

3
This is a reflection of f (x) in the x-axis.
2
x x x
Note: –3 means –(3 ), not (–3) . 1

−1 1 x
−1 x
y = −3
−2
−3 (1, −3)

b Given f (x) = 3x, then y = f (-x) = 3-x. y

This is a reflection of f (x) in the y-axis. (−1, 3) 3

2
1 y = 3−x

−1 1 x
−1
−2
−3

c Given f (x) = 3x, then y = -f (-x) = -3-x. y

3
This is a reflection of f (x) in both the
x- and y-axes. 2
1

−1 1 x
−1
y = −3−x
−2
(−1, −3) −3

ISBN 9780170413299 10. Exponential and logarithmic functions 539

 INVESTIGATION

GRAPHS OF EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Use a graphics calculator or graphing software to sketch the graphs of the exponential
functions below. Look for similarities and differences within each set.
a y = 2x, y = 2x + 1, y = 2x + 3, y = 2x - 5
b y = 3(2x ), y = 4(2x ), y = -2x, y = -3(2x )
c y = 3(2x ) + 1, y = 4(2x ) + 3, y = -2x + 1, y = -3(2x ) - 3
d y = 2x + 1, y = 2x + 2, y = 2x - 1, y = 2x - 3, y = 2-x

( ) ( )
e y = 2-x, y = 2 2− x , y = -2-x, y = -3 2− x , y = 2-x - 1

Exercise 10.01 Exponential functions

1 Sketch each exponential function.
a y = 2x b y = 4x c f (x) = 3x + 2 d y = 2x − 1
e f (x) = 3(2x) f y = 4x + 1 g y = 3(42x) - 1 h f (x) = -2x
i y = 2(4-x ) j f (x) = -3(5-x ) + 4

2 State the domain and range of each function.

a f (x) = 2x b y = 3x + 5 c f (x) = 10-x d f (x) = -5x + 1

3 Given f (x) = 2x and g(x) = 3x − 4, find:

a f ( g(x)) b g (  f (x))

4 a Sketch the graph of f (x) = 4(3x) + 1.

b Sketch the graph of:
i y = f (-x)     ii y = -f (x)     iii y = -f (-x)

5 Sales numbers, N, of a new solar battery are growing over t years according to the
formula N = 450(30.9t   ).
a Draw a graph of this function.
b Find the initial number of sales when t = 0.
c Find the number of sales after:
    i 3 years      
  ii 5 years         
iii 10 years

540 MATHS IN FOCUS 11. Mathematics Extension 1 ISBN 9780170413299

10.02 Euler’s number, e
The gradient function of exponential functions is interesting. Notice that the gradient of an
exponential function is always increasing, and increases at an increasing rate.
If you sketch the derivative function of an exponential function, then it too is an exponential
function! Here are the graphs of the derivative functions (in blue) of y = 2x and y = 3x (in red)
together with their equations.

y = 2x y = 1.0986 × 3x
y y
12 y = 0.6931 × 2x 12 y = 3x
10 10
8 8
6 6
4 4
2 2

x −3 −2 −1 3x
−3 −2 −1 1 2 3 1 2

Notice that the graph of the derivative function of y = 3x is very close to the graph of the
original function.
We can find a number close to 3 that gives exactly the same derivative function as the
original graph. This number is approximately 2.718 28, and is called Euler’s number, e.
Like π, the number e is irrational.

Euler’s number
e ≈ 2.718 28

DID YOU KNOW?

Leonhard Euler
Like π, Euler’s number, e, is a transcendental number, which is an irrational number that
is not a surd. This was proven by a French mathematician, Charles Hermite, in 1873.
The Swiss mathematician Leonhard Euler (1707–83) gave e its symbol, and he gave
an approximation of e to 23 decimal places. Now e has been calculated to over a trillion
decimal places.
Euler gave mathematics much of its important notation. He caused π to become standard
notation for pi and used i for the square root of −1. He also introduced the symbol S for
sums and f (x) notation for functions.

ISBN 9780170413299 10. Exponential and logarithmic functions 541

 EXAMPLE 5

Sketch the graph of the exponential function y = ex.

Solution

Use ex on your calculator to draw up a table of values. For example, to calculate e-3:

Casio scientific Sharp scientific

SHIFT ex (−) 3 = 2ndF ex +/– 3 =

e−3 = 0.049 78 … y
25
x −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 20 (3, 20.1)

y 0.05 0.1 0.4 1 2.7 7.4 20.1 15

10 y = ex
(rounded figures) 5
1
−3 −2 −1 x
1 2 3

EXAMPLE 6

The salmon population in a river over time can be described by the exponential function
P = 200e0.3t where t is time in years.

a Find the population after 3 years.

b Draw the graph of the population.

Solution

a P = 200e0.3t
When t = 3:
P = 200e 0.3 × 3
= 491.9206…
≈ 492
So after 3 years there are 492 salmon.

