General

Mathematics

Representations
of
Logarithmic Functions

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 What I Need to Know

This module focuses on logarithmic functions represented through the table of values,
graphs and its transformation, and equation. Logarithmic function as the inverse of
the exponential function have properties that are somewhat related to exponential
functions. Using the representations of logarithmic functions will give the ideas of how
are these two functions related to each other.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. convert logarithmic equation to exponential equation;
2. represent logarithmic function through its table of values, graph and equation;
and
3. sketch the transformation of the graph of logarithmic function.

4.
What I Know

Before studying this module, take this test to determine what you already know
about the topic covered.
Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate
sheet of paper.

1. The graph of the logarithmic function f(x)=logbx is _________ if b > 1.

a. decreasing b. increasing c. shifted down d. shifted up
2. The graph of the logarithmic function f(x)=logb(x)+d is shifted ______ if d < 0.
a. downward b. left c. right d. upward

3. What is the inverse of the function 𝑥 = 𝑏𝑦?

a. b=logxy b. x=logby c. y=logbx d. y=logxb

4. The graph of the logarithmic function f(x)=logb(x+c) is shifted _______ if c > 0.

a. downward b. left c. right d. upward

5. The graph of the logarithmic function f(x)=a logb(x) is stretches if _______.

a. a>1 b. a<1 c. 0 < a < 1 d. 1 < a < 0

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6. Which of the following is the graph of y = log2x?

a. c.

b. d.
7. The graph of the logarithmic function
f(x)=logbx is _________ if 0 < b < 1.
a. Decreasing b.
increasing c. shifted down d. shifted up

8. What is the inverse of the logarithmic function?

a. Exponential b. linear c. polynomial d. quadratic
9. Which of the following is the inverse of y = log2x?
a. y=x2 b. y=2x c. 2y=x d. x=y2

10. The graph of the logarithmic function f(x)=logb(x)+d is shifted ______ if d > 0.
a. down b. left c. right d. up

11. Which of the following is the graph of ?

2

a. c.

b. d.

12. The graph of the logarithmic function

f(x)=a logb(x) is compresses if _______.
a. a>1 b. a<1 c. 0 < a < 1 d. 1 < a < 0

13. The graph of the logarithmic function f(x)=logb(x+c) is shifted _______ if c< 0.
a. down b. left c. right d. up

14. Which of the following is the graph of y=2logx?

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 a. c.

b. d.

15. Which of the following is the graph of y=log (x-2)?

a. c.

b. d.

Lesson
Representations of
1 Logarithmic Functions
This topic will explore the graphs of the logarithmic function through the table
of values and its transformation. The transformations of the graph of logarithmic
function are either shifting to the left or the right, shifting upward or downward,
stretching, or compressing. Also, it will help you understand other concepts related to
logarithmic functions.

What’s In

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 In representing logarithmic function through the table of values and graph, it
is important to recall your knowledge on how to transform the logarithmic equation to
an exponential equation. In doing so, let us start with the following examples on how
to change from logarithmic equation to exponential equation which will help you as
you go along with this module.

a. log464 = 3
b.
c.

In writing logarithmic equation to exponential function, it can be recalled that

the logarithmic function y=logbx is the inverse of the exponential function y=bX and
you just need to remember that you are answering the question “To what power must
b be raised to obtained the number x?”.
base power(exponent) base power(exponent)
𝑏𝑦 = 𝑥
exponential form
logb x = y means
logarithmic form

Let us now try the examples given above.

a. log4 64 = 3 In this example,
b=4, y=3 and
x = 64

b.

In this example,
1
36 2 = 6
b=36, y= and
x=6

c. In this example,

1
b=2, y= -2 and x =
4

Now that you know how to change the logarithmic equation to an exponential
function, it is now time to have a glimpse of the graph of a logarithmic function by
doing the activity prepared for you.

