General Mathematics

Intercepts,
Zeroes,
and
Asymptotes
of
Logarithmic Functions

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 What I Need to Know

This module will help you determine the intercepts and zeroes of logarithmic
functions using the algebraic solution and its asymptotes through its domain which
are essentials in the next chapter. The topics to be discussed in this module will
able you to prepare to solve real-life applications of logarithmic functions. The
language used in this module is appropriate to a diverse communication and
language ability of the learners.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. find the intercepts of logarithmic functions;
2. solve for the zeroes of logarithmic functions; and
3. determine the asymptotes of logarithmic functions.

What I Know

Directions: Choose the letter of the best answer. Write your chosen letter on a
sheet of paper.
1. What is a line that the curve approaches, as it heads toward infinity?
a. asymptote c. intercept
b. domain d. range

2. It is where a function crosses the x or y-axis?

a. asymptote c. intercept
b. domain d. range

3. What is the x-intercept of 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 − 4) ?

a. 4 c. -5
b. -4 d. 5

4. Logarithmic function is not defined for _________ numbers and zero.

a. negative c. real
b. positive d. whole

5. The graph of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 has a vertical asymptote at _______.

a. x =1 c. x = 0
b. x = -1 d. x = 2

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6. What is the inverse of the exponential function?
a. logarithmic c. polynomial
b. linear d. rational

7. What is known as the x-value that makes the function equal to 0?

a. asymptote c. range
b. intercept d. zeroes

8. What is a function of the form 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑏𝑥?

a. exponential c. linear
b. logarithmic d. polynomial

9. It is where the functions cross the x-axis and where the height of the function
is zero.
a. asymptote c. y-intercept
b. x-intercept d. zeroes

10. What is the x-intercept of the function 𝑓(𝑥) =𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑙𝑜𝑔 (2𝑥 + 3) ?
a. (1,0) c. (0, -1)
b. (0,1) d. (-1,0)

11. What are the zeroes of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥2 ?

a. x=0 and x=1 c. x=0 and x=-1
b. x=1 and x=-1 d. x=2 and x=-2

12. The graph of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = (3𝑥 − 2) has a vertical asymptote at _____.
a. c. x=2
b. d. x=3

13. What is the x-intercept of the function 𝑓(𝑥) =𝑙𝑛 𝑙𝑛 (𝑥 − 3) ?

a. (0,4) c. (-4,0)
b. (0,-4) d. (4,0)

14. The graph of the function 𝑓(𝑥) =𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑥 − 2 has a vertical asymptote at
_____.
a. x=1 c. x=-1
b. x=0 d. x=2

15. What is the inverse of 𝑦 = 𝑥 ?

a. 𝑦 = 𝑥2 c. 2𝑦 = 𝑥
b. 𝑦 = 2𝑥 d. 𝑥 = 𝑦2

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 Lesson Intercepts, Zeroes and

1 Asymptotes of Logarithmic
Functions
This topic focuses on how to determine the intercept, zeroes, and asymptote of a logarithmic
function. It is also about the concept of finding the intercept and zeroes of a logarithmic function
applying the transformation of logarithmic function to exponential form and determining the
asymptote of a logarithmic function using the idea of its domain.

What’s In

Let us start our discussion by recalling some important topics that will guide you as you go along
with this module.
It can be remembered that the logarithmic function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 is the inverse of the exponential
function f(x) = bx and since the logarithmic function is the inverse of the exponential function, the
domain of the logarithmic function is the range of exponential function, and vice versa.
In general, the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 where b, x > 0 and b ≠ 1 is a continuous and one-to-one function.
Note that the logarithmic function is not defined for negative numbers or zero. The graph of the
function approaches the y-axis as x tends to ∞, but never touches it. The function rises from -∞ to
∞ as x increases if b > 1 and falls from ∞ to -∞ as x increases if 0 < b < 1.
Therefore, the domain of the logarithmic function 𝑦 = 𝑥 is the set of positive real numbers
and the range is the set of real numbers.

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 What’s New

Decode It: Solve for the zero and asymptote of the given logarithmic
functions. Blacken the circle that corresponds to your answer and
write the letter in the appropriate box to decode the word.

1.) 𝑦 = (𝑥 + 2) 3.) 𝑦 = (𝑥 − 1) 5.) 𝑦 = (2𝑥 − 6)

6.) 𝑦 =
(4𝑥 + 5)

What is It
In order to decode the activity above, you are going to solve the zero
of the function and find its vertical asymptote. Then, you are going to blacken the
circle that corresponds to your answer and from the letters of the word will be revealed
to decode the answer.

