1. EXPONENTIAL AND LOGARITHMIC FUNCTIONS

2. Revision : Indices  Examples a) 34 = 3 × 3 × 3× 3 = 81 b)
34 = 3 × 3 × 3× 3
= 81 b)
Solve 2n = 1024
Try 28 = 256
(too low)
(too low)
29 = 512 
210 = 1024
 n = 10

3. c)
Find the smallest integer value of n such that 3n >
Try 37 = 2187
( < )
38 = 6561
( < )
39 = 19683
( > )
 n = 9

4. Graphs of ax – Exponential Functions
y = ax
For y = ax
if a > 1
The graph:
Is always positive
Never crosses the x-axis
Is increasing
(0,1)
Passes through (0,1)
Is called a growth function

5. For y = ax
if 0 < a < 1
y = ax
The graph:
Is always positive
Never crosses the x-axis
Is decreasing
Passes through (0,1)
(0,1)
Is called a decay function
Notes:
y = ax
- is called an exponential function
- has base a
- a  0

6. Examples a)
If you deposit £100 at the Northern Rock Bank, each year the deposit will grow by 15% (compound interest). i.
Find a formula for the amount in the bank after n years.
ii.
After how many years will the balance exceed £500? i.
After year 0:
y0 =
£100
After year 1:
y1 =
y0 × 1.15 =
£115
After year 2:
y2 =
y1 × 1.15 =
(1.15)2 × 100 =
£132.25
After year 3:
y3 =
y2 × 1.15 =
(1.15)3 × 100 = £
Formula :
yn =
(1.15)n × 100

7. ii.
After how many years will the balance exceed £500?
Try n = 9 :
y9 =
(1.15)9 × 100 = £
Try n = 10 :
y10 =
(1.15)10 × 100 = £
Try n = 11:
y11 =
(1.15)11 × 100 = £
Try n = 12:
y12=
(1.15)12 × 100 = £
 The balance will exceed £500 after 12 years.

8. b)
The rabbit population on an island increases by 12% per year. i.
Find a formula for the number of rabbits on the island after n years.
ii.
How many years will it take for the population to at least double? i. r0
After year 0:
After year 1:
r1 =
r0 × 1.12
After year 2:
r2 =
r1 × 1.12 =
(1.12)2 × r0
 Formula :
rn =
(1.12)n × r0

9. ii.
For the population to at least double :
(1.12)n
> 2
(too low)
Try:
(1.12)3 =
(too low)
Try :
(1.12)4 =
(too low)
Try :
(1.12)5 =
(too low)
Try :
(1.12)6 =
Try :
(1.12)7 =
( > 2 )
 Population will double within 7 years.

10. 3. Exponential Functions
If we plot f (x) and f `(x) for f (x) = 2x:
If we plot f (x) and f `(x) for f (x) = 3x:
f (x)
f `(x)
f `(x)
f (x)
(0,1)
(0,1)
We can see that f `(x) is below f (x).
We can see that f `(x) is above f (x).
 For some value between 2 and 3, f (x) = f `(x).

11. If we plot f (x) and f `(x) for f (x) = 2.7x:
(0,1)
(0,1)
We can see that f `(x) is just below f (x).
We can see that f `(x) is just above f (x).

12. From these graphs we can see that:
If f(x) is an exponential function then f `(x) is also an exponential function
f `(x) = k f (x)
A value exists between 2.7 and 2.8 for which f ` (x) = f (x)
f (x) = f `(x) = ex
This value is:
2.718…..
This value is denoted by: e
If f (x) = ex
then
f `(x) = ex
(0,1)
f (x) = 2.718x = ex
is called the exponential function to the base e

13. Examples a)
Evaluate e5. b)
Solve for x, ex = 5.
e5 =
x =
= (1dp)
= 1.61 (2dp)

14. Logarithms

15. This is pronounced as log to the base 2 of x.

16. Examples a)
Write the following in logarithmic form: i)
43 = 64
ii)
25 = 32
iii)
p = 82
log4 64 3 =
log2 32 5 =
log8 p = 2 b)
Express the following in exponential form: i)
log28 = 3
log2 1/128 = -7
1/128 =
2-7 8 = 23
(Check: 2 × 2 × 2 = 8)

17. Laws of Logarithms Law A: log a a n = n Evaluate: a) log 2 8 b)c)
log 2 1/16

18. Law B:
Law C:
Law D:

19. Logarithmic Equations
Rules learned can now be used to solve logarithmic equations.
log 3 x + log 3 x3 – (log log 3 x) = 0
log 3 x + log 3 x3 – log log 3 x = 0 
log 3 x3 – log 3 8 = 0 
log 3 x3 = log 3 8 
x3 = 8 
x = 2

20. 2)
log 4 x + 2 log 4 3 = 0 3)
32x-7 = 243
log 4 x + log 4 32 = 0
35 = 243 
log 4 x = - log 4 32
5 = 2x - 7 
log 4 x = log 4 3-2
2x - 7 = 5 
x = 3 -2
2x = 12 
x = 1/32
x = 6 
x = 1/9

