Study notes

Exponential & Logarithmic Functions

Laws of logarithms, change of base, solving \(a^x=b\) type equations (including quadratic-in-disguise substitutions), and the shapes of \(y=e^x\) and \(y=\ln x\).

What this topic covers

  • The three laws of logarithms turn multiplication/division/powers into addition/subtraction/multiplication
  • \(\log_a 1 = 0\) and \(\log_a a = 1\), for any valid base \(a\)
  • Change of base lets you evaluate a log in whatever base your calculator gives you
  • Solving \(a^x=b\) means taking logs of both sides
  • An equation with \(a^{2x}\) and \(a^x\) together is a quadratic in disguise
  • Combine multiple logs into one before converting to exponential form
  • \(y=e^x\) and \(y=\ln x\) are reflections of each other in the line \(y=x\)

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