13/INDICES AND LOGARITHMS 281

CHAPTER 13

16

"

12

Indices and
Logarithms

Fig. 13-1

This chapter may be studied in conjunction with Chapter .18.

Let us assume that a biological organism reproduces by dividing every hour. The
following table shows the population of organisms (y) after x h, assuming that all
organisms are still alive.
Number of hours

Population

16

Original population y =
After 1 h,
y = 2 x (1) = 2
After 2 h,
y = 2 x (2) = 22
After 3 h,
y = 2 X (22) = 23
After 4 h,
y = 2 X (23) = 24, and so on.
Hence y defines a function whose rule is y = 2x. This is an example of an index
(exponential) function.
Comparing the form of this function with a typical quadratic function, we note the
following:
Function
Quadratic
Index (exponential)

Rule

Base

Index

X2

x
2

2
x

2x

We must ensure that the index laws (first derived for natural number indices) are
conserved for each new extension of the meaning of aX. We start by reviewing the
properties of ax for x a natural number.
The symbol, an, n EN denotes the product of n factors each of which is a; i.e.
an = a x a x a x ... to n factors.
The letter n is called an index or an exponent or apower. We say that 'a is raised to the nth
power' or that 'n is the index or exponent of a' because n indicates the power to which
base a is raised.

13.1 Index laws _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

You are familiar with the following index laws:
1. am x an = am+ n

2. -am = am - n
an
3. (am)n = amn
4. (ab)n = an.bn
We now consider the proof of these laws, but only in the case where m and n are natural
numbers and a and b are real numbers.

am x an

1.

... to m factors) x (a.a.a ... to n factors)

= a.a.a ... to (m + n) factors

= am + n
e.g., a3 x a2

In the function given by y = X2, the index, 2, is fixed, and the variable base, x, takes all
values in the domain.
In the function given by y = 2x, the base, 2, is fixed, and the index, x, varies. In the
preceding example, x takes positive integer values. (See fig. 13-1).
Just as algebra of polynomials is needed to manipulate polynomial functions, so
algebra of indices is needed to manipulate index (exponential) functions.
In elementary work, an is defined as
an = a x a x a x a x ... to n factors, where.n is a natural number.
This definition will not do for other kinds of indices, e.g.:~ll2, for it makes no sense to talk
about a multiplied by itself half a time. We must review"the meaning of aX as x takes
values successively in the integers, J, the rationals, Q, and the reals, R.

= (a.a.a.a
=
=
=

a.a.a x a.a

a3 + 2
as

2. The proof of this law will be left until we consider negative exponents.

(am)n = am. am. am ... to n factors

= (a.a.a ... to m factors) ... n times
= a.a.a ... to mn factors

3.

=
e.g.,

(a 3)2

a mn

= a 3 a3

= a.a.a x a.a.a
= a6

13/INDICES AND LOGARITHMS 283

282 NEW SENIOR MATHS: TWO UNIT COURSE

4.

e.g.,

(ab)n = ab.ab.ab ... to n factors

= (a. a. a ... to n factors) x (b. b. b ... to n factors)
= an. b n
63 = (2. 3)l = 23.3 3

13.2 Zero and negative indices _ _ _ _ _ _ __

"

(d)

12-2

aO

provided a*'O

= an

an

We define the symbol a O to be equal to 1 and give no meaning to 0.

lf
am X an = am+ n
for m = -n,
a-n x an = an - n
then

Thus

We define the symbol a-n to be equal to

(a

X-I

*' 0)

Proof'

=a

X-I

=! +
X

=! _x =

+1

+X
X

1 - X2
X

x _x_

1+ x

x
1 - X2
1 +x
'
1 _ x2' x*,O

X-I - X

J....
an

fll -

1 +x
(1 - x)(l + x)
1
=1_x'x*,-1

= am.a- n
=

We can now give a simple proof for the second index law:
am
-an
-am
an

1 _
1
_
1
_
- 122 - (22.3)2 - 24.32

1 expressmg
. t he answer WIt
. h posItIve
.. m
. d'Ices.
l'f
SImp
I y X-I
X-I +
_ X'