22. Natural Logarithms
Logarithms to the base e are called natural logarithms.
log e x = ln x
i.e.
log x = ln x
Examples
Solve the following, rounding correct to 1 d.p.: a)
ln x = 5 b)
e x = 7
(Take natural logs of each side)
log e x = 5
ln e x = ln 7
xloge e = ln 7
x = e 5
x =
x = ln 7
x = (1dp)
x =
x = 1.9 (1dp)

23. For the formula P(t) = 50 e -2tc)
37x+2 = 30 d)
For the formula P(t) = 50 e -2t
ln 3 7x+2 = ln 30 i)
Evaluate P(0).
(7x+2) ln 3 = ln 30
ii)
For what value of t is P(t) = ½ P(0)?
7x+2 = ln 30/ln 3 i)
P(0) = 50 e –2(0)
7x+2 =
= 50 e 0
7x =
= 50
x =
ii)
½ P(0) = 25 
50 e -2t = 25
x = 0.2 (1dp)
e -2t = ½
Remember: ln e = loge e
ln e -2t = ln ½ 
-2t =
t =
t = 0.3 (1dp)

24. Formula from experimental data
If data from an experiment is analysed, say x and y, and plotted, and it is found to form a straight line then x and y are related by the formula: x y
y = mx + c
If data from an experiment is analysed, say x and y, and plotted, and it is found to form an exponential growth curve then x and y are related by the formula:
y = k x n
(k and n are constants)

25. Using logarithms y = k x n can be expressed as a straight line.
log 10 y = log 10 k x n
log 10 y = log 10 k + log 10 x n
log 10 y = log 10 k + n log 10 x
log 10 y = n log 10 x + log 10 k Y = mX + C
Where:
Y = log 10 y
 If
y = k x n
X = log 10 x
C = log 10 k
Then
log 10 y = n log 10 x + log 10 k
n = gradient

26. When / why do we use this?
If we are given two variables of data (x and y) related in some way and when plotted they produce an experimental growth curve, through (0,0), then the previously given formula can be used to work out k and n. This can then be used to decide the formula to relate them (y = k x n).
If we are given two variables of data in logarithmic form (log 10 x and log 10 y) and when plotted a straight line is produced then it can be said that the original data (x and y) would produce an exponential growth curve. If it passes through (0,0) the previously given formula can be used to calculate k and n and hence find the formula relating them (y = k x n).

27. Example
Experimental data are given in the table:
2.4
5.62
18.2
31.6
129 x y
8.3
26.3
115
209
1100
i) Show that x and y are related in some way.
ii) Find the values of k and n (to 1dp) and state the formula that connects x and y.
log10 x
0.38
0.75
1.26
1.50
2.11 i)
log10 y
0.92
1.42
2.06
2.32
3.04

28. As a straight line is produced when log 10 x is plotted against log 10 y then the formula relating x and y is of the form y = k x n.

29. Take 2 points on best fitting straight line:(0.38,0.92) & (2.11,3.04)
ii)
Take 2 points on best fitting straight line:(0.38,0.92) & (2.11,3.04)
Put them into Y = nX + C, where Y=log10y, X=log10x, C=log10k.
0.92 = 0.38n + C
Substitute 1.225… into 1 1
3.04 = 2.11n + C 2
0.92 = 0.38(1.225…) + C 2
- 1
0.92 = … + C
 C =
2.12 = 1.73n
C = log 10 k
 n = 
log 10 k = …
 n = 1.2 (1dp) 
k = … 
k = 
k = 2.8 (1dp)
 Formula relating x and y is:
y = k x n
y = 2.8 x 1.2

30. Steps:
i) Make a table of log10x and log10y.
ii) Plot log10x against log10y.
iii) If a straight line is produced then state that the form is y = k x n.
iv) Choose 2 points from the best fit line (2 far apart are best).
v) Substitute 2 points into Y = nX + C to form 2 equations.
vi) Solve by simultaneous equations.
vii) Value for n can be used in final formula.
viii) Value for C is used to calculate k (i.e. C = log10k  k =10C).
ix) State complete formula : y = k x n.

31. Steps: Version 2
i) Make a table of log10x and log10y.
ii) Plot log10x against log10y.
iii) If a straight line is produced then state that the form is y = k x n.
iv) Choose 2 points from the best fit line (2 far apart are best).
v) Use these two points to find the gradient. This will give you n.
vi) Use one of the points and y – b = m(x – a) to find the equation of the line.
vii) You now have the value of C.
viii) Use the value for C to calculate k (i.e. C = log10k  k =10C).
ix) State complete formula : y = k x n.

