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Properties of logarithms

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55148612
Evaluate \(\log_5(125)\). Then write the equivalent exponential equation.

Hints

- A logarithm asks for the exponent on the base. - Think of a power of \(5\) that equals \(125\).

Solution

Since \(5^3=125\), \(\log_5(125)=3\). The equivalent exponential equation is \(5^3=125\).

Answer

\(\log_5(125)=3\), equivalently \(5^3=125\).
55148712
For positive numbers \(a\) and \(b\), which statement is always true? a) \(\log(a+b)=\log(a)+\log(b)\) b) \(\log(ab)=\log(a)+\log(b)\) c) \(\log(a-b)=\log(a)-\log(b)\)

Hints

- Recall which arithmetic operation inside a logarithm becomes addition outside it. - Logarithm properties apply to products, quotients, and powers, not ordinary sums or differences.

Solution

The product property of logarithms is \(\log(ab)=\log(a)+\log(b)\) for positive \(a\) and \(b\). There is no corresponding sum or difference property.

Answer

b) \(\log(ab)=\log(a)+\log(b)\)
52691112
Let \(T(x) = \log(x^2 - 7x + 10)\), where \(\log\) denotes the common logarithm. Find all real values of \(x\) for which \(T(x)\) is undefined.

Hints

- What values are not allowed as the argument of a real logarithm? - Factor the quadratic expression to find its zeros. - Use the sign of the quadratic on the intervals determined by its zeros.

Solution

1. A real logarithm is undefined when its argument is less than or equal to \(0\), so solve \(x^2 - 7x + 10 \le 0\). 2. Factor the quadratic: \(x^2 - 7x + 10 = (x - 2)(x - 5)\). 3. The product is nonpositive between the zeros, including the zeros. Therefore, \(2 \le x \le 5\).

Answer

\(x \in [2, 5]\)
52760112
Beatriz claims, “The equation \(\ln(x^2)=2\ln(x)\) is valid for every \(x\in\mathbb{R}\setminus\{0\}\) because the exponent can be moved in front of the logarithm.” Evaluate the claim by comparing the domains of the two sides.

Hints

- When is a natural logarithm defined over the real numbers? - Test a negative value of \(x\). - Compare the domains of both sides before applying a logarithm property. - What happens to a negative number when it is squared?

Solution

1. The left side, \(\ln(x^2)\), is defined when \(x^2>0\), which means \(x\ne0\). 2. The right side, \(2\ln(x)\), is defined only when \(x>0\). 3. The domains are not the same. For example, when \(x=-2\), \(\ln(x^2)=\ln(4)\) is defined, but \(2\ln(-2)\) is not real. 4. Therefore, Beatriz's statement is false. The identity \(\ln(x^2)=2\ln(x)\) is valid only for \(x>0\). For all \(x\ne0\), the correct identity is \(\ln(x^2)=2\ln|x|\).

Answer

The claim is false. The left side is defined for \(x\ne0\), while the right side is defined only for \(x>0\).
52987512
Condense the expression into a single natural logarithm and simplify as far as possible: \(3\ln(x)+\frac{1}{2}\ln(y)-\ln(z^2)\).

Hints

- Move each coefficient inside its logarithm as an exponent. - A sum of logarithms becomes a product. - A difference of logarithms becomes a quotient.

Solution

1. Use the power property: \(3\ln(x)=\ln(x^3)\) and \(\frac{1}{2}\ln(y)=\ln(\sqrt{y})\). 2. Use the product and quotient properties: \(\ln(x^3)+\ln(\sqrt{y})-\ln(z^2)=\ln\!\left(\frac{x^3\sqrt{y}}{z^2}\right)\).

Answer

\(\ln\!\left(\frac{x^3\sqrt{y}}{z^2}\right)\)
52987612
Expand the logarithm as a sum and difference of simpler logarithms. Simplify all expressions involving \(e\). Assume \(a>0\), \(b>0\), and \(c>0\). \(\ln\!\left(\frac{\sqrt{e}\,a^4}{bc^2}\right)\)

Hints

- Separate the quotient first. - Expand the products in the numerator and denominator. - Move exponents in front of logarithms. - Rewrite \(\sqrt{e}\) as a power of \(e\).

Solution

1. Apply the quotient and product properties: \(\ln(\sqrt{e})+\ln(a^4)-\ln(b)-\ln(c^2)\). 2. Apply the power property and simplify \(\ln(\sqrt{e})=\ln(e^{1/2})=\frac{1}{2}\). 3. The result is \(\frac{1}{2}+4\ln(a)-\ln(b)-2\ln(c)\).

Answer

\(\frac{1}{2}+4\ln(a)-\ln(b)-2\ln(c)\)
52988112
Prove that \(\ln(\sqrt{x})=\frac{1}{2}\ln(x)\) for every \(x>0\), using the product property of logarithms.

Hints

- Write \(x\) as a product of two equal square-root factors. - Apply the product property of logarithms. - Combine the two identical terms.