What’s New

Visualizing the Graphs

Match the function with its graph by writing the letter of your answer on a sheet of
paper. (Note: You may use the available graphing tools online like Desmos,

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Geogebra, etc.)
D
A

____ 1. f(x) = log (x+2)

____ 2. f(x) = log3 x

B E
____ 3. f(x) = log(x-3) + 2

____ 4. f(x) = log 1 𝑥

4

____ 5. f(x) = 2log

____ 6. f(x) = log (x-2) F
C

What is It

In the previous activity, you are going to match the given graphs to their respective
equations or functions and try to identify which are the graphs of a logarithmic
function.

After doing the activity, it is time for you to reflect on the following:

1. Do you find difficulty in determining the graph of a function?

2. What can you say about the graph of a logarithmic function?
3. How about the properties logarithmic function y=logbx?

Graph of a Logarithmic Function

Let us begin with the parent function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏𝑥. Because every logarithmic function
of this form is the inverse of the exponential function with the form 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑏𝑥, their
graphs are reflections of each other across the line y = x, as shown below.

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 For any real number x and constant b > 0, b ≠ 1, we can see the following
characteristics in the graph f(x)=logbx: one-to-one function; vertical asymptote x = 0;
domain: (0, ∞) and range: (-∞, ∞); x-intercept: (1,0) and key point (b, 1), y-intercept:
none; increasing if b > 1 and decreasing if 0 < b < 1

Example 1. Sketch the graph of y = log2x.

Solution:

Step 1: Construct a table of values of ordered pairs for the given function by assigning
values for y then solve for x. A table of values for y=log2x is as follows:

1 1 1
x 1 2 4 8
8 4 2
y -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3

Now let us solve x given y = log2 x where y=-4 from the table.

y = log2x Convert into exponential equation

log2x = -4 → by = x You need to rewrite log2x=y in the
form by=x. Here the base is 2 and the
exponent is -4.
𝑏𝑦 = 𝑥 → 2−4 = 𝑥 Substitute for b, y and x in the
exponential equation, bY=x.

x= Solve for x.
Now continue with the remaining values of y to complete the table.

Step 2. Plot the points found in the table and connect them using a smooth
curve.

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Example 2. Sketch the graph of .
Solution:
Step 1: Construct a table of values of ordered pairs for the given function by assigning
values for y then solve for x. A table of values for is as follows:
2

1 1 1
x 16 8 4 2 1
2 4 8
y -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4

Now let us solve x given where y=-4 from the table.

2

Convert into exponential equation

→ by = x You need to rewrite in the
form by=x. Here the base is ½ and
the exponent is -4.

Substitute for b, y and x in the exponential

equation, bY=x.

x= Solve for x.

Now continue with the remaining values of y to complete the table. Step 2.
Plot the points found in the table and connect them using a smooth
curve.

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Example 3. Sketch the graph of 𝑦 = log4 𝑥.

Solution:

Step 1: Construct a table of values of ordered pairs for the given function by assigning
values for y then solve for x. A table of values for y=log4x is as follows:

1
x 1 4 16
4
y -2 -1 0 1 2

Now let us solve x given y = log4 x where y=-2 from the table.

y = log4x Convert into exponential equation

log4x = -2 → by = x You need to rewrite log4x=y in the
form by=x. Here the base is 4 and the
exponent is -2.
𝑏𝑦 = 𝑥 → 4−2 = 𝑥 Substitute for b, y and x in the
exponential equation, bY=x.

x= Solve for x.

Now continue with the remaining values of y to complete the table.

Step 2. Plot the points found in the table and connect them using a smooth
curve.

Plotting of points for y=log3x Graph of y=log4x

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Example 4. Sketch the graph of .
4

Solution:

Step 1: Construct a table of values of ordered pairs for the given function by assigning
values for y then solve for x. A table of values for is as follows:

1
x 16 4 1
4
y -2 -1 0 1 2

Now let us solve x given where y=-2 from the table.

4

Convert into exponential equation

→ by = x You need to rewrite in the

form by=x. Here the base is and the exponent is -2.

Substitute for b, y and x in the exponential

equation, bY=x.

x= Solve for x.

Now continue with the remaining values of y to complete the table.

Step 2. Plot the points found in the table and connect them using a smooth
curve.