X-I _ X

= -an1

(2 x 3)l = 23.3 3

EXAMPLE 2

=1
a-n

63

_ ~ _ _1
__ ~
- 93 , - (3 2)3 - 36
3-2 X 63 X 12-2
1 X 23.33 X 1 X 36 X 2
32
24.3 9
24.3 4
= 3l

= aO

and so

~;

9-3

We now extend the definition of an to allow n to be zero or a negative integer. We define

aO and a-n to permit us to extend the first index law established for n E N.
If
am x an = am + n
for m = 0,
then
aO x an = an
and so

3-2 =

am - n
EXERCISES 13(a)

e.g.,

1. Simplify the following:

(a) X2 .Xl .X3
(c) (P2q)4 X (q2p)l
(e) (2X2)l x (4X1)2

(b) 21 x 42 X 82
(d) a 1b-2 x (a 2b 2)4
(f) m 2p3 x (m1n2)3

(P-IF

2. Simplify the following:

EXAMPLE 1
Simplify the following, expressing them with positive indices:
(a) 4-2

(b)

Gt

(c)

(b) 2n

22n X 23n

(2m2n)1
(d) (mn1)2 x (4m2)2
( f) (a 2b)2. (ab)4
(a 2b)1

(c) 8-3

(a)
(b)

(a) (X2y1)4 X (xy)-2

xy
(c) (ab2)l x (a 2b)2
(a 2b 2)2
5xly2 x 3(xy1)2
(e)
15x-2y

4-2

ur
2

= 42 =

1
(22)2

= 12-1 = 23

8-3 =

83 =

1
(23)1

3. Simplify the following:

24

,..

= 29

(-2xy)2 X 2(X2y-1)1
8(xyt3
ab 2 x (a 2b- I)2
(c)
(a-2bt l
x 2YZ-2 x 2(X2y- lz)2
(e)
xyz
(a)

"
~

.'

(b) m2n2p-2

(mnp2t3

p2q3r1
(d) p1q-lr
(f) 23. (2n)2 . 2-n

284 NEW SENIOR MATHS: TWO UNIT COURSE

13/INDICES AND LOGARITHMS 285

13.3 Rational indices _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

4. Simplify the following, expressing them with positive indices:

(a)

X2 .Xl .X4
x5
2n.2n-l

(b) ap+q . aP- q

(c) --2l -

3-2x- 1
(d) 3-l X-2

(e) 2n. 4n. 8 n

a 2b l c-4
(f) a4b- I c-5

xm+n.y3m-n

(g)

(h)

x-n.ylm

The symbol a llq , where q is a positive integer and a

of a. That is,

I a llq =

et
Xy2
4x4y

5. Write down each of the following as a negative power of 2:

1
1
1
1
1
(a) 4
(b) 16
(c) 32
(d) 0125
(e) 64
(f) 128
(g) 0'25
6. Write down each of the following as a power of 10:
(a) 100
(b) 10
(c) 1
(d) 01
(f) 0001

(g)

Idoo

7. Write down the value of:

(a) 92 x 3-4
(d) a- 5 x a-l x a O x a 6

(h) 0'0001

(i)

(h) 8-l

(e) 001

100~000

2n.4n+1

3l

(f)

v-s

+ X- I )3
X2 + 8x- 1
1 + 2x- 1

(d) (x-2

-----g;;=2
x - 5 + 6x- 1
(e)
1 - 2x- 1

Ia

Plq = ({fal

9. Simplify the following, expressing them with positive indices:

(a)

4-2

6l X

84 X

i.

4112 = V4 = the positive square root of 4 = 2

27 113 =
= the cube root of 27 = 3
In order to avoid difficulties at this stage and to confine the treatment to the field of
real numbers, we will consider a as a positive real number only. If a is negative and q an
even integer, a llq does not exist in the field of real numbers. For example, (-4)112 = ...r-4
and (-81)114 = ~ do not exist.
However, if a is negative and q an odd integer, a llq does exist. For example,
(-8)113 =
= -2.
The symbol aplq , where p and q are positive integers and a > 0, is defined as the pth
power of a llq . That is,

8. Simplify the following, expressing them with positive indices:

32n X 25 2n - 1
(b) (x- I + yl)(X- 1 - yl)
(a)
15 n - 1
(c)

~ or a l/3 is called the cube root of a or a raised to the power of

:.ra or ails is called the fifth root of a or a raised to the power Of}.