Solution

1. Since \(x>0\), write \(x=\sqrt{x}\sqrt{x}\). 2. Take natural logarithms: \(\ln(x)=\ln(\sqrt{x}\sqrt{x})\). 3. By the product property, \(\ln(x)=\ln(\sqrt{x})+\ln(\sqrt{x})=2\ln(\sqrt{x})\). 4. Divide by \(2\) to obtain \(\ln(\sqrt{x})=\frac{1}{2}\ln(x)\).

Answer

\(\ln(x)=2\ln(\sqrt{x})\), so \(\ln(\sqrt{x})=\frac{1}{2}\ln(x)\).
5299129
Consider \(f(x)=4^x\) and \(g(x)=4.1^x\). For \(x>0\), determine which function grows faster. Justify your answer by comparing their growth factors and by describing what happens to the ratio \(\frac{g(x)}{f(x)}\) as \(x\) increases.

Hints

- Compare what multiplies each function value when \(x\) increases by \(1\). - A larger growth factor means a larger multiplicative increase per unit of \(x\). - The ratio of the two functions shows whether one pulls farther ahead as \(x\) increases.

Solution

1. When \(x\) increases by \(1\), \(f\) is multiplied by \(4\), while \(g\) is multiplied by \(4.1\). 2. Since \(4.1>4\), \(g\) has the larger growth factor. 3. The ratio is \(\frac{g(x)}{f(x)}=\left(\frac{4.1}{4}\right)^x=(1.025)^x\). Because the base \(1.025\) is greater than \(1\), this ratio increases as \(x\) increases. 4. Therefore, \(g(x)=4.1^x\) grows faster for \(x>0\).

Answer

\(g(x)=4.1^x\) grows faster. Its growth factor is \(4.1\), compared with \(4\) for \(f\), and \(\frac{g(x)}{f(x)}=(1.025)^x\) increases with \(x\).
52615712
Determine the number of digits in the decimal representation of \(6^{60}\). Use \(\log(2)\approx0.3010\) and \(\log(3)\approx0.4771\).

Hints

- How is the number of digits of a positive integer related to its common logarithm? - Which logarithm properties let you rewrite \(\log(6^{60})\)? - What does the integer part of a common logarithm tell you about the size of a number?

Solution

1. Use the power property: \(\log(6^{60})=60\log(6)\). 2. Use the product property: \(\log(6)=\log(2\cdot3)=\log(2)+\log(3)\). 3. Substitute the given approximations: \(\log(6)\approx0.3010+0.4771=0.7781\). 4. Then \(\log(6^{60})\approx60\cdot0.7781=46.686\). 5. For a positive integer \(N\), the number of decimal digits is \(\lfloor\log(N)\rfloor+1\). Therefore, \(6^{60}\) has \(46+1=47\) digits.

Answer

\(6^{60}\) has \(47\) digits.
52615812
A computer program can store whole numbers with at most \(100\) decimal digits. Find the greatest natural number \(n\) for which \(2^n\) can still be stored. Use \(\log(2)\approx0.30103\).

Hints

- What condition must the common logarithm satisfy for a number to have at most \(100\) digits? - Write an inequality involving \(n\). - Use the power property of logarithms.

Solution

1. A positive integer has at most \(100\) digits when its common logarithm is less than \(100\), so \(\log(2^n)<100\). 2. Apply the power property: \(n\log(2)<100\). 3. Then \(n<\frac{100}{\log(2)}\approx\frac{100}{0.30103}\approx332.19\). 4. Since \(n\) is a natural number, the greatest possible value is \(n=332\). 5. Check: \(\log(2^{332})\approx99.94\), so \(2^{332}\) has \(100\) digits, while \(\log(2^{333})\approx100.24\), so \(2^{333}\) has \(101\) digits.

Answer

\(n=332\)
52623712
Simplify each expression completely. a) \(\ln\!\left(\sqrt[3]{e}\right)\) b) \(e^{3\ln(2)-\ln(4)}\) c) \(\ln\!\left(\frac{e^x}{e^{x-2}}\right)\) d) \(e^{\ln(x^2)}e^{-\ln(x)}\), for \(x>0\)

Hints

- Recall that the natural logarithm and the exponential function are inverses. - Rewrite radicals as rational exponents. - Apply logarithm rules for products and quotients. - Use exponent rules for powers with the same base.

Solution

1. \(\sqrt[3]{e}=e^{1/3}\), so \(\ln(e^{1/3})=\frac{1}{3}\). 2. \(3\ln(2)=\ln(2^3)=\ln(8)\). Therefore, \(3\ln(2)-\ln(4)=\ln\!\left(\frac{8}{4}\right)=\ln(2)\), and \(e^{\ln(2)}=2\). 3. \(\frac{e^x}{e^{x-2}}=e^{x-(x-2)}=e^2\), so \(\ln(e^2)=2\). 4. Since \(x>0\), \(e^{\ln(x^2)}=x^2\) and \(e^{-\ln(x)}=\frac{1}{x}\). Their product is \(x\).

