Name: Grade Level: Strand:

General Mathematics
Lesson
Introduction to Logarithmic Functions
1
What’s In
Since the previous module is closely related to this module, let’s start this lesson by reviewing exponents. “How
is exponential function related to logarithmic function?” As you go through this module, keep in mind this question.

Activity 1.1: FIND MY PAIR

Directions: Match the exponential expressions in Column A to its corresponding value of x in Column B.
Write the letter that corresponds to your answer in your answer sheet.

What’s New

Direction: Answer the following questions. Write your answers on a separate sheet.
1. What is the main function of the exponents?
2. What have you observed in items 1 to 5 and 6 to 10 in terms of x?
3. How did you answer items 6 to 10? Explain your answer.
What Is It
In Activity 1, items 6 to 10 have missing exponents. Aside from observation, there a mathematical
way to present (rewrite) the expressions through logarithms, the inverse process of exponentiation.

Think of a logarithm of x to the base b and power p. That is, if 𝒃𝒑 = 𝒙 then 𝐥𝐨𝐠𝒃 𝒙 = 𝒑

For example,
(a) 52 = 25 is written as log5 25 = 2.
1 1
(b) 7−2 = is written as log 7 =−2
49 64
 (c) 33 = 27 is written as log3 27 = 8

Common logarithms are logarithms with base 10, the base is usually omitted when writing common
logarithms. This means that 101 = 10 is written as log 10 = 1 and 102 = 100 is written as log 100 = 2 and so on.

Natural logarithms are logarithms with base e (which is approximately 2.71828 as mentioned in the
previous module). This means that log𝑒 𝑥 can be written as ln 𝑥.

Logarithms Real-Life Situations

Your goal in this section is to take a closer look at the real-life applications and problems involving
logarithmic functions.

1. Earthquake Magnitude on a Richter Scale

The magnitude R of an earthquake is given by:
2 E
R= log 4.40
3 10
where E (in joules) is the energy released by the earthquake (the quantity 104.40 is the energy released by a
very small reference earthquake)

Understanding the Ritcher Scale

Magnitude
Description
1.0 – 1.99
Scarcely Perceptible – Perceptible to people under
2.0 – 2.99 favourable circumstances.

3.0 – 3.99 Slightly Felt – Hanging objects swing slightly

4.0– 4.99 Weak – Vibration is felt like one passing of a light truck.
Hanging objects swing moderately.
5.0– 5.99
Moderately Strong – Felt generally by people indoors and
by some people outdoors.
6.0– 6.99
Strong – Strong shaking and rocking felt throughout
building. Hanging objects swing violently.
7.0– 7.99
Very Strong – Some people lose their balance. Heavy
objects or furniture move or mat be shifted.
8.0– 8.99 Destructive – People find it difficult to stand in upper
floors. Some cracks may appear. Limited liquefaction,
lateral spreading and landslides are observed. Trees are
9.0– 9.99 shaken strongly.
Very Destructive – Many well-built buildings are considerably
damaged. Liquefaction and lateral spreading cause man-
10.0 and above made structure to sink, tilt or topple. Fissures and faults
rapture may be observed.
Devastating – Most buildings are totally damaged. Bridges
and elevated concrete structures are toppled or destroyed.
Landslides and liquefaction with lateral spreading and sand
boil are widespread.
Completely Devastating – Practically all man-made structures
are destroyed. Massive landslides and liquefaction, large
scale subsidence and uplifting of land forms and many ground
fissures are observed. Changes in river courses occur.
 Example:
Suppose that an earthquake released approximately 1012 joules of energy. (a) What is its magnitude? (b)
How much more energy does this earthquake release than by the reference earthquake?
Solution:
2 E
(a) R= log 4.40
3 10
2 1012
R= log 4.40
3 10
𝑹 ≈ 𝟓. 𝟏
Magnitude 5 is described as STRONG
(b)
1012
4.4
= 107.6
10

The earthquake released 39810717 times more energy than the reference earthquake.