542 MATHS IN FOCUS 11. Mathematics Extension 1 ISBN 9780170413299

 b The graph is an exponential curve. Finding some points will help us graph it
accurately.
When t = 0: P = 200e 0.3 × 0
= 200    This is also the P-intercept.
P
When t = 1: P = 200e 0.3 × 1
700
= 269.9717… 600 P = 200e0.3t
≈ 270 500
400
When t = 2: P = 200e 0.3 × 2 300
= 364.4237… 200
100
≈ 364
−1 1 2 3 4 t
We already know P ≈ 492 when t = 3. −100

Time, t ≥ 0, so don’t sketch the curve

for negative values of t.

Exercise 10.02 Euler’s number, e

1 Sketch the curve f (x) = 2ex - 2.

2 Evaluate, correct to 2 decimal places:

1
a e1.5 b e−2 c 2e0.3 d e −3e−3.1
e3
3 Sketch each exponential function.
a y = 2ex b f (x) = ex + 1 c y = -ex d y = e-x e y = -e-x

4 State the domain and range of f (x) = ex - 2.

5 If f (x) = ex and g(x) = x3 + 3, find:

a f ( g(x)) b g(  f (x))

6 The volume V of a metal in mm3 expands as it is heated over time according to the
formula V = 25e0.7t, where t is in minutes.
a Sketch the graph of V = 25e0.7t.
b Find the volume of the metal at:
i 3 minutes ii 8 minutes
c Is this formula a good model for the rise in volume? Why?

ISBN 9780170413299 10. Exponential and logarithmic functions 543

 7 The mass of a radioactive substance in g is given by M = 150e-0.014t where t is in years.
Find the mass after:
a 10 years b 50 years c 250 years

8 The number of koalas in a forest is declining according to the formula N = 873e-0.078t

where t is the time in years.
a Sketch a graph showing this decline in numbers of koalas for the first 6 years.
b Find the number of koalas:
i initially ii after 5 years iii after 10 years

Photo courtesy Margaret Grove

9 An object is cooling down according to the exponential function T = 23 + 125e-0.06t

where T is the temperature in °C and t is time in minutes.
a Find the initial temperature.
b Find the temperature at:
i 2 minutes ii 5 minutes iii iv
10 minutes       2 hours
c What temperature is the object tending towards? Can you explain why?

10 A population is growing exponentially. If the initial population is 20 000 and after

5 years the population is 80 000, draw a graph showing this information.

11 The temperature of a piece of iron in a smelter is 1000°C and it is cooling down

exponentially. After 10 minutes the temperature is 650°C. Draw a graph showing this
information.

544 MATHS IN FOCUS 11. Mathematics Extension 1 ISBN 9780170413299

10.03 Differentiation of exponential WS
functions Homework
Differentiating

Euler’s number, e, is the special number such that the derivative function of y = ex is itself. exponential
functions

The derivative of ex is ex.

Derivative of ex
d x
( e ) = ex
dx

EXAMPLE 7

a Differentiate y = ex − 5x2.

b Find the equation of the tangent to the curve y = ex at the point (1, e).

Solution

dy
a = ex − 10x
dx
b Gradient of the tangent: So   m = e
dy Equation:
= ex
dx
y − y1 = m(x − x1)
At (1, e):
y − e = e(x − 1)
dy
    = e1 = ex − e
dx
=e y = ex

The rule for differentiating kf (x) works with the rule for ex as well.

Derivative of kex
d
( ke x ) = kex
dx

ISBN 9780170413299 10. Exponential and logarithmic functions 545

 EXAMPLE 8

a Differentiate y = 5ex.

b Find the gradient of the normal to the curve y = 3ex at the point (0, 3).

Solution
dy
a = 5ex
dx

b Gradient of tangent: For normal:

dy m1m2 = −1
= 3ex
dx
3m2 = −1
At (0, 3):
1
dy m2 = −
= 3e0 3
dx 1
= 3 since e0 = 1 So the gradient of the normal at (0, 3) is − .
3
So m1 = 3

We can also use other differentiation rules such as the chain rule, product rule and quotient
rule with the exponential function.

EXAMPLE 9

Differentiate:
a b     y = e-5x
y = e9x                  

Solution

a Let u = 9x b Let u = -5x

du du
Then =9 Then = -5
dx dx
y = eu y = eu
dy dy
= eu = eu
du du
dy dy du dy dy du
= × = ×
dx du dx dx du dx
= eu × 9 = eu × (-5)
= 9eu = -5eu
= 9e9x = -5e-5x

546 MATHS IN FOCUS 11. Mathematics Extension 1 ISBN 9780170413299

 The derivative of eax
d ax
( e ) = ae ax
dx

Proof
Let u = ax
du
Then =a
dx
y = eu
dy
= eu
du
dy dy du
= ×
dx du dx
= eu × a
= aeu
= aeax

EXAMPLE 10

Differentiate:
2x + 3
a    y = (1 + ex)3 b    y =
ex
Solution

dy dy u ′v − v ′u
a = 3(1 + ex )2 × ex b =
dx dx v2
= 3ex(1 + ex )2
2e x − e x (2x + 3)
=
( e x )2
2e x − 2xe x − 3e x
=
e 2x
−e x − 2xe x
=
e 2x
−e x (1 + 2x )
=
e 2x
−(1 + 2x )
=
ex