(c) 8-l X 27
X

{fa \

We agree that {fa, q = 2, 3,4, 5, ... , shall mean that number which, when multiplied by
itself q times, gives a. That is
{fax {fa x {fa ... to q factors = a ..
For example, ~ =
means W x W = a i.e. a l12 x a l12 = a.
~ means ~ X ~ X ~ = a i.e. a l/3 x a l/l x a l/l = a.
W or a llz is called the positive square root of a.

e.g.,

(b) 2 x 5
(e) 6-l x 25

> 0, is defined as the positive qth root

12-2

= (~)Z = 22 = 4
Furthermore, we define a-plq as ~I
aP q .

e.g.,

I5 n+ 1 x 25 X 53n - 4
(b)
9 n I X 25n 2
(c) (-4>-Z x (-2)3

82/l

10. Show that, for any positive integer n,

(-1)n = 1 when n is even, and
(-I)n = -1 when n is odd.

11. Find the value of x that makes each of the following true:
(a) 2x = 8
(b) 3x - 1 = 27
(c) x 3
2x - 3
(f) 4x
(d) x-z = 81
(e) 4 1 - x = 1
(g) 9-<

= 27

(h) 3x

(j) 3x

=!

(k) 2-X

+ 5. 3x = 54
1

= 64

(i)

3.5 x - 1
5-< + 2

(I) 5x

e.g.,

= -125
= 32

4-512

_1_
4 512

1
(V4)5

= 32

Earlier we proved these index laws:

=2

= _1_
125

12. Expand and simplify the following, expressing the re.&,ults with positive indices:
(a) (a- I + b)(a- ' - b)
(b) (x- I + y)(x + yl)'
(c) (x-2 + y2)(X-2 - y2)
a-I + b- I
yl + y
(d) (a 2 - 2b- I )(a-Z - b)
(e)
a + b
(f) 1 + y2

am X an = a m+n
(am)" = am"
(ab)n = an. b"

and
for positive integers m and n.
It is possible to prove these laws when the indices are rational, but we shall omit such
proofs and assume that the laws are true. That is, if p, q, u and v are integers, then
aPlq x a ulv = aPlq +ulv
(aPlq)UIV = aPulqv
(ab )Plq = aplq . bPlq

13/INDICES AND LOGARITHMS 287

286 NEW SENIOR MATHS: TWO UNIT COURSE

EXAMPLE 3
Simplify (a) 32215 (b) 125-213 (c) X512 . X- 314
(a) 32215

(2 5)215

9,\ -112
(d) ( 49)

= 22 = 4

or

32 215

(m)2

(c) X 512 . X- 3/4 = X5/2-3/4 = X7/4

8213 X 9-312
or 82/3 x 9-312

312

(W)2 x (.J9t 3

= 22 X 3-3 = ~
27

= 22

3-3 = ~
27

EXAMPLE 4
1/4 X -v'TO x

lf
S Imp
I y (a ) 5
203/4
5 114 X

(a)

Y2

5-2 =

1.25

(b)

203/4

(5 3)112

= 5312

or 22x -

(c) (XII2 _ X-I12)2

5 114 x (2

5)112 x 2114
(22 X 5)3/4
5 114 X 21/2 X 5 112 X 2114
23/2 X 53/4
53/4 X 2 3/4
2 312 X 53/4
X

1.=0
16
= 1.= 1.= 2-4
16
24

3X = 1 = 30

22x

x=O

2x = -4
x = -2

EXERCISES 13(b)
1. Evaluate the following:
(a) 64 213

(b) 49- 112

(d) (

(e) 2213 X 4 116

}t

(1 )-312

3n-~I:_~n+1

-v'TO x Y2

(ii)

Le.