32. Related Graphs
The rules previously learned for graph manipulation can be applied to logarithmic and exponential curves.
As ex and ln x are opposite operations (inverse) then the graph of y = ln x is a reflection of y = ex about y = x.
y = x
y = ex
y = ln x

33. y = ex y = ex+a a Shift up ‘a’ y = ln x y = ln (x+a) 1-a-2 -1 1 2 3 4 x y
y = ex
y = ex+a a
Shift up ‘a’ -6 -4 -2 2 4 6 -3 -1 1 3 x y
y = ln x
y = ln (x+a)
1-a
Shift left ‘a’ -1 1 2 3 4 5 6 -4 -3 -2 x y
y = -ln x
y = ln x
Reflection in x-axis -2 -1 1 2 3 4 x y
y = ex
y = e-x
Reflection in y-axis

34. Stretch by ‘a’ about the x-axis-4 -3 -2 -1 1 2 3 4 x y
y = ex
y = e(x-b)
(b,1)
Shift right ‘b’ -1 1 2 3 4 5 6 -4 -3 -2 x y
y = ln x
y = a ln x
Stretch by ‘a’ about the x-axis

35. Examples a)
Sketch the graph of y = log 2 x. i)
On the same diagram sketch y = log 2 1/x .
y = log2x
y = log 2 1/x
y = log 2 x
y = log 2 x -1
 x = 2 y
y = -log 2 x
If y = 0,
x = 1
Graph is a reflection of y = log 2 x about the x-axis.
If y = 1,
x = 2
( 1 , 0 ) , ( 2 , 1 )
y = log21/x

36. ii)
Sketch the graph of y = log 2 x again.
On the same diagram sketch y = log 2 2x .
y = log 2 2x
 y = log log 2 x
y = log22x
y = 1 + log 2 x
y = log2x
Graph of y = log 2 x moves up 1 place.
Crosses x-axis when y=0
 1 + log 2 x = 0
log 2 x = -1
 x = 2 -1
 x = ½.
( ½ , 0)

37. Further Formula from Experimental Data
If data from an experiment is analysed, say x and y, and plotted, and it is found to form an exponential growth curve then x and y are related by the formula:
y = a b x
(a and b are constants)

38. Using logarithms y = a b x can be expressed as a straight line.
log 10 y = log 10 a b x
log 10 y = log 10 a + log 10 b x
log 10 y = log 10 a + x log 10 b
log 10 y = x log 10 b + log 10 a Y = mx + c
Where:
Y = log 10 y
 If
y = a b x
x = x
c = log 10 a
Then
log 10 y = x log 10 b + log 10 a
m = log 10 a

39. When / why do we use this?
If we are given two variables of data (x and y) related in some way and when plotted they produce an experimental growth curve, through (0,+?), then the previously given formula can be used to work out a and b. This can then be used to decide the formula to relate them (y = a b x).
If we are given two variables of data in logarithmic form (x and log 10 y) and when plotted a straight line is produced then it can be said that the original data (x and y) would produce an exponential growth curve. If it passes through (0,+?) the previously given formula can be used to calculate a and b and hence find the formula relating them (y = a b x).

40. Example
Experimental data are given in the table:
2.15
2.13
2.00
1.98
1.95
1.93 x y
83.33
79.93
64.89
62.24
59.70
57.26
i) Show that x and y are related by the formula y = a b x.
ii) Find the values of a and b (to 1dp) and state the formula that connects x and y. x
2.15
2.13
2.00
1.98
1.95
1.93 i)
log10 y
1.921
1.903
1.812
1.794
1.776
1.758

41. As a straight line is produced when x is plotted against log 10 y then the formula relating x and y is of the form y = a b x.

42. Put them into Y = mx + c, where Y=log10y, x=x, m = log10b, c=log10a.
ii)
Take 2 points on best fitting straight line:(2.15,1.921) & (1.93,1.758)
Put them into Y = mx + c, where Y=log10y, x=x, m = log10b, c=log10a.
1.921 = 2.15m + c
Substitute m = into 1 1
1.758 = 1.93m + c 2
× -1
1.921 = 2.15( ) + c
1.921 = 2.15m + c 1
1.921 = c
= -1.93m - c 3
 c =
0.163 = 0.22m
 m =
m = log 10 b 
log 10 b= 
b = 
b = 
b= 5.5 (1dp)

43. c = log 10 a 
log 10 a = 
a = 
a = 
a= 2.1 (1dp)
 Formula relating x and y is:
y = a b x
y = 2.1 (5.5) x

44. Steps:
i) Make a table of x and log10y.
ii) Plot x against log10y.
iii) If a straight line is produced then state that the form is y = a b x.
iv) Choose 2 points from the best fit line (2 far apart are best).
v) Substitute 2 points into Y = mx + c to form 2 equations.
vi) Solve by simultaneous equations.
vii) Value for m is used to calculate b (i.e. m = log10b  b = 10m).
viii) Value for c is used to calculate a (i.e. c = log10a  a = 10c).
ix) State complete formula : y = a b x.