Objective: I can

Change between logarithmic and exponential equations

Evaluate logarithmic equations
Graph logarithmic functions
Materials: pencil, paper, scientific/graphing calculators, prentice hall book
Standards: CCSS.Math.Content.HSF.LE.A.4
Lesson:
Review:
Whats the general form an exponential equation?
I deposit $120 into a bank account with continuously compounded interest. The annual
interest rate is 5.3%. What will the amount in the account be after 8 years? (What
equation do we use?)
You are working with 100mg of a radioactive material with a half-life of 17 hours. How
much will you have left after 90 hours? (Whats the b in this equation? Why?)
Logarithms
Logarithms are sometimes hard for people to learn about because it seems like a very
abstract idea thats hard to relate to, but just remember that a logarithm is an inverse of an
exponential function. So the output of an exponential function (y) can be plugged into a
logarithm of the same base and the logarithm will spit out the exponent that goes with
that y value.

A little history on the log; John Napier invented the first logarithm, at least he is credited
with it. He also was someone who called the pope the antichrist and used a chicken
covered in black paint to figure out which one of his house servants was a thief. He was a
little weird right?
Anyway lets practice rewriting logarithms as exponentials.
If

y=b x thenlog b y=x

Y is the same in both equations, b is the same in both equations, x is the same in both
equations. So a logarithm is equivalent to the exponent in an exponential function.
Lets try some:
log 2 64=6
This is saying log base 2 of 64 is 6. That means I have to multiply 2 by itself 6 times to
get 64.
64=26

log 4 16=2

16=4

Now lets evaluate some logs.

log 3 81

This is like asking how many times do I have to multiply 3 by itself to get 81? Lets see:
3*3=9*3=27*3=81. Thats 4 3s. So log base 3 of 81 is equal to 4.
Now not all logarithms have bases that work out to have a whole number exponent. Lets try one:
log 8 16

Rewrite as an exponential

16=8x

Now ask yourself, is there a number I can raise to two different exponents that will equal 8 and
16? Is there a common base between 16 and 8? (yes,2)
Rewrite with a common base.

24 = ( 2 3 )

Now rule of exponents says we can multiply the x and the 3.

4

2 =2

3x

Now remember we are looking for an exponent, now that we have the same base, we can rewrite
both sides of our equal sign using just the exponents.
4=3 x

Solve for x.

4
=x
3

This is the log hand way to find exponents. Your calculator can also do it. Hit the MATH button
and go down until you see LOG(BASE). Then plug 8 in the base and 16 in for y. hit ENTER.
You get get 1.3 repeating, which is equal to 1 and a third, or 4/3. We get the same answer either
way.

One last thing before you begin your homework, remember translating absolute value equations
and parabolas and exponentials? We use h and k values. We can do the same thing with logs.
The form looks like this log b ( xh ) + k
Which way do you think h moves you? (horizontally)
Which way does k move? (vertically)
Good. Hold up a 1 if you feel comfortable with logs, hold up a 2 if you are feeling lost. (do more
examples depending on response)
Homework: p. 442 6-25, 37-40
Closure: No official closure, but I check everyones homework for completion and at look for
correctness on certain problems. Homework time in class acts as a sort of closure because I get to
work with student individually on problems.
Differentiation: By including problems for them to try on their own after each section that I
teach, it keeps students engaged for longer. Also showing students how to do it by hand and how
to use the calculator appeals to different types of learners.
Assessment: Formative assessment performed as I move about the room during homework time.
Summative given in the form of a section quiz next week.