ONG KAI WEN (COPYRIGHTED) ©
ONG KAI WEN (COPYRIGHTED) ©
Topic 7:
Exponential & Logarithmic
Functions (4049)
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THE ABOUT
MASTERY
CHAPTER ANALYSIS
• Exponential & logarithmic functions !!, "!, #$% " &, #' &,
and their graphs, including
o Laws of logarithms
o Equivalence of ( = !! and & = #$% " ( EXAM
o Change of base of logarithms
• Simplifying expressions and solving simple equations
involving exponential & logarithmic functions
• Using exponential & logarithmic functions as models
WEIGHTAGE
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KEY CONCEPT
Exponential Functions
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Exponential Functions
A function of the form * & = !! where & is any real number and !
is a constant such that ! > , and ! ≠ .
! " = $!
Base
Special Exponential Functions Terminology
!"! Common Base
#! Natural Base
Changing from Exponential to Logarithmic Functions
% = $! ⟺ '() " % = "
Knowing how to change from one form to the other is important as
this is a highly tested concept!
Think of ways to memorise this transformation
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Properties that ALL these graphs hold: Graphs of Exponential Functions
• Dependent on the value of $ % = $!
• $ must ALWAYS be positive
• $≠!
• When & = ", ( = !
• ( > " for all real values of &
• The * −axis is an asymptote of the graph
• An asymptote is a line where the curve will tend
towards but never touch/cross
Take Note:
When sketching any exponential graphs % = $#!
• Label the ( −intercept of ", !
• The graph cannot cross over the &-axis
Why when ! < #, $ is undefined?
In order to solve for the value of &, we take the common logarithm on both sides
( = !!
#% ( = & #% !
However, the LHS of the equation will fail as we cannot take logarithms on a
negative value
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KEY CONCEPT
Logarithmic Functions
Laws of Logarithms
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Logarithmic Functions
A function of the form * & = #$% " & where & > , and ! is a
constant such that ! > ,
! " = '() " "
Base
Special Exponential Functions Terminology
Conversion Arrows -./ "# & Common Logarithm
-./ $ & = -0 & Natural Logarithm
Changing from Exponential to Logarithmic Functions
% = $! ⟺ '() " % = "
Knowing how to change from one form to the other is important as
this is a highly tested concept!
Think of ways to memorise this transformation
ONG KAI WEN (COPYRIGHTED) ©
Properties that ALL these graphs hold: Graphs of Logarithmic Functions
• Dependent on the value of $ % = '() " "
• $ must ALWAYS be positive
• When & = ", ( = !
• ( > " for all real values of &
• The ( −axis is an asymptote of the graph
• An asymptote is a line where the curve will tend
towards but never touch/cross
Take Note:
When sketching any logarithmic graphs
• Label the & −intercept of ", ! % = − '() " "
• The graph cannot cross over the &-axis
Why when ! < #, $ is undefined?
Why for a logarithm function, when & < ", ( is undefined?
This is due to the simple fact that we cannot take logarithms to a
negative value. This is an important concept as it is used to check
questions when values are calculated at the end of a question
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Sample Question: Laws of Logarithms
Solve the equation
Laws Formulae
-./ & & + 5 − -./ & & − ! = -./ & 6
Addition !"# ! $ + !"# ! & = !"# ! $&
[S4 CHIJSJC P2/2015 PRELIM Qn 5(b)]
$
Subtraction !"# ! $ − !"# ! & = !"# !
&
#$% # & + 0 − #$% # & − . = #$% # 2
"
Power !"# ! $ = ) !"# ! $
#$% # & − .
#$% # & + 0 − $ = #$% # 2
Same Base !"# ! * = +
#$% # 3 %
#$% # & + 0 − 2#$% # & − . = #$% # 2
“1” !"# ! + = ,
&+0
#$% # = #$% # 2 !"# ! $
&−. % Change of Base !"# # $ =
!"# ! &
&+0
=2
&−. %
Common Mistake
& + 0 = 2 &% − 2& + .
2&% − 0& − 3 = ,
-./ % 2 + -./ % 4 = -./ % 2 + 4
2& + . & − 3 = ,
-./ % 2 − -./ % 4 = -./ % 2 − 4
.
&=− 456 $4 &=3
2 Many students get confused and use the above in their solutions! However, this is
INCORRECT
Do note that you cannot multiply and divide logarithmic terms as and when you like.
Always follow the respective logarithmic laws as shown above
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