After you go through the activity, reflect on the following questions:

1.) How do you find the activity?

2.) Did you decode the answer? What is your answer?
3.) What did you do to find the zero of the given logarithmic function? How about
finding the vertical asymptote?

Since you are now ready to learn the lesson with the idea that you gained from the
previous activity. Let us now start our lesson.
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Intercepts and Zeroes of Logarithmic Functions

An intercept in Mathematics is where a function crosses the x or y-axis. x - intercepts

are where functions cross the x-axis. They are also called roots, solutions, and zeroes
of a function. They are found algebraically by setting y=0 and solving for x. The zero
of a function is the x-value that makes the function equal to 0, that is, 𝑓(𝑥) = 0. In this
section, our discussion will focus only on the x-intercept of a given logarithmic
function.

Example 1. Find the intercept and zeroes of 𝑓(𝑥) =𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑙𝑜𝑔 (2𝑥 + 3) .

To find the intercept, we let y = 0 then solve for x.

𝑓(𝑥) =𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑙𝑜𝑔 (2𝑥 + 3)
0 =𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑙𝑜𝑔 (2𝑥 + 3)
100 = 2𝑥 + 3 change from logarithmic to exponential function
1 = 2x+3 since 100 = 1
2x = 1-3
2x = -2 dividing both sides by 2
x = -1
Therefore, the x-intercept is at (-1,0) and the zero of the function is -1.

Example 2. Find the intercept and zeroes of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥2 .

To find the intercept, we let y = 0 then solve for x.

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥2
0 = 𝑥2
20 = 𝑥2 change from logarithmic to exponential function
1 = x2 since 20 = 1
𝑥 = ±√1
x=±1

Therefore, the x-intercepts are at (1,0) and (-1,0) and the zeroes of the function are 1
and -1.

Example 3. Find the intercept and zeros of 𝑓(𝑥) =𝑙𝑛 𝑙𝑛 (𝑥 − 3)

To find the intercept, we let y = 0 then solve for x.

𝑓(𝑥) =𝑙𝑛 𝑙𝑛 (𝑥 − 3)
0=𝑙𝑛 𝑙𝑛 (𝑥 − 3)
𝑥 − 3 = 𝑒0 change from logarithmic to exponential function
x-3 = 1 since e0 = 1 x=1+3
x=4

Therefore, the x-intercept is at (4,0) and the zero of the function is 4.

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Vertical Asymptote of Logarithmic Function

An asymptote is a line that a curve approaches, as it heads towards infinity. It is a

vertical asymptote when as x approaches some constant value c (either from the left
or from the right) then the curve goes towards ∞ or -∞.
In dealing with the vertical asymptote of a logarithmic function, it is a must to
remember that logarithmic function is not defined for negative numbers or zero, and
the domain of a logarithmic function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 x is a set of positive real numbers. A
logarithmic function will have a vertical asymptote precisely where its argument (i.e.
the quantity inside the parentheses) is equal to zero.

Example 1. Find the vertical asymptote of the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) =𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑥 − 2 .

Since the domain of the logarithmic function is (0, ∞), thus the graph has a vertical
asymptote at x = 0.

Example 2. Find the vertical asymptote of the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = (3𝑥 − 2) .

Set the argument (3x-2) equal to zero then solve for x, that is,
3x – 2 = 0
3x = 2 dividing both sides by 3

Since the logarithmic function is defined for x > , thus, the graph has a
2
vertical asymptote at x = .
3

Example 3. Find the vertical asymptote of the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 3) + 2 .

Set the argument (x+3) equal to zero then solve for x, that is,
x+3=0
x = -3
Since the logarithmic function is defined for x > -3 , thus, the graph has a vertical
asymptote at x = -3.

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 What’s More

Activity 1.1
Match It: Match column A with column B by drawing a line to connect.

Column A Column B
1. 𝑦 = 2𝑥 a. VA: x=-2, int.: (-1,0) zero: -1

2. 𝑦=𝑥−1 b. VA: x=0, int.: (0.125,0) zero: 0.125

3. 𝑦 = (𝑥 + 2) c. VA: x=0, int.: (1,0) zero: 1

4. 𝑦 = (𝑥 − 3) d. VA: x=3, int.: (4,0) zero: 4

5. 𝑦 = (𝑥) − 3 e. VA: x=0, int.: (3,0) zero:3

Activity 1.2

Directions: Unscramble the letters to find the correct answer then write your answers
in the boxes provided before each number.

(tysatomep) 1. A line that the curve approaches but never touches it.

