Graphing Overview

Graphing Families Overview

Logarithmic Functions

Prior to Algebra II, logarithmic functions have not been presented. An overview is presented here. This content will be fully developed in a later unit. When given an exponential function, such asLogarithmic1-1, it can be rewritten in logarithmic form as Logarithmic1-2.

Logarithmic functions are in the form: Logarithmic1-3; Logarithmic1-4. The graph of a logarithmic function will turn from a steep increase to an extremely slow gradual rise.

See the table and graph of a basic logarithmic function below.


Logarithmic1-6

log_table
Logarithmic1-6


Here are some situations that can be modeled by logarithmic functions:
  • Richter scale for earthquakes (magnitude vs. energy).
  • Measurement of sound (decibels vs. intensity).
  • Cram studying (amount forgotten vs. time).