= (23)2/3 X (3 2t

125 112

2
3
X=4

= 22 = 4

= (mS)-2 =

2x =

(e) 8213 x 9-312

or 125-213

(e)

52x

(i)

(g)

'-16

0)

v'6f

(c) (9 3)112
(f) (1;5

(h) 243-215

(k)

Ys

l3

(i)

mxm

(c)

lfti..m

2. Express each of the following in simplest indicial form:

(a) ~

(d)

~ WI

(b)

W2

(e)

a2 x
a2l3 x ~

;;a

(f) ~

(h) fX 3y2

(i) 8-213 X 43/2

::JX2y 3
(k) 163/4 x 4- 112
3 n- 2 x (3 2)n+ I
(3 4 )n-1
3 n- 2 x 32n +2
34n - 4
33n
34n - 4

(b)

= 34-n

(XII2 - x- I12 )2

(c)

or _1_
3n - 4

= (XII2)2 - 2x l12x- l12 + (rll2)2

= Xl - 2xo + r l

=x-2+.!.
x

3. Simplify the following, expressing the results with positive indices:

(c) (XII2)2 - (X-2)112

(d) (X Il3 )2 x (X- ly3)-1 X X-5/3y2

(f) (XII2 + Y 112)2
(h) a 3/4 x a 5/4 x a-2

(e) (XII2 + yll2)(XII2 _ y1l2)

(g) (9X2)3/2 x (8x 3t 2l3

(i) 52x

125 112

II3

(a) ~x2y3 x y-112

-

(c)

$'iY

.JXi3

54 114
(e) 63/4 x 12-112

3x X 9yl12
(9xy)1/2

y-5"x3y

(ii) (3 x - 1)(22x - 116 )

=0

4. Simplify the following:

3
5. Simplify x-. .JXi3
= and evaluate for x =

Solve the equations

(b~2}12

(b) (a- l

(g)

EXAMPLE 5

b)2

(a) X2l3. X3/2

(b) (y2l3)l/4
(d)

.Ja

3b 2

(y1/5t 5/3

x lfajj

(f) (8X 6)1/3 x (2xt3

(h)

.fi., y

(xm+l)n X xm+n
(xm)n+ I X x2n
=

.;6.

6. If (3xn)3 x (3x)n-6 = ax2, find the value of nand a.

1.3I!ND[CES A.ND

288 NEW smnOR M.ATHS: TWO UNIT COURSE

For x 1~1rge negatl~/e~ aX is's~naH
For HE values of eX > (10
For aU valut:;:s of x <:
When x = 0,
For aU value~ of x ::>

70 Evaluate the fullm'Ving:

(c) /}81 1/2

(e)

LOGA}~rr:HMS

4- 112

It Simplify the following, expressing the r~su.hs v'Iith positive indices:

(by
(11) (a 2b- I )2 + (r ' b 2 )2
v
(,:I)
(0;) (XI/3 + yl/3)(Xl/3 - )l1!l)
"
9. Simplify the foHowing:

+ 2ab + b2)i!2
when a = 4 B.nd b
(d) a-I/J v (a 4)1/3
(b) (a 2

(0::) (X2 -

2x -1- 1)-112 when x

"!

"'

Ut SimpEfy th"O foHowing:

5,,-1

25 - - - - (b) - - -52n+
1
2n

6~n

(;:I) ~lg"
22n

(e)

4"---

an - l
(f)
an - 3

4n+ 1
22,,+2

32n

f;ig. 13-3: Chaph

b3

b2

If 0 < (I < 1) aX decreases as

(fig, 13~3)"

1L Simplify the following:

{l112

(lJ) 10- 1 X 100'5

(0)

1000

x for 'vvhich
'\
,,)/

ax - 3 = 1

(d)

2x "lr Sy

(f)

5x

t~-

13, SOlve the following for x:

(il) 5" = 125
1
(e)

(e) (3-' -- 9)(5' - 1)

{b) Hi'
({!)

(f)

(2x
32x+ 1

pO:iit;ve~ aX

is .:fl1aH hut

on:l.ered pairs such that 110 two of the ordered pairs have the same first ek,nenL HoweveL
several ordered
eauid hdve the S~~.fne secone.! dernenL 1.f ;1 function j' j,s such that n~
tV!O pairs have the f:;an1e second elefnent~ theE) there exi~;ts a functionj--l eaJled the inverse
function oCr. The inverse fU:flct~O;J. ,l~l i:: 11 s'~t of ordered pairs ohta1ned by interch.l3J.1g1ng
the first and second elern.eats in tach ordered paico
l-\ function th~t ha'3 9.n 1D.\l~fSe 13 onert. called a one to one function.
"An c};:ponential fUDctiQn ha.s the pro-peri:y thEt no t;vo ordered pairs haVi,; t.he sanAe
second elerl1ent 1 and hence has ,til an.v,;;rse t.:alled the !ogaritlunicjtu~cti()n, v/hieh is a set of
ordered
obta.ined by int~rchaDging the first and sreco:tld eh~B.1Jt'nt::; h1 n.::&ch ordered