ISBN 9780170413299 10. Exponential and logarithmic functions 547

 Exercise 10.03 Differentiation of exponential functions
1 Differentiate:
a y = 9ex b y = −ex c y = ex + x2
d y = 2x3 − 3x2 + 5x − ex e y = (ex + 1)3 f y = (ex + 5)7
ex
g y = (2ex − 3)2 h y = xex i y=
x
ex
j y = x2ex k y = ex(2x + 1) l y=
7x − 3
5x
m y=
ex

2 Find the derivative of:

a y = e2x b y = e-x c y = 2e3x
d y = -e7x e y = -3e2x + x2 f y = e2x - e-2x
2e3x − 3
g y = 5e-x - 3x + 2 h y = xe4x i y=
x +1
j y = (9e3x + 2)5

3 If f (x) = x3 + 3x − ex, find f    ′(1) in terms of e.

4 Find the exact gradient of the tangent to the curve y = ex at the point (1, e).

5 Find the exact gradient of the normal to the curve y = e2x at the point where x = 5.

6 Find the gradient of the tangent to the curve y = 4ex at the point where x = 1.6 correct to
2 decimal places.

7 Find the equation of the tangent to the curve y = −ex at the point (1, −e).

8 Find the equation of the normal to the curve y = e-x at the point where x = 3 in exact
form.

9 A population P of insects over time t weeks is given by P = 3e1.4t + 12 569.

a What is the initial population?
b Find the rate of change in the number of insects after:
i 3 weeks ii 7 weeks

10 The displacement of a particle over time t seconds is given by x = 2e4t m.

a What is the initial displacement?
b What is the exact velocity after 10 s?
c Find the acceleration after 2 s correct to 1 decimal place.

548 MATHS IN FOCUS 11. Mathematics Extension 1 ISBN 9780170413299

11 The displacement of an object in cm over time t seconds is given by x = 6e-0.34t − 5. Find:
a the initial displacement
b the initial velocity
c the displacement after 4 s
d the velocity after 9 s
e the acceleration after 2 s

12 The volume V of a balloon in mm3 as it expands over time t seconds is given by

V = 3e0.8t.
a Find the volume of the balloon at:
i 3s ii 5 s
b Find the rate at which the volume is increasing at:
i 3s ii 5 s

13 The population of a city is changing over t years according to the formula

P = 34 500e0.025t.
a Find (to the nearest whole number) the population after:
i 5 years ii 10 years
b Find the rate at which the population is changing after:
i 5 years ii 10 years

14 The depth of water (in metres) in a dam is decreasing over t months according to the
formula D = 3e-0.017t.
a Find correct to 2 decimal places the depth after:
i 1 month ii 2 months iii 3 months
b Find correct to 3 decimal places the rate at which the depth is changing after:
i 1 month ii 2 months iii 3 months

10.04 Logarithms WS

The logarithm of a positive number, y, is the power to which a base, a, must be raised in
Homework
order to produce the number y. For example, log2 8 = 3 because 23 = 8.
Logarithms

If y = ax then x is called the logarithm of y to the base a.

Just as the exponential function y = a x is defined for positive bases only (a > 0), logarithms are
Logarithms
also defined for a > 0. Furthermore, a ≠ 1 because 1x = 1 for all values of x.

Logarithms
If y = ax then x = loga y  (a > 0, a ≠ 1, y > 0)

Logarithms are related to exponential functions and allow us to solve equations like 2x = 5.

ISBN 9780170413299 10. Exponential and logarithmic functions 549

 EXAMPLE 11

a Write log4 x = 3 in index form and solve for x.

b Write 52 = 25 in logarithm form.
c Solve logx 36 = 2.
d Evaluate log3 81.
1
e Find the value of log2 .
4
Solution

a loga y = x means   y = ax b      y = ax means loga y = x

log4 x = 3 means x = 43 So 25 = 52 means log5 25 = 2
So       x = 64

c logx 36 = 2 means 36 = x2

x = 36
=6
Note: x is the base, so x > 0.
1
d log3 81 = x means 81 = 3x e Let  log2 =x
4
Solving 3x = 81: 1
Then       2x =
   3x = 34 4

So   x = 4 1
=
22
log3 81 = 4
= 2−2
∴ x = −2
1
So      log2 = −2
4

EXAMPLE 12

Simplify:
a log8  1 b     log8  8 c    log8  83
d loga  a x e      3log3 7 f      a log a x

550 MATHS IN FOCUS 11. Mathematics Extension 1 ISBN 9780170413299

 Solution

a log8  1 = 0 because 80 = 1 b log8  8 = 1 because 81 = 8

c log8  83 = 3 because 83 = 83 d loga  ax = x because ax = ax

e Let log3  7 = y f Let loga x = y

Then 3y = 7 Then a y = x
So substituting for y: So substituting for y:
log3 7
3 =7 a log a x = x

Notice that logarithms and exponentials are inverse operations.