Answer

a) \(\frac{1}{3}\) b) \(2\) c) \(2\) d) \(x\)
52623812
Let \(f(x)=\ln(e^3x)-\ln(x)\), where \(x>0\). a) Use logarithm properties to show that \(f\) is constant, and state its value. b) Solve \(e^{2\ln(x)+1}=e^3\).

Hints

- Expand the logarithm of a product. - Equal powers with base \(e\) have equal exponents. - Apply the exponential function after isolating \(\ln(x)\).

Solution

1. Use the product property: \(\ln(e^3x)=\ln(e^3)+\ln(x)=3+\ln(x)\). 2. Therefore, \(f(x)=3+\ln(x)-\ln(x)=3\) for every \(x>0\). 3. Since the exponential expressions in part b have the same base, set the exponents equal: \(2\ln(x)+1=3\). 4. Then \(2\ln(x)=2\), so \(\ln(x)=1\) and \(x=e\).

Answer

a) \(f(x)=3\) b) \(x=e\)
52691212
Find all values of the constant \(c\) for which \(\log(x^2 + 6x + c)\) is defined for every real number \(x\).

Hints

- What condition must the logarithm's argument satisfy for every real input? - When is an upward-opening quadratic strictly above the x-axis? - Use the discriminant to determine when a quadratic has no real zeros. - Remember that an argument equal to \(0\) is not allowed.

Solution

1. The logarithm is defined for every real \(x\) only if \(x^2 + 6x + c > 0\) for every real \(x\). 2. The quadratic opens upward. It is always positive exactly when it has no real zeros, so its discriminant must be negative. 3. The discriminant is \(6^2 - 4(1)(c) = 36 - 4c\). Solve \(36 - 4c < 0\) to obtain \(c > 9\). 4. When \(c = 9\), the quadratic equals \((x + 3)^2\) and is \(0\) at \(x = -3\), so the inequality must be strict.

Answer

\(c > 9\)
52739812
The function \(f\) is defined by \(f(x) = \frac{(x - 5)\ln(x)}{x^2 - 1}\). State the domain of \(f\) and find all x-intercepts.

Hints

- What restriction does \(\ln(x)\) place on \(x\)? - Which values make the denominator equal to \(0\)? - A value that makes both numerator and denominator zero is still excluded from the original function's domain. - Use the zero-product property on the numerator.

Solution

1. The natural logarithm requires \(x > 0\). The denominator must also be nonzero: \(x^2 - 1 \ne 0\), so \(x \ne -1\) and \(x \ne 1\). Because \(-1\) is already excluded by \(x > 0\), the domain is \((0, 1) \cup (1, \infty)\). 2. An x-intercept can occur when the numerator is zero: \((x - 5)\ln(x) = 0\). Thus, \(x - 5 = 0\) or \(\ln(x) = 0\), giving candidates \(x = 5\) and \(x = 1\). 3. The value \(x = 1\) is not in the domain because the denominator is zero there. The only x-intercept is \((5, 0)\).

Answer

The domain is \((0, 1) \cup (1, \infty)\), and the only x-intercept is \((5, 0)\).
52741812
Find the domain and all x-intercepts of \(g(x) = \frac{x^2 - 4}{\ln(x + 3)}\).

Hints

- State the condition that makes the logarithm defined. - Also require the entire denominator to be nonzero. - Find the zeros of the numerator. - Check each candidate zero against the domain.

Solution

1. The logarithm requires \(x + 3 > 0\), so \(x > -3\). 2. The denominator must be nonzero. Since \(\ln(x + 3) = 0\) when \(x + 3 = 1\), exclude \(x = -2\). Therefore, the domain is \((-3, -2) \cup (-2, \infty)\). 3. For an x-intercept, the numerator must be zero: \(x^2 - 4 = 0\). Thus, \(x = -2\) or \(x = 2\). 4. The value \(x = -2\) is not in the domain, while \(x = 2\) is. Therefore, the only x-intercept is \((2, 0)\).

Answer

Domain: \((-3, -2) \cup (-2, \infty)\) X-intercept: \((2, 0)\)
52758512
Use \(\ln(2)\approx0.69\) and \(\ln(5)\approx1.61\) with logarithm properties to approximate each value. a) \(\ln(10)\) b) \(\ln(2.5)\) c) \(\ln(80)\) d) \(\ln(0.4)\) e) \(\ln(\sqrt{5})\)

Hints

- Express each logarithm input as a product or quotient involving \(2\) and \(5\). - Rewrite decimals such as \(2.5\) and \(0.4\) as fractions. - Express a square root as a power. - Use the power property to move an exponent in front of a logarithm.

Solution

1. \(\ln(10)=\ln(2\cdot5)=\ln(2)+\ln(5)\approx0.69+1.61=2.30\). 2. \(\ln(2.5)=\ln\!\left(\frac{5}{2}\right)=\ln(5)-\ln(2)\approx1.61-0.69=0.92\). 3. \(\ln(80)=\ln(2^4\cdot5)=4\ln(2)+\ln(5)\approx4(0.69)+1.61=4.37\). 4. \(\ln(0.4)=\ln\!\left(\frac{2}{5}\right)=\ln(2)-\ln(5)\approx-0.92\). 5. \(\ln(\sqrt{5})=\frac{1}{2}\ln(5)\approx0.805\).