(narge) 2 . A set of all y - values.

( atmlocgrihi) 3. The inverse of exponential function.

(oseerz) 4. The x-
value that makes the function
(ncprteite) 5. It is where a function crosses the x or y- axis
equal to 0.

(oxetlapenni) 7. A function of the form f(x)=bx.

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Activity 1.3

Determine the x-intercepts, zeroes and vertical asymptotes of the following:

1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥
2. 𝑓(𝑥) =𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑙𝑜𝑔 (𝑥) − 3
3. 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 − 2) + 4
4. 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 1) − 2
5. 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 ) + 2

What I Have Learned

Complete the following statement with correct word/s.

1. The logarithmic function ____________ is the inverse of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑏𝑥.

2. An ___________ is where the functions cross the x or y-axis and __________ is where the
curve cross the x-xis.
3. An ___________ is a line that a curve approaches as it approaches___________.
4. The ________ of a function is the x-value that makes the function equal to ___________.
5. A logarithmic function is __________ on negative numbers and________.

What I Can Do

Answer the problem given below.

pH Level In chemistry, the pH of a substance is defined as 𝑝𝐻 = − 𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑙𝑜𝑔 [𝐻+] where

H+ is the hydrogen ion concentration, in moles per liter. Find the pH level of each
substance.

HYDROGEN ION
SUBSTANCE
CONCENTRATION
a.) Pineapple juice 1.6 x 10-4
b.) Hair conditioner 0.0013
c.) Mouthwash 6.3 x 10-7
d.) Eggs 1.6 x 10-8
e.) Tomatoes 6.3 x 10-5

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 All questions are answered correctly using the model given in the
20
problem.
15 4 questions are answered correctly using the model given in the problem.
2-3 questions are answered correctly using the model given in the
10 problem.
0-1 questions are answered correctly using the model given in the
5 problem.
Rubrics for rating this activity:

Assessment

Multiple Choice: Choose the letter of the best answer. Write your answer in your
notebook.

1. Intercept is where a function crosses the __________.

a. x-axis c. y-axis
b. x and y-axis d. y and z-axis

2. Logarithmic function is not defined for negative numbers and ______.

a. one c. two
b. three d. zero
3. What is the x-intercept of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = (3𝑥 − 2) ?
a. x=1 c. x=3
b. x=-1 d. x=2

4. The graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 has a __________________ at x=0.

a. horizontal asymptote c. x-intercept

b. b. vertical asymptote d. y-intercept

5. What is the zero of 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 − 4) ?

a. -4 c. 5
b. 4 d. -5

6. Asymptote is a line that the curve approaches as it approaches _________,

a. curve c. one
b. infinity d. zero

7. What is the inverse of the function y=bx?

a. 𝑦=𝑏 c. 𝑦 = 𝑥
b. 𝑥=𝑏 d. 𝑏 = 𝑥

8. What is the x-intercept of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = (2𝑥 + 5) ?

a. (-2,0) c. (1,0)

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 b. (2,0) d. (-1,0)

9. What is the zero of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 1) ?

a. 2 b. - 1 c.0 d. 1

10. The x-intercept is where the function crosses the x-axis and where the height
of the function is ______.
a. maximum c. one
b. negative d. zero

11. What is the inverse of a logarithmic function?

a. exponential c. polynomial
b. linear d. quadratic

12. What is the intercept of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 2) ?

a. x=2 c. x=-2
b. x=-1 d. x=1

13. What is the zero of the function 𝑓(𝑥) =𝑙𝑛 𝑙𝑛 (𝑥 − 3) ?

a. 4 b. -4 c. 2 d. -2

14. The graph of the function 𝑓(𝑥) =𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑙𝑜𝑔 (2𝑥 − 3) has a vertical asymptote at
_______.
2
a. x=2 c. x =
3

b. x=3 d.

15. What is the intercept of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 6) ?

a. x=5 b. x=-5 c. x=6 d. x=-6

Additional Activities

Determine the intercept, zero and vertical asymptote of the following logarithmic
functions. Write your answer in a sheet of paper.

1. 𝑦 = (𝑥 + 3) 6. 𝑦 = 𝑥 − 2
2. 𝑦=𝑥+1 7. 𝑦 = (𝑥 − 2)
3. 𝑦 = (𝑥 − 1) 8. 𝑦 = 𝑥 + 3
4. 𝑦 = (𝑥 + 1) 9. 𝑦 = 𝑥 − 1
5. 𝑦=𝑥+2 10. 𝑦 = (𝑥 + 2)

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