.- 2,-3

125
12S

1)

large

if) for ~xaillple~ a

j(x) = a-X ~ {} ::> 1,
A.l1 exponential function has ::!.uother "veLY !D.lportant propert.y. l\. fu:nctioD. is a set of

]112

i:ncre.8.seS. F:'or

The funcdon f{x) = aX, is I;aHed an eJ!.mmelltll?i 11.<Y.,nUl" where the base a is a
real number oi:ner than 1.
Its dOfnain is the s,et of real n!2111bers, and Hs i'ElDge the set of
Each ordered
is of the form (x,
Some
are
(1 ~ 1)9 (2, ((2), eic.
If :> 1~ aX increase~ as x nn/;rc:::ases.

a-'-" faRY be \vriUen (~~s x

By inten.:h.anging, x and J?, \:v~ get y =
Thus the exponeulial function ..l(x) = a-\ has the logarithn1ic function 1 ~ or g \vbere
g(x) =
for its invcTsc.
The domain of the logarithro.ic function is R":' (the range of J) and.
rgng(; is R (the
dOlnain
It is a1;;o an increa~ing and a one t(~ one flLfl.ction. If we dra~v both graphs
ihe sa:nJ.c axes {fig. IJ4)~ Vie ,see that ihe resulting figure is syrtlluctrica1 about the broken
line v!ith
= )L This is a ~haractc~ristic property of the graph nY any function
its inver.se,
graph of the ,exponential function \-vith 'equation
= 2 x , ~:vn:lC typica]
1)~ (1,2))
4) and
3). l.\Jso COIJ3ider 'I:he graph of the er,,','''''''''''"''
ing
fUD.CtiOIJ vvith
x~ SOI.ne
ordered.
of 'which art
(1,0), (2, 1), (4, 2) and (8, 3), What do you ObSefW'?

.r-

13/INDICES AND LOGARITHMS 291

290 NEW SENIOR MATHS: TWO UNIT COURSE

,-

aX = y

logaY = x

Thus we see that a logarithm is an index or exponent.

Definition: The logarithm of a number n is the index x of the power to which a base a
must be raised in order to equal the given number.

EXAMPLE 6
Without the aid of tables, evaluate the following:
(a) log2 16
(b) log5 125
Fig. 13-4

Fig. 13-5

Note: Since y = 2x has been defined for x a rational number, we can plot points on the
graph for all rational values of X. Since a continuous curve can be drawn through these
points, it is reasonable to assume that 2x can be defined for all x i.e., values of 2x for which
x is an irrational number can be defined.
To obtain a meaning for a number like 2-13, we can use our known rational approximations to .J3. Then we have
17 < .J3 < 1'8, and so 2 1-7 < 2-13 < 2 1' S,
173 < .J3 < 1'74 and so 2 1-73 < 2.Jf < 21-74, and so on.
Hence 2-13 can be defined to any desired degree of approximation.
The functionf- I , which is the inverse to the exponential function given by 2x , is called
the logarithmic function (or logarithm function) to base 2, and is derived as follows. We
present a comparison between the one~one function given by f(x) = x 3 , and the derivation
of the corresponding inverse function.
x 3 is defined by
f(x) = 2X is defined by
y = 2x,
y = x3,
SOf-1 is defined by
so f-I is defined by
x = 2Y
x = y3
(interchanging x and y).
(illterchanging x and y).
To express y in terms of x, we use a
To express y in terms of x, we use a
special operation called 'taking the cube special operation called 'taking the
root' , symbolized by if, and we logarithm to base 2', symbolized by log2'
and we write
write
y = log2x
y = !JX
This defines the inverse (cube root) This defines the inverse (logarithm)
function.
function.

f(x)

log2 16 = x,
2x = 16 = 24

(a) Let

then
and so

x=4
log5 125 = x,
5x = 125 = 53
x = 3

(b) Let

then
and so

Earlier in this chapter we considered the index laws:

aX. aY = aX+Y
aX

aY

X -

(2)