Answer

a) \(\approx2.30\) b) \(\approx0.92\) c) \(\approx4.37\) d) \(\approx-0.92\) e) \(\approx0.805\)
52760212
Consider the equation \(\ln\!\left(\frac{x-2}{x-5}\right)=\ln(x-2)-\ln(x-5)\). Is this equation valid for every x-value for which the left side is defined? Justify your answer by analyzing the domains.

Hints

- Determine when a quotient is positive by comparing the signs of its numerator and denominator. - Each logarithm on the right must have a positive input. - Compare the two domain conditions. - Look for x-values where the left side exists but the right side does not.

Solution

1. For the left side, require \(\frac{x-2}{x-5}>0\). The numerator and denominator have the same sign when \(x<2\) or \(x>5\). Thus, the left-side domain is \((-\infty, 2)\cup(5, \infty)\). 2. For the right side, both logarithm inputs must be positive: \(x-2>0\) and \(x-5>0\). Together, these conditions give \(x>5\). 3. Therefore, the equation is valid only for \(x>5\). When \(x<2\), the quotient on the left is positive, but each individual logarithm on the right has a negative input and is not real.

Answer

No. The left side is defined for \(x<2\) or \(x>5\), but the right side is defined only for \(x>5\).
52762912
Let \(f(x)=\ln(x^2+e)\), with domain \(\mathbb{R}\). Find the range of \(f\) and justify your answer.

Hints

- Find the minimum possible value of \(x^2+e\). - Is the natural logarithm increasing or decreasing? - What happens as \(|x|\) becomes large? - Recall the value of \(\ln(e)\).

Solution

1. Since \(x^2\geq0\), the logarithm input satisfies \(x^2+e\geq e\). 2. The natural logarithm is strictly increasing, so \(f(x)\geq\ln(e)=1\). 3. Equality occurs at \(x=0\). As \(|x|\to\infty\), \(x^2+e\to\infty\), so \(f(x)\to\infty\). 4. Because \(f\) is continuous, it takes every value from \(1\) upward. Thus, its range is \([1, \infty)\).

Answer

\([1, \infty)\)
52763012
Let \(g(x)=\ln\!\left(\frac{e^2}{x^4+1}\right)\), with domain \(\mathbb{R}\). Justify that the range of \(g\) is \((-\infty, 2]\).

Hints

- Find the minimum possible value of the denominator. - Determine the resulting range of the logarithm input. - What happens to \(\ln(u)\) as \(u\to0^+\)? - Evaluate the function at \(x=0\).

Solution

1. Since \(x^4+1\geq1\), \(0<\frac{e^2}{x^4+1}\leq e^2\). The maximum input to the logarithm is \(e^2\), attained at \(x=0\). 2. Because the natural logarithm is strictly increasing, the maximum value is \(g(0)=\ln(e^2)=2\). 3. As \(|x|\to\infty\), the fraction \(\frac{e^2}{x^4+1}\to0^+\), so \(g(x)\to-\infty\). 4. The function is continuous, so it takes every value less than or equal to \(2\). Therefore, the range is \((-\infty, 2]\).

Answer

\((-\infty, 2]\)
52765912
Find the domain of \(f(x)=\ln\!\left(1+\frac{4}{x-2}\right)\).

Hints

- The input of a logarithm must be positive. - Combine the expression inside the logarithm into one fraction. - Identify where the numerator is zero and where the denominator is zero. - Use a sign chart to determine where the fraction is positive.

Solution

1. The logarithm input must be positive: \(1+\frac{4}{x-2}>0\). 2. Combine the terms: \(1+\frac{4}{x-2}=\frac{x+2}{x-2}\). 3. The critical values are \(x=-2\), where the numerator is zero, and \(x=2\), where the expression is undefined. 4. A sign analysis shows that \(\frac{x+2}{x-2}>0\) when \(x<-2\) or \(x>2\). 5. Therefore, the domain is \((-\infty, -2)\cup(2, \infty)\).

Answer

\((-\infty, -2)\cup(2, \infty)\)
52767612
Let \(f(x)=\ln(x)\) and \(p(x)=\ln((x-2)^2)\). a) State the domain of \(p\) and the equation of its vertical asymptote. b) Starting from the graph of \(f\), explain how to construct the graph of \(p\). You may copy and reflect the original branch before applying transformations. c) Find the \(x\)-intercepts of the graph of \(p\).

Hints

- Determine when \((x-2)^2\) is positive. - Use \(\ln(a^2)=2\ln|a|\) on its real domain. - How can the single branch of \(\ln x\) be used to create both branches of \(\ln|x|\)? - Read the horizontal shift from \(x-2\). - A logarithm equals \(0\) when its input equals \(1\).

