Precalculus: Part 1
Module 10 Content Guide
Logarithmic Functions
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module, you will be able to do the following:
1. Convert equations from exponential form to logarithmic form and vice versa.
2. Evaluate common and natural logarithms.
3. Graph logarithms using transformations.
4. Understand and apply the product rule, quotient rule, and power rule of logarithms.
My Notes
Precalculus: Part 1
Module 10 Content Guide
Topic 10.1 Converting from Exponential Form to Logarithmic
Form
Fill in the blank:
� ! = � is equivalent to log " � = � where , � ≠ 0, and
, � = base, � = exponent, � = argument
Starting with , we rewrite � ! = � as “log base of � equals
” meaning log " � = �. When using this method, make sure the
exponential expression is on the left side of the equation.
Remember, � ! = � is equivalent to log " � = �. So to convert a
equation to an exponential equation, we need to
�, �, and �, then them into � ! = �.
Start with , raise it to the power of and set it equal to
. So, the equivalent exponential equation is � ! = �. Remember
to write the logarithm on the of the equation to use
this method.
Precalculus: Part 1
Module 10 Content Guide
Topic 10.2 Logarithms (Part 2)
Fill in the blank:
When evaluating a , it helps to remember that
are asking a - they are asking
you to find the .
It is often helpful to rewrite a logarithm in
to evaluate the logarithm. So, in this case, we could set log % (9)
to , then rewrite it in exponential form to solve
The base of a logarithm can be number as long as it is
greater than and not to 1. If a logarithm
has a base of , it is called a . It is
important to note that if you see a without a written
base, it means that it has a base of . In other words,
log(�) means log#$ (�).
Common Logarithm: A logarithm with a of 10, written
log(�).
Precalculus: Part 1
Module 10 Content Guide
Topic 10.3 Graphs of Logarithmic Functions
Fill in the blank:
Remember, the of an exponential function is a
. This means that the of the
exponential function becomes the of the logarithmic
function. It also means that the graph of the exponential function
will be a reflection of the logarithmic function across
the line
We will begin graphing logarithmic functions by looking at the
parent function � = log " �, which is the of � = � ! .
Since they are inverse functions, their will mirror
each other over the line .
Transforming logarithmic functions is a lot like transforming
functions. They can be , reflected,
stretched, and compressed without changing the general
of the function.
Precalculus: Part 1
Module 10 Content Guide
Topic 10.4 Logarithmic Properties
Fill in the blank:
The product rule tells us that taking the logarithm of a product is
to the sum of the logarithm of
factor.
Steps to Expanding Logarithms Using the Product Rule of
Logarithms
1. Write the in form.
2. Write the logarithm by
the logarithm of each factor.
We can also multiple logarithms into a
logarithm using the product property. We just
need to make sure that the are the same before
them into a single logarithm.
The power rule for allows us to simplify
logarithmic expressions that are raised to a power.
Precalculus: Part 1
Module 10 Content Guide
Math Masters Challenge
Math can be difficult, but it's important to keep a positive mindset when you run into struggles.
Your challenge for this module: Think about your positive attributes. Pick one and write about
how it will help you in your goal to learn math.
Did you write about a positive attribute this module?