(ax)y = aXY
From these laws, we can deduce the laws of logarithms:
Let aX = m and aY = n, and so
mn = aX.aY = a X+Y
log a (mn) = x + y, and so
Hence

loga (mn) = logo m

For example,

+ loga n

(3)

logo 15 = logo (5 x 3)
= logo 5 -+ log a 3
loglo 20 + loglo 5 = loglo 100 = 2
loga 4 + loga 3 + loga 2 = loga (4 x 3 x 2)
m

Also,

Hence

1:3.5 Logarithms _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
Consider the statement 23 = 8. This same statement may be written thus: log2 8 = 3.
That is,
23 = 8 } log2 8 = 3
Also
32 = 9 } log3 9 = 2
104 = 10000 } loglo 10000 = 4
aO = 1
}
logo It~:= 0
aX = y
}
logo)- "" x
x are equivalent \
In general, if a > 0, then the statements aX = y and logo y
strtements.

(1)

aX

aY

= logo 24

aX - Y

loga

(~) = x ~ y, and so

loga

(~) =

IV]

loga m -

loga (57 ) = loga 17 - loga 5

For example,

log2 20 - log2 5
loglo 5

(4)

= log2 ( 250 ) = log2 4 = 2

loglo 4 - loglo 2 = loglo (5 x 4) - loglo 2

= loglo 20 - loglo 2

10gloe~)

loglo 10

(5)

292 NEW SENIOR Iv1ATHS: TWO UNIT COURSE

UIlNDICES AND LOG/\.RiTH1VIS

then

Ifm

(2 ><

2
0"3010
0 7781

logg n

~~)

+
.~

0',4,771
0-9030

0-477 i

1<3801
Frorn th.is, we can see the relation between the logarithrn of cl nUfn'ber and the logarithIT.~

of its reciprocal.

~O'77g1

aXP
xp} and so

H"lJ.ce

(6)

54

For

exarnple~

ill

loga (3 4)

.,
~

96

(2 X 33)
2. +
,:,)
fJo3010 + '431~~
! -7323

3
0-3010

-0,6532

~.s

l'fote that 'the logarithnl of ilurnbers less than

5

125

Rag] 0 :Z mJd
u

negHSive i1.UXnbeL 1:7'01' eXa(flp[.:~,

'l

~.:4., 0 Ks this true

any base?

Also note tbat the logaritlHD. of a

--2 does not exisL
Lei

:neg~!.li've;

ex]sL For ~xa:raple,

nrunbcr

it. e;dsts.

'[hen

But there is no rea! nurnber v::-due or X', t;.(eal1 or

lOx

For \tvhat value of )c is

r~otc

that rn and

it

posif,ve or

1) --

h\"' ...

'111";

:.J~

arc l)oth positive reB.} HUDJberso

(x
Simplify the following without using tables

0'"

--

I)

and so

a calculatm:

18 2,

jarge~

-2.

Le.,

3
v

18 -

23

X -

"0
- B

+
",l;:

j~

loglo IOI)

\Vithout llsing a, calculator or t;:~Llk~Si evalua'i:c the foHowing:

:2

9 0 0 3
128
{oj
(J
3

.J

()-4T71, find the: follovving:

(b)

24

(e)

54

6
2
9

neg[ltiv'~)

for "vvhich

294 NEW SENIOR MATHS: TWO UNIT COURSE

13/INDICES AND LOGARITHMS 295

2. Without using a calculator or tables; evaluate the following:

(a) logs 625

(c) IOg9 243

(e) logs

9. Solve the following f(')r x:

(a) loglo 2 + loglo 5 + loglo X - loglo 3 = 2
(b) 2log lo x + 3 = 5log lo X
(c) loglo 2 + 5log lo X - loglo 5 - loglO (Xl) = loglo 40
(d) loglo x = 4log lo 2 - 21og lo x
(e) loglo x - loglo (x - 1) = 1
(f) loglo X = 2log lo 3 + loglo 5 - loglo 2 - 1