2. Sound Intensity
In acoustics, the decibel (dB) level of a sound is
I
𝑫 = 10 log 10−12

where I is the sound intensity in watts/𝑚2 (the quantity 10−12 watts/𝑚2 is the least audible sound a
human can hear.
Understanding Sound Intensity

Magnitude Description Examples

Under 60 dB Comfortable hearing levels Normal breathing, whisper, quiet office,

normal conversation
60-85 dB Intrusive and Interferes with Vacuum cleaners, washing machine,
conversation average city traffic, television

85 dB Haring damage begins (unprotected Lawnmower, food blender, recreational

exposure for 8 hours) Activities
90-100 dB Motorcycle, newspaper press, garbage
No more than 15 minutes of
unprotected exposure recommended truck
Over 100 dB
Regular exposure of more than one Jet flyover (1000 ft.), jackhammer,
minutes risks permanent damage chainsaw, orchestra, stereos, boom box

125 dB and Threshold of pain begins Rock concerts, jet take off (100-
above 200 ft.), shotgun firing jet engines (near)

Example:
The decibel level of sound in an office is 10−6 watts/𝑚2. (a) What is the corresponding sound intensity in
decibels? (b) How much more intense is this sound than the least audible sound a human can hear?
I 10−6
D = −12 D = −12 =60 dB 60-85 dB is described as Intrusive.
10 10
Examples are vacuum cleaner, washing machine, average city traffic and television.
 b.

10−6
= 106 ≈ 𝟏𝟎𝟎, 𝟎𝟎𝟎

10−12
The sound is 100, 000 times more intense than the least audible sound a human can hear.

What I Can Do

Activity 1.2: REWRITE ME!

Directions: Write the letter that corresponds to your answer in your answer sheet (2 pts each)

A. Rewrite the following exponential B. Rewrite the following logarithmic

expressions to logarithmic expressions. expressions to exponential expressions.

1. 53 = 25 1. log 1000 = 3
1
2. 92 = 3 2. log 16 = 2
4

3. 4 = log2 16
3. 2−2 = 1 4
4. ln 20 ≈ 3
4. 10 = 100,000
5

5. log4 64 = 3
5. 𝑒 ≈ 54.598
4

Activity 1.3:

1. Direction: Answer the following questions. If yes, given an example of an answer. If no, explain why
not. (2 pts each)

• Is it possible for the base of a logarithm to equal a negative number?

• Is it possible for the base of a logarithm to equal zero?
• Does log𝑥 0 have an answer?
• Does log𝑥 1 have an answer?
• Does log𝑥 𝑥5 have an answer?

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

2. Direction: Answer the following problems.(5 pts each)

• An earthquake in Albay released approximately 1018 joules of energy. (a) What is its
magnitude? (b) How much more energy does this earthquake release than by the reference
earthquake?
 Lesson
Logarithmic Functions, Equations & Inequalities
2
Activity 2.1: WHICH IS WHICH?
Directions: In your answer sheet, identify if the given is a function, equation or inequality by writing F
for function, E for equation and I for inequality.

1. 𝑦 = 𝑥2 + 1 6. log2 𝑥 ≤ 5
2. 2𝑥 − 10 > 𝑥 + 3 7. ln 𝑥 = 𝑦
3. 𝑥2 + 𝑦2 = 1 8. 5 + log3 9 = 7
4. 3𝑥 − 4 = 𝑥 + 10 9. log𝑒 𝑥 + 1 = 2
5. 5𝑥4 + 3 = 5 − 𝑥10 10. 𝑦 = 2 log4 𝑥

What Is It
Direction: Answer the following questions. Write your answers on a separate sheet.
• How were you able to identify which given is a function? An equation? An inequality?
• What indicators or symbols have you noticed that helped you in your identification in number
1?
• What difficulties have you encountered in doing this Activity?