Properties of logarithms
loga a = 1
loga 1 = 0
loga ax = x

a log a x = x

Common logarithms and natural logarithms

There are 2 types of logarithms that you can find on your calculator.
• Common logarithms (base 10): log10 x or log x
• Natural (Naperian) logarithms (base e): loge x or ln x

EXAMPLE 13

a Find log10 5.3 correct to 1 decimal place.

b Evaluate loge 80 correct to 3 significant figures.
I 
c Loudness in decibels is given by the formula L = 10 log10   where I0 is threshold
 I0 
sound, or sound that can barely be heard. Sound louder than 85 decibels can cause
hearing damage.
   i The loudness of a vacuum cleaner is 10 000 000 times the threshold level,
or 10 000 000I0. How many decibels is this?
ii If the loudness of the sound of rustling leaves is 20 dB, find its loudness
in terms of I0.

ISBN 9780170413299 10. Exponential and logarithmic functions 551

 Solution

a log10 5.3 = 0.724 2 … log 5.3 =

≈ 0.7

b loge 80 = 4.382 0… In 80 =
≈ 4.38

c  10000000 I 0 
i L = 10 log10  
 I0
= 10 log10 (10 000 000)
= 10 × 7
= 70
So the loudness of the vacuum cleaner is 70 dB.

 I 
ii L = 10 log10  
 I0 

 I 
20 = 10 log10  
 I0 

 I 
2 = log10  
 I0 

Using the definition of a logarithm:

I
102 =
I0

I
100 =
I0

100I0 = I
   So the loudness of rustling leaves is 100 times threshold sound.

552 MATHS IN FOCUS 11. Mathematics Extension 1 ISBN 9780170413299

 DID YOU KNOW?

The origins of logarithms

John Napier (1550–1617), a Scottish theologian and an amateur mathematician, was
the first to invent logarithms. These ‘natural’, or ‘Naperian’, logarithms were based on e.
Napier originally used the compound interest formula to find the value of e.
Napier was also one of the first mathematicians to use decimals rather than fractions.
He invented decimal notation, using either a comma or a point. The point was used in
England, but some European countries use a comma.
Henry Briggs (1561–1630), an Englishman who was a professor at Oxford, decided that
logarithms would be more useful if they were based on 10 (our decimal system). Briggs
painstakingly produced a table of common logarithms correct to 14 decimal places.
The work on logarithms was greatly appreciated by Kepler, Galileo and other
astronomers at the time, since they allowed the computation of very large numbers.

Exercise 10.04 Logarithms

1 Evaluate:
a log2 16 b log4 16 c log5 125
d log3 3 e log7 49 f log7 7
g log5 1 h log2 128 i log8 8

2 Evaluate:
a 2log 2 3 b 7log7 4 c 3log3 29

3 Evaluate:
a 3 log2 8 b log5 25 + 1 c 3 − log3 81
d 4 log3 27 e 2 log10 10 000 f 1 + log4 64
log 3 9 log 8 64 + 4
g 3 log4 64 + 5 h i
2 log 2 8
4 Evaluate:
1 1
a log2 b log3 3 c log4 2 d log5
2 25
4 1 1
e log7 7 f log3 3
g log4 h log8 2
3 2

2
i log6 6 6 j log2
4

ISBN 9780170413299 10. Exponential and logarithmic functions 553

 5 Evaluate correct to 2 decimal places:
a log10 1200 b log10 875 c loge 25
d ln 140 e 5 ln 8 f log10 350 + 4.5
log10 15 log10 30
g h ln 9.8 + log10 17 i
2 log e 30

6 Write in logarithmic form:

a 3x = y b 5x = z c x2 = y d 2b = a
e b3 = d f y = 8x g y = 6x h y = ex
i y = ax j Q = ex

7 Write in index form:

a log3 5 = x b loga 7 = x c log3 a = b
d logx y = 9 e loga b = y f y = log2 6
g y = log3 x h y = log10 9 i y = ln 4

8 Solve for x, correct to 1 decimal place where necessary:

a log10 x = 6 b log3 x = 5 c logx 343 = 3
1 1
d logx 64 = 6 e log5 =x f log x 3 =
5 2
3
g ln x = 3.8 h 3 log10 x − 2 = 10 i log4 x =
2
9 Evaluate y given that logy 125 = 3.

10 If log10 x = 1.65, evaluate x correct to 1 decimal place.

11 Evaluate b to 3 significant figures if loge b = 0.894.

12 Find the value of log2 1. What is the value of loga 1?

13 Evaluate log5 5. What is the value of loga a?

14 a Evaluate ln e without a calculator.

b Using a calculator, evaluate:

     i loge e3 ii loge e2   iii lne e5   iv loge e

1
v lne    vi eln 2 vii eln 3 viii eln 5
e
ix eln 7 x eln 1    xi eln e

554 MATHS IN FOCUS 11. Mathematics Extension 1 ISBN 9780170413299

15 A class was given musical facts to learn. The students were then tested on these facts
and each week they were given similar tests to find out how much they were able to
remember. The formula A = 85 − 55 log10 (t + 2) seemed to model the average score
after t weeks.
a What was the initial average score?
b What was the average score after:
i 1 week? ii 3 weeks?
c After how many weeks was the average score 30?

