BACK TO TEXT

3.4  Prep Assignment for Graphs of Log Functions

Try it !

1.   Complete the following table of values for the logarithmic function given by .       

     Be sure to choose at least 8 values for x, including a couple fractions between 0

     and 1.  (Hint:   and  are good choices.. ) What happens when you choose a

     negative value for the input?  Try evaluating log(-10).

Make a sketch of the graph here:

2.   Repeat the above for the functions given by  and  .

3.   Answer each of the following :

a.    Describe, in words, the characteristics of the graphs.

b.    How are all three graphs similar?

c.    How are they different from each other?

d.    How are these graphs related to the graphs of the exponential functions that you drew in section 3.4 ?

e.    What are possible values for the input ?

f.    Complete:  as ,   ???

                                          as   , ???   

g.    Can the input be 0?  Why or why not?

h.    Can the input be negative?  Why or why not?

i.      For what values of x is   ?

j.     For what values of x is  ?

k.    Write a formula for a logarithmic function whose graph hugs the x-axis

                       more closely than the graphs you sketched above.

BACK TO TEXT