Solution

1. The logarithm input must be positive. Since \((x-2)^2>0\) for every \(x\ne2\), the domain is \(\mathbb{R}\setminus\{2\}\). The vertical asymptote is \(x=2\). 2. Rewrite \(p(x)=2\ln|x-2|\). Begin with the branch \(y=\ln x\) for \(x>0\). Copy that branch and reflect the copy across the y-axis; together the two branches form \(y=\ln|x|\). Stretch both branches vertically by a factor of \(2\), then shift the result right \(2\) units. 3. For the \(x\)-intercepts, solve \(\ln((x-2)^2)=0\). Then \((x-2)^2=1\), so \(x=1\) or \(x=3\).

Answer

a) Domain: \(\mathbb{R}\setminus\{2\}\); vertical asymptote: \(x=2\) b) Copy the \(\ln x\) branch, reflect the copy across the y-axis to form \(\ln|x|\), stretch vertically by \(2\), and shift right \(2\) units. c) \((1, 0)\) and \((3, 0)\)
52984112
The natural exponential function \(f(x)=e^x\) is a special case of \(g(x)=b^x\), where \(b>0\) and \(b\ne1\). Every such function can be written in the form \(e^{kx}\). 1. Express \(k\) in terms of \(b\). 2. Determine the values of \(b\) for which \(g\) is strictly decreasing. Explain the result using both the base \(b\) and the sign of \(k\). 3. State the range of \(g\), and explain why its graph never crosses or touches the x-axis.

Hints

- Use the inverse relationship between \(e^x\) and \(\ln(x)\). - For which bases do powers decrease as the exponent increases? - What is the sign of \(\ln(b)\) when \(0<b<1\)? - Can a positive base raised to a real power equal zero?

Solution

1. Since \(b=e^{\ln(b)}\), \(b^x=\left(e^{\ln(b)}\right)^x=e^{x\ln(b)}\). Therefore, \(k=\ln(b)\). 2. The function \(b^x\) is strictly decreasing when \(0<b<1\). On this interval, \(\ln(b)<0\), so the equivalent condition is \(k<0\). 3. For every allowed base and every real \(x\), \(b^x>0\). Therefore, the range is \((0,\infty)\). The graph may approach the x-axis as an asymptote, but it cannot reach \(y=0\).

Answer

1. \(k=\ln(b)\) 2. \(g\) is strictly decreasing for \(0<b<1\), which is equivalent to \(k<0\). 3. The range is \((0,\infty)\), and \(b^x\) is never \(0\).
52985712
The natural logarithm is available directly on most scientific calculators. Other logarithms can be evaluated by changing the base. a) Starting with \(y=\log_b(x)\), prove the change-of-base formula \(\log_b(x)=\frac{\ln(x)}{\ln(b)}\) for \(x>0\), \(b>0\), and \(b\neq1\). b) Use natural logarithms to evaluate \(\log_5(125)\), \(\log_2(10)\), and \(\log_{0.5}(4)\). Round \(\log_2(10)\) to four decimal places. c) Explain without additional numerical calculation why \(\ln(5)\log_5(e)=1\).

Hints

- Rewrite a logarithmic equation in exponential form. - Take natural logarithms of both sides and use the power property. - Express exact logarithm inputs as powers of their bases when possible. - Recall that \(\ln(e)=1\).

Solution

1. If \(y=\log_b(x)\), then \(b^y=x\). Taking natural logarithms gives \(\ln(b^y)=\ln(x)\), so \(y\ln(b)=\ln(x)\). Therefore, \(y=\frac{\ln(x)}{\ln(b)}\). 2. \(\log_5(125)=\frac{\ln(125)}{\ln(5)}=3\). 3. \(\log_2(10)=\frac{\ln(10)}{\ln(2)}\approx3.3219\). 4. \(\log_{0.5}(4)=\frac{\ln(4)}{\ln(0.5)}=-2\). 5. By change of base, \(\log_5(e)=\frac{\ln(e)}{\ln(5)}=\frac{1}{\ln(5)}\). Therefore, \(\ln(5)\log_5(e)=1\).

Answer

a) \(\log_b(x)=\frac{\ln(x)}{\ln(b)}\) b) \(\log_5(125)=3\); \(\log_2(10)\approx3.3219\); \(\log_{0.5}(4)=-2\) c) \(\log_5(e)=\frac{1}{\ln(5)}\), so the product is \(1\).
52985812
Use natural logarithms and logarithm properties to complete each task. a) Solve \(5^x=20\) exactly, and give an approximation rounded to three decimal places. b) Prove that \(\log_a(x)=\frac{1}{\log_x(a)}\) for \(x>0\), \(x\neq1\), \(a>0\), and \(a\neq1\). c) Evaluate \(\ln(e^3)+\log_{e^2}(e)\) exactly.

Hints

- Take a logarithm when the variable is in an exponent. - Apply the change-of-base formula to both logarithms in part b. - Use the inverse relationship between logarithms and exponential functions. - Determine the exponent that takes \(e^2\) to \(e\).