16 The pH of a solution is defined as pH = −log [H+] where [H+] is the hydrogen ion
concentration. A solution is acidic if its pH is less than 7, alkaline if pH is greater than
7 and neutral if pH is 7. For each question find its pH and state whether it is acidic,
alkaline or neutral.
a Fruit juice whose hydrogen ion concentration is 0.0035
b Water with [H+] = 10−7
c Baking soda with [H+] = 10−9
d Coca Cola whose hydrogen ion concentration is 0.01
e Bleach with [H+] = 1.2 × 10−12
f Coffee with [H+] = 0.000 01

17 If f (x) = log x and g(x) = 2x − 7, find:

a f ( g(x)) b g(  f (x))

INVESTIGATION

HISTORY OF BASES AND NUMBER SYSTEMS

Common logarithms use base 10 like our decimal number system. We might have
developed a different system if we had a different number of fingers! The Mayans, in
ancient times, used base 20 for their number system since they counted with both their
fingers and toes.
1 Research the history and types of other number systems, including those of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Did any cultures use systems other
than base 10? Why?
2 Explore computer-based systems. Computers have used both binary (base 2) and
octal (base 8). Find out why these bases are used.

ISBN 9780170413299 10. Exponential and logarithmic functions 555

 WS
10.05 Logarithm laws
Because logarithms are just another way of writing indices (powers), there are logarithm laws
Homework
Logarithm
laws that correspond to the index laws.

loga (xy) = loga x + loga y

Logarithm
laws

Proof
Let x = am   and   y = an
Then m = loga x and n = loga y
xy = am × an
= am + n
∴   loga (xy) = m + n            
(by definition)
       = loga x + loga y

 x
log a   = loga x − loga y
 y

Proof
Let x = am  and   
y = an
Then m = loga x  and  n = loga y
x
= am ÷ an
y
   = am − n
 x
∴ log a   = m − n         (by definition)
 y
= loga x − loga y

loga xn = n loga x

Proof
Let x = am
Then m = loga x
xn = (am)n
  = amn
∴ loga xn = mn               (by definition)
= n loga x

556 MATHS IN FOCUS 11. Mathematics Extension 1 ISBN 9780170413299

  1
loga   = −loga x
 x

Proof
 1
loga   = loga 1 − loga x
 x
= 0 − loga x
= −loga x

EXAMPLE 14

a Given log5 3 = 0.68 and log5 4 = 0.86, find: Logarithm

laws

i log5 12 ii log5 0.75 iii log5 9 iv log5 20

b Solve log2 12 = log2 3 + log2 x.
c Simplify loga 21 if loga 3 = p and loga 7 = q.
d The formula for measuring R, the strength of an earthquake on the Richter scale,
I
is R = log   where I is the maximum seismograph signal of the earthquake being
S
measured and S is the signal of a standard earthquake.
Show that:
i log I = R + log S ii I = S(10R  )

Solution

a i log5 12 = log5 (3 × 4) ii log5 0.75 = log5 3

4
= log5 3 + log5 4
= log5 3 − log5 4
= 0.68 + 0.86
= 0.68 − 0.86
= 1.54
= −0.18

iii log5 9 = log5 32 iv log5 20 = log5 (5 × 4)

= 2 log5 3 = log5 5 + log5 4
= 2 × 0.68 = 1 + 0.86
= 1.36 = 1.86

ISBN 9780170413299 10. Exponential and logarithmic functions 557

 b log2 12 = log2 3 + log2 x c loga 21 = loga (3 × 7)
= log2 3x      = loga 3 + loga 7

So 12 = 3x      = p + q

4=x
I I
d i R = log   ii R = log  
S S
= log I − log S I
= 10 R
R + log S = log I S

  I = S(10R  )

Change of base
If we need to evaluate logarithms such as log5 2, we use the change of base formula.

log b x
loga x =
log b a

Proof
y = loga x
Let     
Then  x = ay
Take logarithms to the base b of both sides of the equation:
logb x = logb ay
= y logb a
log b x
∴ =y
log b a
= loga x
To find the logarithm of any number, such as log5 2, you can change it to either log10 x or
loge x.

558 MATHS IN FOCUS 11. Mathematics Extension 1 ISBN 9780170413299

 EXAMPLE 15

a Evaluate log5 2 correct to 2 decimal places.

b Find the value of log2 3 to 1 decimal place.