Plotting of points for 𝒚 = 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟏 𝒙 Graph of 𝒚 = 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟏 𝒙

𝟒 𝟒

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 In addition to the graphs of the logarithmic function, let us also take a look at how
the graph of the parent function y=logbx transform either by shifting to the left or
right, shifting up or down, stretches and compresses.

Graphing Transformations of Logarithmic Functions

Transformation of logarithmic graphs behave similarly to those of other parent

functions. We can shift, stretch, and compress the parent function y = logb(x) without
loss of shape.

A. Horizontal Shifts of the Parent Function y = logb (x)

For any constant c, the function f(x) = logb (x+c)
• shifts the parent function y = logb (x) left c units if c > 0.
• shifts the parent function y = logb (x) right c units if c < 0.
• has the vertical asymptote x = - c.
• has domain (-c, ∞).
• has range (-∞, ∞).

Example 1. Sketch the graph of f(x) = log3(x-2) alongside its parent function.

Solution:
Since the function f(x) = log3(x-2), we notice x + (-2) = x – 2.
Thus, c = -2, so c < 0. This means we will shift the function f(x) = log3(x) right 2
units. The vertical asymptote is x = -(-2) or x = 2.
• Consider three key points from the parent function such as ( 1),
(1,0), and (3,1) then add 2 to the x coordinates for the new coordinates (
1), (3,0), and (5,1).

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Graph:

B. Vertical Shifts of the Parent Function y = logb(x)

For any constant d, the function f(x) = logb(x) + d.

• shifts the parent function y = logb(x) up d units if d > 0.
• shifts the parent function y = logb(x) down d units if d < 0.
• has the vertical asymptote x = 0.

Example 2. Sketch the graph of f(x) = log3(x) – 2 alongside its parent function.
Solution:
Since the function is f(x) = log3(x) -2, we will notice d = -2. Thus, d
< 0. This means we will shift the function f(x) = log3(x) down 2 units.
The vertical asymptote is x = 0.
• Consider three key points from the parent function such as 1), (1,0),
and (3,1) then subtract 2 from the y coordinates for the new coordinates
( 3), (1,-2), and (3,-1).

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Graph:

C. Vertical Stretches and Compressions of the Parent Function y=logb(x)

For any constant b > 1, the function f(x) = a logb(x)

• stretches the parent function y = logb(x) vertically by a factor of a if a>1.
• compresses the parent function y = logb(x) vertically by a factor of a if 0
< a < 1.
• has the vertical asymptote x = 0.
• has the x-intercept (1,0).

Example 3. Sketch the graph of f(x) = 2 log4(x) alongside its parent function.

Solution:
Since the function f(x) = 2 log4(x), we will notice a = 2.
This means we will stretch the function f(x) = log4(x) by a factor of 2. The
vertical asymptote is x = 0.
• Consider three key points from the parent function such as ( 1),
(1,0), and (4,1) then multiply the y-coordinate by 2 for the new
coordinates ( 2), (1,0), and (4,2).
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 Graph:

What’s More

Activity 1.1
Match It!

Match the following logarithmic functions to its corresponding graph by drawing a line
to connect them.

1.) f(x) = log (x-1)+2 2.) f(x) = 3.) f(x) = log x2 4.) f(x) = log 5.) f(x) = 3 -
log2x (x+3) ½logx

a.) b.) c.) d.) e.)

Activity 1.2

Let’s be “Pair”

Complete the table of values and find the inverse of the given function. Sketch the
graphs of the function and its inverse on a separate sheet of paper.

X 1 1 1000

1000
y = log x -2 -1 1 2
1.

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 X -1 -2 -4 -8 -16 -32
y= log4(-x)
2.

Activity 1.3

Graph the following using table of values:

1. f(x) = log2 (x+3) 2. f(x) = log3 (x) –
1
3. f(x) = log x` 5. f(x) = log3 (x – 2)
2

4. f(x) = 4log x

What I Have Learned

Fill in the blanks with the correct answer.

• The graph of a logarithmic function has a vertical asymptote at ______.