Solution

1. Taking natural logarithms of \(5^x=20\) gives \(x\ln(5)=\ln(20)\). Thus, \(x=\frac{\ln(20)}{\ln(5)}\approx1.861\). 2. By change of base, \(\log_a(x)=\frac{\ln(x)}{\ln(a)}\) and \(\log_x(a)=\frac{\ln(a)}{\ln(x)}\). Therefore, \(\frac{1}{\log_x(a)}=\frac{\ln(x)}{\ln(a)}=\log_a(x)\). 3. Since \(\ln(e^3)=3\) and \(\log_{e^2}(e)=\frac{1}{2}\), the value is \(3+\frac{1}{2}=\frac{7}{2}\).

Answer

a) \(x=\frac{\ln(20)}{\ln(5)}\approx1.861\) b) \(\log_a(x)=\frac{1}{\log_x(a)}\) c) \(\frac{7}{2}\)
52985912
Consider \(f(x)=\ln(x)\) and \(g(x)=\log_{1/e}(x)\), where \(x>0\). 1. Use the change-of-base formula to show that \(g(x)=-\ln(x)\). 2. For each function, state the interval on which its values are negative. 3. Use \(f\) and \(g\) to explain how the base of a logarithmic function determines whether the function is increasing or decreasing.

Hints

- Apply the change-of-base formula with base \(e^{-1}\). - Recall that every basic logarithmic graph passes through \((1, 0)\). - Compare the graphs of \(y=\ln(x)\) and \(y=-\ln(x)\). - Relate the base interval to the monotonicity of the corresponding exponential function.

Solution

1. By change of base, \(g(x)=\frac{\ln(x)}{\ln(e^{-1})}=\frac{\ln(x)}{-1}=-\ln(x)\). 2. Since \(\ln(x)<0\) for \(0<x<1\), \(f\) is negative on \((0, 1)\). Since \(g(x)=-\ln(x)\), \(g\) is negative when \(x>1\). 3. A logarithmic function with base greater than \(1\) is strictly increasing. A logarithmic function with base between \(0\) and \(1\) is strictly decreasing. Here, \(e>1\), so \(f\) increases, while \(1/e<1\), so \(g\) decreases.

Answer

1. \(g(x)=-\ln(x)\) 2. \(f(x)<0\) on \((0, 1)\); \(g(x)<0\) on \((1, \infty)\) 3. Bases greater than \(1\) produce increasing logarithmic functions; bases between \(0\) and \(1\) produce decreasing logarithmic functions.
52987412
Let \(g(x)=\log_2(x)\). a) Explain why doubling \(x\) increases \(g(x)\) by exactly \(1\). b) Use this property to show that \(g\) is unbounded above. c) Find the inputs where \(g(x)=20\) and \(g(x)=30\).

Hints

- Apply the product property of logarithms. - Consider what happens after doubling the input many times. - Rewrite each logarithmic equation in exponential form.

Solution

1. By the product property, \(g(2x)=\log_2(2x)=\log_2(2)+\log_2(x)=1+g(x)\). 2. Repeatedly doubling the input adds \(1\) to the output each time. Therefore, the outputs can exceed any fixed bound, so \(g\) is unbounded above. 3. If \(\log_2(x)=20\), then \(x=2^{20}=1{,}048{,}576\). 4. If \(\log_2(x)=30\), then \(x=2^{30}=1{,}073{,}741{,}824\).

Answer

a) \(g(2x)=g(x)+1\) b) Repeated doubling makes the outputs increase without bound. c) \(x=1{,}048{,}576\) and \(x=1{,}073{,}741{,}824\), respectively.
52988412
For each positive integer \(n\), let \(g_n(x)=(\ln(x))^n\), where \(x>0\). Find all points that lie on every graph in this family. Justify your answer.

Hints

- At a common point, the output must not change with \(n\). - Set \(u=\ln(x)\) and compare the cases \(n=1\) and \(n=2\). - Convert the resulting values of \(u\) back to values of \(x\).

Solution

1. Let \(u=\ln(x)\). A common point requires \(u^n\) to have the same value for every positive integer \(n\). 2. In particular, \(u=u^2\), so \(u(u-1)=0\). Thus, \(u=0\) or \(u=1\). 3. If \(u=0\), then \(x=1\) and every output is \(0\), giving \((1, 0)\). 4. If \(u=1\), then \(x=e\) and every output is \(1\), giving \((e, 1)\). 5. Both values work for all \(n\), and the equation \(u=u^2\) shows there are no others.

Answer

\((1, 0)\) and \((e, 1)\)
53452711
The coordinate plane shows the graph of a linear function \(f\). Define \(g(x)=\ln(f(x))\). a) Find the domain of \(g\). b) Describe the behavior of \(g\) at both ends of its domain. c) Explain whether \(g\) is increasing or decreasing on its domain.
Figure for problem 534527

Hints

- Identify where the graph of \(f\) lies above the x-axis. - Recall the behavior of \(\ln(u)\) as \(u\to0^+\) and as \(u\to\infty\). - Consider the composition of two increasing functions.

