<< Chapter < Page Chapter >> Page >

Given a logarithmic function with the parent function f ( x ) = log b ( x ) , graph a translation.

If  f ( x ) = log b ( x ) If  f ( x ) = log b ( x )
  1. Draw the vertical asymptote, x = 0.
  1. Draw the vertical asymptote, x = 0.
  1. Plot the x- intercept, ( 1 , 0 ) .
  1. Plot the x- intercept, ( 1 , 0 ) .
  1. Reflect the graph of the parent function f ( x ) = log b ( x ) about the x -axis.
  1. Reflect the graph of the parent function f ( x ) = log b ( x ) about the y -axis.
  1. Draw a smooth curve through the points.
  1. Draw a smooth curve through the points.
  1. State the domain, ( 0 , ) , the range, ( , ) , and the vertical asymptote x = 0.
  1. State the domain, ( , 0 ) , the range, ( , ) , and the vertical asymptote x = 0.

Graphing a reflection of a logarithmic function

Sketch a graph of f ( x ) = log ( x ) alongside its parent function. Include the key points and asymptote on the graph. State the domain, range, and asymptote.

Before graphing f ( x ) = log ( x ) , identify the behavior and key points for the graph.

  • Since b = 10 is greater than one, we know that the parent function is increasing. Since the input value is multiplied by −1 , f is a reflection of the parent graph about the y- axis. Thus, f ( x ) = log ( x ) will be decreasing as x moves from negative infinity to zero, and the right tail of the graph will approach the vertical asymptote x = 0.
  • The x -intercept is ( −1 , 0 ) .
  • We draw and label the asymptote, plot and label the points, and draw a smooth curve through the points.
Graph of two functions. The parent function is y=log(x), with an asymptote at x=0 and labeled points at (1, 0), and (10, 0).The translation function f(x)=log(-x) has an asymptote at x=0 and labeled points at (-1, 0) and (-10, 1).

The domain is ( , 0 ) , the range is ( , ) , and the vertical asymptote is x = 0.

Got questions? Get instant answers now!
Got questions? Get instant answers now!

Graph f ( x ) = log ( x ) . State the domain, range, and asymptote.

Graph of f(x)=-log(-x) with an asymptote at x=0.

The domain is ( , 0 ) , the range is ( , ) , and the vertical asymptote is x = 0.

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

Given a logarithmic equation, use a graphing calculator to approximate solutions.

  1. Press [Y=] . Enter the given logarithm equation or equations as Y 1 = and, if needed, Y 2 = .
  2. Press [GRAPH] to observe the graphs of the curves and use [WINDOW] to find an appropriate view of the graphs, including their point(s) of intersection.
  3. To find the value of x , we compute the point of intersection. Press [2ND] then [CALC] . Select “intersect” and press [ENTER] three times. The point of intersection gives the value of x , for the point(s) of intersection.

Approximating the solution of a logarithmic equation

Solve 4 ln ( x ) + 1 = 2 ln ( x 1 ) graphically. Round to the nearest thousandth.

Press [Y=] and enter 4 ln ( x ) + 1 next to Y 1 =. Then enter 2 ln ( x 1 ) next to Y 2 = . For a window, use the values 0 to 5 for x and –10 to 10 for y . Press [GRAPH] . The graphs should intersect somewhere a little to right of x = 1.

For a better approximation, press [2ND] then [CALC] . Select [5: intersect] and press [ENTER] three times. The x -coordinate of the point of intersection is displayed as 1.3385297. (Your answer may be different if you use a different window or use a different value for Guess? ) So, to the nearest thousandth, x 1.339.

Got questions? Get instant answers now!
Got questions? Get instant answers now!

Solve 5 log ( x + 2 ) = 4 log ( x ) graphically. Round to the nearest thousandth.

x 3.049

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

Summarizing translations of the logarithmic function

Now that we have worked with each type of translation for the logarithmic function, we can summarize each in [link] to arrive at the general equation for translating exponential functions.

Get Jobilize Job Search Mobile App in your pocket Now!

Get it on Google Play Download on the App Store Now




Source:  OpenStax, Precalculus. OpenStax CNX. Jan 19, 2016 Download for free at https://legacy.cnx.org/content/col11667/1.6
Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google Inc.

Notification Switch

Would you like to follow the 'Precalculus' conversation and receive update notifications?

Ask