Solution

log 2 log 3
a log 5 2 = b log 2 3 =
log 5 log 2
≈ 0.43 ≈ 1.6

Exercise 10.05 Logarithm laws

1 Simplify:
a loga 4 + loga y b loga 4 + loga 5
c loga 12 − loga 3 d loga b − loga 5
e 3 logx y + logx z f 2 logk 3 + 3 logk y
g 5 loga x − 2 loga y h loga x + loga y − loga z
i log10 a + 4 log10 b + 3 log10 c j 3 log3 p + log3 q − 2 log3 r
1 1
k log4 l logx
n 6
2 Evaluate:
a log5 52 b log7 76

3 Given log7 2 = 0.36 and log7 5 = 0.83, find:

a log7 10 b log7 0.4 c log7 20
d log7 25 e log7 8 f log7 14
g log7 50 h log7 35 i log7 98

4 Use the logarithm laws to evaluate:

a log5 50 − log5 2 b log2 16 + log2 4
c log4 2 + log4 8 d log5 500 − log5 4
e log9 117 − log9 13 f log8 32 + log8 16
g 3 log2 2 + 2 log2 4 h 2 log4 6 − (2 log4 3 + log4 2)
i log6 4 − 2 log6 12 j 2 log3 6 + log3 18 − 3 log3 2

ISBN 9780170413299 10. Exponential and logarithmic functions 559

 5 If loga 3 = x and loga 5 = y, find an expression in terms of x and y for:
a loga 15 b loga 0.6 c loga 27
d loga 25 e loga 9 f loga 75
a
g loga 3a h loga i loga 9a
5
6 If loga x = p and loga y = q, find, in terms of p and q:
y
a loga xy b loga y3 c loga d loga x2
x
x2 a
e loga xy5 f loga g loga ax h loga
y y2
x
i loga a3y j loga
ay
7 If loga b = 3.4 and loga c = 4.7, evaluate:
c
a loga b loga bc2 c loga (bc)2
b
d loga abc e loga a2c f loga b7
a
g loga h loga a3 i loga bc4
c

8 Solve:
a log4 12 = log4 x + log4 3 b log3 4 = log3 y − log3 7
c loga 6 = loga x − 3 loga 2 d log2 81 = 4 log2 x
e logx 54 = logx k + 2 logx 3

I 
9 a Change the subject of dB = 10 log   to I.
 I0 
b Find the value of I in terms of I0 when dB = 45.

10 a Show that the formula A = 100 − 50 log (t + 1) can be written as:

100 − A
100 − A
i log (t + 1) = ii t = 10 50 −1
50
b Hence find:
i A when t = 3 ii t when A = 75

11 Evaluate to 2 decimal places:

a log4 9 b log6 25 c log9 200 d log2 12
e log3 23 f log8 250 g log5 9.5 h 2 log4 23.4
i 7 − log7 108 j 3 log11 340

560 MATHS IN FOCUS 11. Mathematics Extension 1 ISBN 9780170413299

10.06 Logarithmic functions
A logarithmic function is a function of the form y = loga x.
Exponential
and log graphs
match-up

EXAMPLE 16

Sketch the graph of y = log2 x.

Solution

y-intercept (x = 0): No y-intercept because x > 0.

x-intercept (y = 0): 0 = log2 x
x = 20 = 1, so x-intercept is 1 (  y = 0).
Complete a table of values.
log x
y = log2 x means x = 2y. For x = 6 in the table, use the change of base formula, log2 x =    .
log 2

y
1 1 (8, 3)
3
x 1 2 4 6 8
4 2 2
y = log2 x
y −2 −1 0 1 2 2.58 3 1
1
−6 −4 −2 2 4 6 8 x
−1
−2
−3

Logarithmic functions
• The logarithmic function y = loga x is the inverse function of an exponential
function y = a x.
• Domain (0, ∞), range (-∞, ∞).
• x > 0 so the curve is always to the right of the y-axis (no y-intercept).
• The y-axis is an asymptote.
• The x-intercept is always 1 because loga 1 = 0.

ISBN 9780170413299 10. Exponential and logarithmic functions 561

 EXAMPLE 17

Sketch the graph of:

a     y = loge x − 1 b   y = 3 log10 x + 4

Solution

a No y-intercept (x = 0) because loge 0 is undefined. The y-axis is an asymptote.

x-intercept (  y = 0) y
1
0 = loge x − 1 y = loge x − 1

1 = loge x 2.7 Notice that this is the graph of

x y = loge x moved down 1 unit.
1 2 3 4
x = e1
−1 (1, −1)
≈ 2.7

Complete a table of values for this graph using the In key on the calculator.

x 1 2 3 4
y -1 -0.3 0.1 0.4

b Complete a table of values using the log key on the calculator.

y = 3 log10  x + 4

x 1 2 3 4
y 4 4.9 5.4 5.8

No y-intercept.
For x-intercept, y = 0:
0 = 3 log10 x + 4 y y = 3 log10 x + 4
6
−4 = 3 log10 x 4
(1, 4)
4 2
− = log10 x
3 0.046
−3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 x
4 −2
−
10 3 =x −4

x = 0.04641…
≈ 0.046

562 MATHS IN FOCUS 11. Mathematics Extension 1 ISBN 9780170413299

 EXAMPLE 18

a Sketch the graphs of y = ex, y = loge x and y = x on the same set of axes.
b What relationship do these graphs have?
c If f (x) = loga x, sketch the graph of y = - f (x) and state its domain and range.

Solution

a Drawing y = ex gives an exponential curve with y-intercept 1.

