Graph of
Logarithmic functions
Graph of y = log x b >1
b
1/b
1 b b2
-1 If x = ------ , then y = ------
1/b -1
1 0
b 1
b2 2
To graph y = log base b(x) and solve for y
when x = 1/b, we can follow these steps:
Graphing y = logb(x)
The graph of y = logb(x) is an increasing curve that:
1. Passes through the point (1, 0)
2. Has a vertical asymptote at x = 0
3. Increases slowly at first, then more rapidly as x
approaches infinity
Solving for y when x = 1/b
To solve for y when x = 1/b, we can plug x = 1/b into
the equation:
y = logb(1/b)
Using the property of logarithms that logb(1/b) = -1,
we get:
y = -1
Therefore, when x = 1/b, the value of y is -1.
The point (1/b, -1) is a key point on the graph of
y = logb(x).
Here's the step-by-step solution:
y = logb(1/b)
Step 1: Recall the definition of logarithm
The logarithm of a number x with base b is the
exponent to which b must be raised to produce x. In
other words, logb(x) = y if and only if by = x.
Step 2: Apply the definition to the given equation
We need to find the exponent to which b must be
raised to produce 1/b.
Step 3: Use the property of exponents
We know that b(-1) = 1/b.
Step 4: Equate the exponent to y
Therefore, y = -1.
Sketch the graph of y = log |x| b >1
b
y = log (-x) if x < 0 y = log x if x > 0
b b
-b2 -b -1 1 b b2
If x = ------ , then y = ------ If x = ------ , then y = ------
-1 0 1 0
-b 1 b 1
-b2 2 b2 2
Graph of y = log |x| b>1
b
is symmetric with respect to y-axis, that is, logb|x| is an even function.
Graph of y = log x b<1
b
If x = ------ , then y = ------
b 1
1 0
1/b -1
1
1/b2 -2
1 1/b 1/b2
b
-1
-2
Sketch the graph of y = log |x| b<1
b
y = log (-x) if x < 0 y = log x if x > 0
b b
If x = ------ , then y = ------ If x = ------ , then y = ------
-1 0 1 0
-1/b -1 1/b -1
-1/b2 -2 1/b2 -2
-1/b2 -1/b -1 1 1/b 1/b2
-1
-2
Graph of y = log |x| b<1
b
is symmetric with respect to y-axis, that is, logb|x| is an even function.
Graph of y = log (x+3)
5
-3 -2 2
If x = ------ , then y = ------
-2 0
2 1
Graph of y = log (x-3)
0.5
If x = ------ , then y = ------
4 0
3.5 1
1
3.5
3 4
Graph of y = -log (x+3)
0.5
-3 -2 -1
If x = ------ , then y = ------
-2 0
-1 1
Graphs of Basic Logarithmic Functions
To graph a logarithmic function y=logb(x)
, it is easiest to convert the equation to its exponential form,
x=by
. Generally, when graphing a function, various x
-values are chosen and each is used to calculate the
corresponding y
-value. In contrast, for this method, it is the y
-values that are chosen and the corresponding x
-values that are then calculated.
Example:
Graph y=log2(x)
Solution:
To graph the function, we will first rewrite the logarithmic
equation, y=log2(x)
, in exponential form, 2y=x
We will use point plotting to graph the function. It will be
easier to start with values of y and then get x
Try:
(a) Graph: y=log3(x)
(b) Graph: y=log5(x)
The graphs of y=log2(x),y=log3(x)
, and y=log5(x)
(all log functions with b>1),
are similar in shape and also:
All graphs contains the key point (1,0)
because 0=logb(1)
means b0=(1)
which is true for any b
All graphs contain the key point (1b,−1)
because −1=logb(1b)
means b−1=(1b)
, which is true for any b
All graphs approach the y
-axis very closely but never touch it. This line
x=0, the y
-axis, is a vertical asymptote.
The graphs never touch the y
-axis so the domain is all positive numbers,
written (0,∞)
in interval notation.
All the graphs have the same range - the set of all
real numbers, written in interval notation as
(−∞,∞)
Try:
seatwork:
1. Sketch the graph of y = log2(x)
2. Graph y = log10(x)
3. Draw the graph of y = log4(x)