In the previous Activity, you have encountered familiar mathematical terms namely function, equation
and inequality. Now let us define these terms with logarithms.

Logarithmic Function Logarithmic Equation Logarithmic Inequality

Definition A function involving An equation involving An inequality
logarithms logarithms involving logarithms

What’s More
Activity 2.2: CLASSIFY ME!
Direction: Group the given by writing them under their corresponding columns: logarithmic
functions, equations or inequalities. (1 pt each)

log9 1 = log9(1 − 4𝑥) 𝑙𝑜𝑔(3𝑥 − 2) ≤ 2 −ln(1 − 2x) + 1 = g(x)

𝑦 = log𝑥 3 + 5 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑥 + 𝑙𝑜𝑔(𝑥 − 3) = 1 𝑙𝑜𝑔 32 > 5
𝑙𝑜𝑔9 𝑦 + 5 < 20 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑙𝑜𝑔 − 𝑥 12 = log(𝑥 + 1) + 7
log4 16 = 2 log𝑥 2𝑥 ≤ log𝑥 3𝑥 + 1 𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑥 − 5 = 10
25 > log2 4 𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑥 = 𝑟(𝑥) ℎ(𝑥) = log5 3 + 𝑥
What I Can Do
Activity 2.3: LOGARITHMS CONCEPT MAP
Directions: In your answer sheet, create a concept map of the types of logarithms. This concept map
should show the definition of each type along with 5 examples of each.

LOGARITHMS

FUNCTIONS EQUATIONS INEQUALITIES

Definition: Definition: Definition:

Examples: Examples: Examples:

Lesson
The Logarithmic Equation & Inequality
3

Activity 3.2: THE SECRET MESSAGE

Directions: Decode the secret message by solving for the value of x in each given below. Write the
corresponding letter of the computed value of x inside to the boxes to reveal the secret
message.
 The secret message:

1
3 16 4 81 2 1,000 20.09 32 48
9

What Is It
1. SOLVING LOGARITHMIC EQUATIONS
Recall that a logarithm of x to the base b and power p written as 𝐥𝐨𝐠𝒃 𝒙 = 𝒑 is an inverse of the exponential
function 𝒃𝒑 = 𝒙 or 𝒙 = 𝒃𝒑. To solve for any logarithmic equation, start with rewriting logarithmic form to
exponential form.
Examples:
(By Rewriting to Exponential Form)
1. log4 𝑥 = 2
If log4 𝑥 = 2 then, 𝑥 = 42
x = 16
1
2. log9 x =
2
1 1
If log9 x = then, x = 92
2
x=√9
x=3
y
3. log2 =4
3
y y
If log2 = 4 then, = 24
3 3
y
= 16
3
y = 16 * 3
Y = 48
4. log (2x + 1) = 2
If log (2x + 1) = 2 then, 2x + 1 = 102
2x + 1 = 100
2x = 100 - 1
2x = 99
99
x=
2

(By Using One-to-One Property)

One-to-One Property of Logarithmic Function
For any logarithmic function 𝑓(𝑥) = log𝑏 𝑥, if 𝐥𝐨𝐠𝒃 𝒖 = 𝐥𝐨𝐠𝒃 𝒗 then 𝒖 = 𝒗

5. log4(2x) = log4 10
 If log4(2x) = log4 10 then, 2x = 10

x = 10
2

x=5
6. loge(3x + 1) = loge(10)
If loge(3x + 1) = loge(10) then, 3x + 1 = 10
3x = 10 − 1
3x = 9
x=3
7. log (4x − 3) = log (2x + 5)
If log (4x − 3) = log (2x + 5) then, 4x − 3 = 2x + 5
4x − 2x = 5 + 3
2x = 8
8
x=
2

x=4
(By Using the Laws of Logarithms)
Laws of Logarithmic Equations

8. log x + log(x − 3) = 1
If log x + log(x − 3) = 1 then, log (x)(x − 3) = 1
log (x)(x − 3) = 1 log (x2 − 3𝑥) = 1
x2 − 3𝑥 = 101 x2 − 3𝑥 − 10 = 0
(𝑥 − 5)(𝑥 + 2) = 0