Find another point, say x = 2:
y = e2
= 7.3890…
≈ 7.4
Drawing y = loge x gives a logarithmic curve with x-intercept 1.
Find another point, say x = 2:
y = ln 2
= 0.6931…
≈ 0.7
y = x is a linear function with gradient 1 and y-intercept 0.

y
8
(2, 7.4)
7
6
y = ex
5
y=x
4
3
2 y = loge x
1
(2, 0.7)
−5 −4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 5 x
−1
−2
−3
−4
−5
−6
−7
−8

b The graphs of y = ex and y = loge x are reflections of each other in the line y = x.
They are inverse functions.

ISBN 9780170413299 10. Exponential and logarithmic functions 563

 c Given f (x) = loga x, y

y = -f (x)
= -loga x
This is a reflection of f (x) in the x-axis.
y = −loga x

Domain (0, ∞), range (-∞, ∞) 1 x

The exponential and logarithmic functions

f (x) = ax and f (x) = loga x are inverse functions. Their graphs are reflections of each other
in the line y = x.

INVESTIGATION

GRAPHS OF LOGARITHMIC FUNCTIONS

1 Substitute different values of x into the logarithmic function y = log x: positive,
negative and zero. What do you notice?
2 Use a graphics calculator or graphing software to sketch the graphs of different
logarithmic functions such as
a y = log2 x, y = log3 x, y = log4 x, y = log5 x, y = log6 x
b y = log2 x + 1, y = log2 x + 2, y = log2 x + 3, y = log2 x - 1, y = log2 x - 2
c y = 2 log2 x, y = 3 log2 x, y = - log2 x, y = -2 log2 x, y = -3 log2 x
d y = 2 log2 x + 1, y = 2 log2 x + 2, y = 2 log2 x + 3, y = 2 log2 x - 1, y = 2 log2 x - 2
e y = 3 log4 x + 1, y = 5 log3 x + 2, y = -log5 x + 3, y = -2 log2 x - 1, y = 4 log7 x - 2
3 Try sketching the graph of y = log-2 x. What does the table of values look like?
Are there any discontinuities on the graph? Why? Could you find the domain and range?
Use a graphics calculator or graphing software to sketch this graph. What do you find?

564 MATHS IN FOCUS 11. Mathematics Extension 1 ISBN 9780170413299

Logarithmic scales
It is difficult to describe and graph exponential functions because their y values increase so
quickly. We use logarithms and logarithmic scales to solve this problem.
On a base 10 logarithmic scale, an axis or number line has units that don’t increase by 1,
but by powers of 10.

1 1 1 10 100 1000 10 000

100 10

Examples of base 10 logarithmic scales are:

• the Richter scale for measuring earthquake magnitude
• the pH scale for measuring acidity in chemistry
• the decibel scale for measuring loudness
• the octave (frequency) scale in music

EXAMPLE 19

a Ged finds that the pH of soil is 4 in the eastern area of his garden and 6 in the
western area. The pH formula is logarithmic and pH < 7 is acidic. What is the
difference in acidity in these 2 areas of the garden?
b If Ged finds another area with a pH of 3.6, how much more acidic is this area than
the eastern area?

Solution

a The difference in pH between 4 and 6 is 2. But this is a logarithmic scale.

Each interval on a logarithmic scale is a multiple of 10.

10 10

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

So the difference is 10 × 10 = 102 = 100.

The lower the pH, the more acidic. So the soil in the eastern area is 100 times more
acidic than the soil in the western area.

b The difference in pH between 4 and 3.6 is 0.4.

So the difference is 100.4 = 2.5118 … ≈ 2.5.
The soil in this area is about 2.5 times more acidic than the soil in the eastern area.

ISBN 9780170413299 10. Exponential and logarithmic functions 565

 Exercise 10.06 Logarithmic functions
1 Sketch the graph of each logarithmic function and state its domain and range.
a y = log3 x b f (x) = 2 log4 x c y = log2 x + 1
d y = log5 x − 1 e f (x) = log4 x − 2 f y = 5 ln x + 3
g f (x) = −3 log10 x + 2

2 Sketch the graphs of y = 10x, y = log10 x and y = x on the same number plane.
What do you notice about the relationship of the curves to the line?

3 Sketch the graph of f (x) = log2 x and y = log2 (-x) on the same set of axes and describe
their relationship.

4 a Sketch the graphs of y = log2 x, y = 2x and y = x on the same set of axes.

b Find the inverse function of y = log2 x.

