1.5. Exponential and logarithmic functions

Learning Objectives

You should be able to

identify an exponential function or a power function
manipulate expressions in terms of exponential functions using laws of exponents
solve exponential equations by using logarithms
manipulate logarithms
recognise the natural exponential and natural logarithm functions and convert other logarithms or exponentials in terms of these
draw the graphs of exponential and logarithm functions

Get Started: What to do next

If you can pass the diagnostic test, then we believe you are ready to move on from this topic.

Our recommendation is to:

Test your ability by trying the diagnostic quiz. You can reattempt it as many times as you want and can leave it part-way through.
Identify which topics need more work. Make a note of any areas that you are unable to complete in the diagnostic quiz, or areas that you don't feel comfortable with.
Watch the tutorials for these topics, you can find these below. Then try some practice questions from the mini quiz for that specific topic. If you have questions, please ask on the forum.
Re-try the diagnostic quiz. And repeat the above steps as necessary until you can pass the diagnostic test. A pass grade is 80%.

Optionally, also see if you can apply these skills to an economic application or look at the additional resources and advanced quizzes at the bottom of the page,

Diagnostic quiz 1.5 How to use the quizzes

Tutorials: How to guides

1.5.1. Exponential functions

Exponential function: $f(x)=a^x$ where $a>0$ .
Power function: $g(x) = x^a$
Natural exponential function: $\exp(x)=e^x$
$a^nb^n = a^{n+m}$ , $\frac{a^n}{a^m} = a^{n-m}$ , $\frac{a^n}{b^n} = \left(\frac{a}{b}\right)^{n}$ ,
$a^nb^n = (ab)^n$ , $(a^n)^m = a^{nm}$ , $a^0=1$ , $a^1=a$ , $a^{-n}= \frac{1}{a^n}$

Slides 1.5.1 Mini quiz 1.5.1

1.5.2. Logarithm functions

$\log_a(x) =y \iff a^y =x$ , $a^{\log_a(x)} = x$ , $\log_a(a^x)=x$ , $\log_a(a)=1$ ,
$\log_a(1)=0$ , $\log_a(xy)=\log_a(x)+\log_a(y)$ , $\log_a(x/y)=\log_a(x)-\log_a(y)$ ,
$\log_a(x^n)=n\log_a(x)$ , $\log_a(x) = \frac{\log_b(x))}{\log_b(a)}$

Slides 1.5.2 Mini quiz 1.5.2

Further practice & resources

You can find practice quizzes on each topic in the links above the tutorial videos, or you can take the diagnostic quiz as many times as you like to. The additional resources gives links to external sources of information and some of these may also have further exercises to try.

Further links and resources 1

1.5. Precalculus: Exponential and logarithm functions