• The graph of the logarithmic function f(x)=logb(x) is increasing if ______ and
decreasing if _______.
• The graph of the function f(x)=logb (x+c) shifted the parent function f(x)=logb(x)
to the _____ if c > 0 and to the _____ if c < 0.
• The graph of the function f(x)=logb(x) + d shifted the parent function f(x)=logb(x)
upward if _____ and downward if ____.
• The graph of the function f(x)=a logbx _______ the parent function f(x)=logbx if
______ and compresses if ______.

What I Can Do

Answer the problem given below.

Loudness of Sound
The loudness L, in bels (after Alexander Graham Bell), of a sound of intensity I is
defined to be

where Io is the minimum intensity detectable by the human ear (such as the tick of a
watch at 20 ft under quiet conditions). If a sound is 10 times as intense as another,

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its loudness is 1 bel greater than that of the other. If a sound is 100 times as intense
as another, its loudness is 2 bels greater, and so on. The bel is a large unit, so a
subunit, the decibel, is generally used. For L, in decibels, the formula is

Find the loudness, in decibels, of each sound with the given intensity.

SOUND INTENSITY
a. Jet engine at 100 ft. 1014 • Io
b. Loud rock concert 1011.5 • Io
c. Bird calls 104 • Io
d. Normal conversation 106.5 • Io
e. Thunder 1012 • Io
f. Loudest sound possible
1019.4 • Io

Rubrics for rating this activity.

Score Descriptors
20 The situation is correctly modeled with an exponential and logarithmic
function, appropriate mathematical concepts are fully used in the solution
and the correct final answer is obtained.
15 The situation is correctly modeled with an exponential and logarithmic
function, appropriate mathematical concepts are partially used in the
solution and the correct final answer is obtained.
10 The situation is not modeled with an exponential and logarithmic function,
other alternative mathematical concepts are used in the solution and the
correct final answer is obtained.
5 The situation does not model an exponential and logarithmic function, a
solution is presented but has an incorrect final answer.

Assessment

Multiple Choice. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a
separate sheet of paper.

1. The graph of the logarithmic function f(x)=logb(x)+d is shifted upward if

_________.
d=0 b. d < 0 c. d > 0 d. o < d < 1

2. Which of the following is the graph of 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑥 ?

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 A. c.

B. d.

3. The graph of the logarithmic function f(x)=a logb(x) is _________ if 0 < a < 1.
compresses c. shifted to the right
shifted downward d. stretches

4. The graph of the logarithmic function f(x)=logb(x+c) is shifted to the right if

________.
c>0 b. c < 0 c. c = 0 d. 0 < c < 1

5. Which of the following is the graph of y=log (x+2)?

A. c.

B. d.

6. Which of the following is the exponential form of ?

A. b. c. d.
7. The graph of the logarithmic function f(x)=logbx is decreasing if_____.
b<1 b. b = 0 c. 0 < b < 1 d. b > 1

8. The graph of the logarithmic function f(x)=logb(x)+d is shifted downward if

________.
d=0 b. d < 0 c. d > 0 d. o < d < 1

9. The graph of the logarithmic function f(x)=logb(x+c) is shifted to the left if

________.
c>0 b. b. c < 0 c. c = 0 d. 0 < c < 1
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 10. The graph of the logarithmic function f(x)=a logb(x) is _________ if 0 a > 1.
compresses c. shifted to the right
shifted downward d. stretches

11. The graph of the logarithmic function f(x)=logbx is increasing if_____.

b<1 b. b = 0 c. 0 < b < 1 d. b > 1

12. Which of the following is the graph of y=-2logx?

a. c.

b. d.

13. How many units do the graph of the logarithmic function f(x)=log(x+3) is shifted
to the left?
2 b. 3 c. 4 d. 5

14. What is the inverse of y = log3x?

y=x3 b. y=3x c. 3y=x d. x=y3

15. What is the inverse of the exponential function?

logarithmic c. polynomial
linear d. quadratic

Additional Activities

Sketch the graph of the following logarithmic functions. Show your solution, table of
values then describes the graph of the function against the function y=logbx. Write
your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

1. 𝑦 = log2(𝑥 + 5)

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Table of values: Solution: Graph:

Table of values: Solution:

Graph:

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