5 Find the inverse function of each function.

a y = log7 x b y = log9 x c y = loge x
x x
d y=2 e y=6 f y = ex

6 This table lists some of the earthquakes experienced in Australia.

Year Location Strength on Richter scale

1989 Newcastle NSW 5.6
1997 Collier Bay WA 6.3
2001 Swan Hill Vic 4.8
2010 Kalgoorlie WA 5.2
2015 Coral Sea Qld 5.5
2017 Orange NSW 4.3
2018 Coffs Harbour NSW 4.2

The Richter scale for earthquakes is logarithmic. Use the table to find the difference in
magnitude (correct to the nearest whole number) between the earthquakes in:
a Newcastle and Swan Hill
b Collier Bay and Orange
c Newcastle and Orange
d Coral Sea and Kalgoorlie
e Collier Bay and Coffs Harbour

7 The decibel (dB) scale for loudness is logarithmic. Find (correct to the nearest whole
number) the difference in loudness between:
a 20 and 23 dB b 40 and 41 dB c 65.2 and 66.5 dB
d 85.4 and 88.9 dB e 52.3 and 58.6 dB

566 MATHS IN FOCUS 11. Mathematics Extension 1 ISBN 9780170413299

10.07 Exponential equations
Exponential equations can be solved using logarithms or the change of base formula.
Exponential
equations

EXAMPLE 20
WS

Solve 5x = 7 correct to 1 decimal place. Homework

Logarithmic
and
exponential

Solution equations

WS
Method 1: Logarithms Method 2: Change of base formula
Take logarithms of both sides: Convert to logarithm form: Homework
Solving
exponential
equations
log 5x = log 7 5x = 7 means log5 7 = x
x log 5 = log 7 Using the change of base to evaluate x: WS

log 7 x = log5 7 Homework

x= Using
exponential
log 5 log 7 models

=
= 1.2090… log 5
≈ 1.2 = 1.2090…
≈ 1.2

EXAMPLE 21

a Solve e3.4x = 100 correct to 2 decimal places.

b The temperature T in °C of a metal as it cools down over t minutes is given by

T = 27 + 219e−0.032t. Find, correct to 1 decimal place, the time it takes to cool down to
100°C.
Exponential
functions

Solution

a With an equation involving e we use ln x, which is loge x.

Take natural logs of both sides:
ln e3.4x = ln 100
3.4x = ln 100 ln x and ex are inverses

ln100
x=
3.4
= 1.3544…
≈ 1.35

ISBN 9780170413299 10. Exponential and logarithmic functions 567

 b When T = 100:  73 
log e 
−0.032t  219 
100 = 27 + 219e t=
− 0.032
73 = 219e−0.032t
= 34.3316…
73
= e −0.032t = 34.3 to 1 d.p.
219
So it takes 34.3 minutes to cool
 73 
log e  = log e ( e −0.032t ) down to 100°C.
 219 
= − 0.032t

Exercise 10.07 Exponential equations

1 Solve each equation correct to 2 significant figures:
a 4x = 9 b 3x = 5 c 7x = 14 d 2x = 15
e 5x = 34 f 6x = 60 g 2x = 76 h 4x = 50
i 3x = 23 j 9x = 210

2 Solve, correct to 2 decimal places:

a 2x = 6 b 5y = 15 c 3x = 20 d 7m = 32
e 4k = 50 f 3t = 4 g 8x = 11 h 2p = 57
i 4x = 81.3 j 6n = 102.6

3 Solve, to 1 decimal place:

a 3x + 1 = 8 b 53n = 71 c 2x − 3 = 12
d 42n − 1 = 7 e 75x + 2 = 11 f 83 − n = 5.7
x
g 2x + 2 = 18.3 h 37k − 3 = 32.9 i = 50
92
4 Solve each equation correct to 3 significant figures:
a ex = 200 b e3t = 5 c 2et = 75
d 45 = ex e 3000 = 100en f 100 = 20e3t
g 2000 = 50e0.15t h 15 000 = 2000e0.03k i 3Q = Qe0.02t

5 The amount A of money in a bank account after n years grows with compound interest
according to the formula A = 850(1.025)n.
a Find:
i the initial amount in the bank ii the amount after 7 years.
b Find how many years it will take for the amount in the bank to be $1000.

568 MATHS IN FOCUS 11. Mathematics Extension 1 ISBN 9780170413299

 6 The population of a city is given by P = 35 000e0.024t where t is time in years.
a Find the population:
i initially ii after 10 years iii after 50 years.
b Find when the population will reach:
i 80 000 ii 200 000

7 A species of wattle is gradually

dying out in a Blue Mountains
region. The number of wattle
trees over time t years is given
by N = 8900e−0.048t.
a Find the number of wattle
trees:

Photo courtesy Margaret Grove

  i initially
   ii after 5 years
iii after 70 years.
b After how many years will
there be:
i 5000 wattle trees?
ii 200 wattle trees?

8 A formula for the mass M g of plutonium after t years is given by M = 100e−0.000 03t. Find:
a initial mass b mass after 50 years c mass after 500 years
d its half-life (the time taken to decay to half of its initial mass)

9 The temperature of an electronic sensor is given by the formula T = 18 + 12e0.002t where

t is in hours.
a What is the temperature of the sensor after 5 hours?
b When the temperature reaches 50°C the sensor needs to be shut down to cool.
After how many hours does this happen?

10 A particle is moving along a straight line with displacement x cm over time t s according
to the formula x = 5et + 23.
a Find:
i the initial displacement
ii the exact velocity after 20 s
iii the displacement after 6 s
iv the time when displacement is 85 cm
v  the time when the velocity is 1000 cm s−1.
b Show that acceleration a = x − 23.
c Find the acceleration when displacement is 85 cm.

ISBN 9780170413299 10. Exponential and logarithmic functions 569