Solution

1. From the graph, \(f(x)=0.5x+1\). The logarithm requires \(f(x)>0\), so \(0.5x+1>0\), which gives \(x>-2\). Thus, the domain is \((-2, \infty)\). 2. As \(x\to-2^+\), \(f(x)\to0^+\), so \(g(x)\to-\infty\). As \(x\to\infty\), \(f(x)\to\infty\), so \(g(x)\to\infty\). 3. The linear function \(f\) is strictly increasing, and \(\ln(x)\) is strictly increasing. Therefore, their composition \(g\) is strictly increasing on \((-2, \infty)\).

Answer

a) \((-2, \infty)\) b) \(\lim_{x\to-2^+}g(x)=-\infty\) and \(\lim_{x\to\infty}g(x)=\infty\) c) \(g\) is strictly increasing.
53459811
The graph shows a rational function \(f\). For the composite function \(g(x)=\ln(f(x))\), find the domain and describe the monotonicity on each interval of the domain.
Figure for problem 534598

Hints

- Find where the graph of \(f\) is above the x-axis. - Read the monotonicity of \(f\) on those intervals. - An increasing outer function preserves the monotonicity of the inner function.

Solution

1. The logarithm requires \(f(x)>0\). From the graph, \(f(x)>0\) for \(x<-1\) and \(x>1\). Thus, the domain is \((-\infty, -1)\cup(1, \infty)\). 2. The graph shows that \(f\) is strictly decreasing on both \((-\infty, -1)\) and \((1, \infty)\). 3. Since the natural logarithm is strictly increasing, composing with it preserves the direction of monotonicity. Therefore, \(g\) is strictly decreasing on each domain interval.

Answer

Domain: \((-\infty, -1)\cup(1, \infty)\) The function is strictly decreasing on \((-\infty, -1)\) and on \((1, \infty)\).
52614212
Solve each logarithmic inequality over the real numbers. Here \(\log\) denotes the common logarithm. 1) \(\log(x^2) \le 2\) 2) \((\log x)^2 - 3\log x + 2 \le 0\) 3) \(\log(x) + \log(x - 9) > 1\)

Hints

- A substitution can turn an expression involving \(\log x\) into a quadratic inequality. - Use the product property to combine a sum of logarithms. - State the domain before solving, especially when the argument contains a square. - Use a sign chart or the graph of a quadratic to solve the resulting polynomial inequality.

Solution

1. The domain requires \(x^2 > 0\), so \(x \ne 0\). Since the common logarithm is increasing, \(\log(x^2) \le 2\) gives \(x^2 \le 100\), or \(-10 \le x \le 10\). Excluding \(0\) gives \([-10, 0) \cup (0, 10]\). 2. The domain requires \(x > 0\). Let \(u = \log x\). Then \(u^2 - 3u + 2 \le 0\), or \((u - 1)(u - 2) \le 0\). Thus, \(1 \le u \le 2\). Substituting back gives \(1 \le \log x \le 2\), so \(10 \le x \le 100\). 3. The domain requires \(x > 9\). Use the product property: \(\log(x(x - 9)) > 1\). Since the logarithm is increasing, \(x(x - 9) > 10\), so \(x^2 - 9x - 10 > 0\). Factoring gives \((x - 10)(x + 1) > 0\), so \(x < -1\) or \(x > 10\). Intersecting with \(x > 9\) gives \(x > 10\).

Answer

1) \([-10, 0) \cup (0, 10]\) 2) \([10, 100]\) 3) \((10, \infty)\)
52617412
Investigate how logarithms change with the base. a) Find the constant \(k\) such that \(\ln(x) = k\log(x)\) for every \(x > 0\). Round \(k\) to four decimal places. b) Consider the claim: “If the base of a logarithm is doubled, the logarithm’s value is cut in half.” Test the claim using \(\log_2(16)\) and \(\log_4(16)\). Then give a counterexample showing that the claim is not true for all bases \(b > 1\) and arguments \(a > 0\).

Hints

- Use the change-of-base formula in part a. - Choose familiar powers when testing the claim. - Compare doubling a base with squaring a base. - Determine what change to the denominator in the change-of-base formula would halve the result.

Solution

1. a) By change of base, \(\ln(x) = \frac{\log(x)}{\log(e)}\). Thus, \(k = \frac{1}{\log(e)} = \ln(10) \approx 2.3026\). 2. b) \(\log_2(16) = 4\) and \(\log_4(16) = 2\), so the claim happens to be true in this case. 3. For a counterexample, \(\log_3(9) = 2\), but doubling the base gives \(\log_6(9) = \frac{\ln(9)}{\ln(6)} \approx 1.2263\), not \(1\). 4. In general, squaring the base halves the logarithm because \(\log_{b^2}(a) = \frac{\ln(a)}{\ln(b^2)} = \frac{1}{2}\log_b(a)\). Doubling the base does not generally have that effect.