𝒙 = −𝟐, 𝟓

9. log3(x + 25) − log3(x − 1) = 3

(𝑥−1)
If log
(x + 25) = 3
(𝑥−1)
(x + 25) − log
3
(x + 25) = 33
(x − 1) = 3 then, log3
3 (𝑥−1)

(x + 25) = 27
 x + 25 = 27𝑥 − 27
x − 27x = −27 − 25
−26x = −52
x=2
10. 2logx = log 2 + log(3x − 4)
If 2logx = log 2 + log(3x − 4)then, log x 2 = log (2) (3x − 4)
x 2 = (2) (3x − 4)
x 2 = 6x − 8
x 2 − 6x + 8 = 0
(𝑥 − 4)(𝑥 − 2) = 0
x = 2,4
What’s More
Exercises on Logarithmic Equation
Direction: In your answer sheet, provide the solution and the answer to the following logarithmic equations.
1. log2 𝑥 = 5
2. log3(𝑥2 + 2) = 3
3. log7(3𝑥) = log7(5𝑥 − 8)
4. log2(4𝑥) − log2(𝑥 − 5) = log2 8
5. log(𝑥2 − 2) + 2 log 6 = log 6𝑥

2. SOLVING LOGARITHMIC INEQUALITIES

The second half of this lesson is all about logarithmic inequalities. But before jumping into
solving logarithmic inequalities, let us first have this Activity.

The direction of the inequality is based on whether the base b is greater than 1 or lesser than 1. So, given the
logarithmic expression log𝑏 𝑥;
● If 𝟎 < 𝒃 < 𝟏, then 𝑥1 < 𝑥2 if and only if log𝑏 𝑥1 > log𝑏 𝑥2
● If 𝒃 > 𝟏, then 𝑥1 < 𝑥2 if and only if log𝑏 𝑥1 < log𝑏 𝑥2

Simply means that if the base b is greater than 1, we will retain the inequality symbol of the given. Otherwise, we
will use the opposite symbol.
Examples:
1. log5(3𝑥 − 1) ≤ 1
Since 𝑏 > 1, then log5(3𝑥 − 1) ≤ 1 Retain the symbol
3𝑥 − 1 ≤ 51 Rewrite into exponential form
3𝑥 ≤ 5 + 1
3𝑥 ≤ 6
𝒙≤𝟐
Hence, the solution is, [2, +∞)
2. log3(2𝑥 − 1) > log3(𝑥 + 2)
Since 𝑏 > 1, then log3(2𝑥 − 1) > log3(𝑥 + 2) Retain the symbol
2𝑥 − 1 > 𝑥 + 2 One to One Property
2𝑥 − 𝑥 > 2 + 1
x>3
Hence, the solution is, (3, +∞)
 3. log1(2x + 3) > log1(3x)
2 2
Since 0 < 𝑏 < 1, then log1(2x + 3) < log1(3x) Change the symbol
2 2
2x + 3 < 3x One to One Property
2x − 3x < −3
−x < −3
x<3
Hence, the solution is, (0, 3) since all logarithms must be positive.

What’s More
Exercises on Logarithmic Inequality
Direction: In your answer sheet, provide the solution and the answer to the following logarithmic inequalities.

1. log4 𝑥 < 3
2. log0.5(4𝑥 + 1) < log0.5(1 − 4𝑥)
3. log3(1 − 𝑥) ≥ log3(𝑥 + 16 − 𝑥2)

What I Can Do
Activity 3.4: LOGARITHMIC EQUATION AND INEQUALITY MAZE

Description: This Activity will enable you to independently solve logarithmic equations.

Directions: Finish the maze by solving the first logarithmic problem and then taking the path where its
answer is written. Do this until you reach the ending point