Answer

a) \(k \approx 2.3026\) b) The claim works for \(\log_2(16) = 4\) and \(\log_4(16) = 2\), but it is false in general. For example, \(\log_3(9) = 2\), while \(\log_6(9) \approx 1.2263 \ne 1\).
52634212
Consider \(f(x)=\ln\!\left(\frac{e}{x^2}\right)\). a) State the largest possible real domain of \(f\). b) Use logarithm properties to show that \(f(x)=1-2\ln|x|\). c) Describe how the graph of \(f\) can be obtained from the graph of \(y=\ln(x)\). Address symmetry and the number of branches.

Hints

- Require the logarithm input to be positive. - Use the quotient and power properties of logarithms. - What does \(f(-x)=f(x)\) imply about the graph? - Separate the effects of the coefficient, negative sign, and vertical shift.

Solution

1. The expression \(\frac{e}{x^2}\) is defined and positive whenever \(x\ne0\). Thus, the domain is \(\mathbb{R}\setminus\{0\}\). 2. Apply the quotient property: \(f(x)=\ln(e)-\ln(x^2)=1-\ln(x^2)\). For \(x\ne0\), \(\ln(x^2)=2\ln|x|\), so \(f(x)=1-2\ln|x|\). 3. Begin with the right-hand branch of \(y=\ln(x)\). Reflect it across the y-axis to create the left-hand branch, producing \(y=\ln|x|\). 4. Stretch vertically by a factor of \(2\), reflect across the x-axis, and shift up \(1\) unit. Because \(f(-x)=f(x)\), the final graph is symmetric about the y-axis and has two branches.

Answer

a) \(\mathbb{R}\setminus\{0\}\) b) \(f(x)=1-2\ln|x|\) c) Create \(\ln|x|\) by reflecting the right branch across the y-axis, stretch vertically by \(2\), reflect across the x-axis, and shift up \(1\) unit. The graph has two branches and y-axis symmetry.
52986012
For \(a>0\), \(a\neq1\), the value \(\log_a(x)\) is positive exactly when the base \(a\) and the argument \(x\) are on the same side of \(1\): either both are greater than \(1\), or both are between \(0\) and \(1\). 1. Prove this statement using \(a^y=x\) and the monotonicity of exponential functions for the cases \(a>1\) and \(0<a<1\). 2. Without calculating its value, determine the sign of \(\log_{0.2}(5)\) and justify your answer.

Hints

- Set \(y=\log_a(x)\) and rewrite in exponential form. - Compare \(a^y\) with \(a^0\) when \(y>0\). - Treat increasing and decreasing exponential functions separately. - Locate \(0.2\) and \(5\) relative to \(1\).

Solution

1. Let \(y=\log_a(x)\), so \(a^y=x\). 2. If \(a>1\), the function \(a^y\) is increasing. Thus, \(y>0\) exactly when \(a^y>a^0=1\), which means \(x>1\). 3. If \(0<a<1\), the function \(a^y\) is decreasing. Thus, \(y>0\) exactly when \(a^y<a^0=1\), which means \(0<x<1\). 4. Therefore, \(\log_a(x)>0\) exactly when \(a\) and \(x\) are on the same side of \(1\). 5. For \(\log_{0.2}(5)\), the base is less than \(1\) and the argument is greater than \(1\), so the value is negative.

Answer

1. The logarithm is positive exactly when the base and argument are both greater than \(1\) or both lie between \(0\) and \(1\). 2. \(\log_{0.2}(5)<0\)
53458912
Match each graph with its function. Justify each match. \(h_1(x)=\ln(x+3)\) \(h_2(x)=\ln(x^2+1)\) \(h_3(x)=x-\ln(x)\) \(h_4(x)=\frac{1}{\ln(x)}\)
Figure for problem 534589

Hints

- Compare domains and vertical asymptotes. - Check which functions are symmetric about the y-axis. - Compare values and end behavior near important domain boundaries. - Identify where a denominator becomes zero.

Solution

1. Graph a is \(h_1\). Its domain is \(x>-3\), it has vertical asymptote \(x=-3\), and its x-intercept is \((-2,0)\). 2. Graph b is \(h_2\). Because \(x^2+1\ge1\), \(h_2(x)\ge0\), with equality at \(x=0\). Also, \(h_2\) is even, so the graph is symmetric about the y-axis. 3. Graph c is \(h_3\). Its domain is \(x>0\). As \(x\to0^+\), \(-\ln(x)\to\infty\), so \(h_3(x)\to\infty\). Also, \(h_3(1)=1\), and as \(x\to\infty\), the linear term \(x\) eventually dominates \(\ln(x)\), so \(h_3(x)\to\infty\). These features match graph c. 4. Graph d is \(h_4\). Its domain is \(x>0\) with \(x\ne1\). Since \(\ln(1)=0\), the graph has vertical asymptote \(x=1\). As \(x\to0^+\), its values approach \(0\) from below.

Answer

a) \(h_1(x)=\ln(x+3)\) b) \(h_2(x)=\ln(x^2+1)\) c) \(h_3(x)=x-\ln(x)\) d) \(h_4(x)=\frac{1}{\ln(x)}\)

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