(b) logl 81
1
(d) lo~ 128

(f) logo al
(h) lo~ 0125

(g) loglo 00001

3. Find x, in each of these cases:

(a) logl x = 3
(c) logs 625 = x
(e) log6 x = 3

(b) logx 81 = 2
(d) logx 27 = 15
(f) logx 343 = 3

4. Solve for x:
(a) logs x = -3

(b) logl 81 =

10. If x = loglo 2 andy = loglo 3, express the following in terms of x andy:

2
4
(a) loglo 3"
(b) loglo 9"
(c) loglo 15
(e) loglo 54
(g) loglo 150
(i) loglo 45
(k) loglo 81

(c) logx 128 = 35

1
(d) logx 64 = -3

(e) IOg9 x = 15
(g) logl 27.J3 = x
(i) log2 (lOg2 x) = 2

(f) log9
(h) log7
(j) log2

11. If loglo 2

x = 025
x = 25
x = log2 8 +

lo~

(d)
(f)
(h)
(j)
(I)

loglo
loglo
loglo
loglo
loglo

= 03010, loglo 5 = 06990 and loglo 6

54
75
027
06
18

= 07782, write down the value of

loglo x for the following values of x: 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 05,

of y = loglox.

i,0.2

and 01. Plot the graph

12. If y = alO bx , express x in terms of the other symbols.

5. Simplify the following:

(a) IOg2 16 + IOg2 8
(c) (log2 16)(log2 4)
(e) logo 8
logo 2
(g) loglo 125 + loglo 32 - loglo 4
(i) logl 81 X logs 125
6. Simplify the following:
1
(a) ioglo 16 + 2log lo 5

(f) logo 5

loga

5I

+ loglo 25 + loglo 5
1+'-"5
3+'-"5
loglo - - 2 - + loglo - - 2 -

(e) loglo 125

(e) 21og lo x

loglo (X s)

+ loglo P, express A in terms of the other symbols.

+ n log x, find an expression for y.

14. If log y = log a

15. If y =

~~: ~,

express x in terms of y.

16. Express log x in terms of log a, log b and log c, given that x
17. If log x
(b) IOg2 (2x)

~8.

19.

loglo 5
(f) log (Xl)
log x

= 06 and log y = 02,

evaluate log

(~).

= ae 4t , express t in terms of a and y.

If 10g b a = p and c = a2 , find, in terms of p,

20. If log. 2

(h) log x
log ..JX

= a2.Jb3C.

If y

(a) 10gb c,

7. Solve these for x, without using tables or a calculator:

(a) loglo x = loglo 4 + loglo 2
(b) loglo x = loglo 4 - loglo 2
loglo 24
(c) Ioglo x -- loglo

13. If loglo A = bl

(h) log2 18 - 21og2 3

(d) loglo 25

(c) 1OIOgiol

(g)

(b) loglo 2 + loglo 5

(d) IOgl 54 - logl 18

(b) loge b.

= 10gb 16, show that b = a4

21. Find the values of x for which:

(a) (loglo x)(loglo X2) + loglO Xl - 5 = 0
(b) (lOgIO X)2 - loglo X2 + 1 = 0
(c) (lOg2 X2)2 - log2 Xl - 10 = 0
(d) (logl X)2 = logl X s - 6

(d) 1oglo X -- .!.I

2 oglo (.!.)
4
(f) loglo X2

8. Find a relation between x and y that does not involve logarithms:

(a) log x + log y = log (x + y)
(b) 2logJO y - 31og 10 X = 2
(c) 2logl y - 3logl X = 2
(d) 2lQg;o y + 3log lo X = loglo (2x)
(e) logs y = 2 + logs x
(f) log'y~ log 5 + 3log x
(g) 2log x + 3log y = 0
(h) IOglO (1 + y) - loglo (1 - y) = x

'l'(j'rm~uln

for converting from one base to another.

log n
a

log b_
n
= __
10g b a

=y
aY = n

loga n

(i)

296 NEW SENIOR MATHS: TWO UNIT COURSE

13/INDICES AND LOGARITHMS 297

EXAMPLE 12

Take 10garithJ11s of both sides of (i) to base b.

Hence
y 10g b a = 10g b n
b n f I
10g
0
y = -I
- - , 1 0 g b a*-.
ogb a
. 1 1 0g b n
I.e. oga n = -1-ogb

Using the same scale and axes, sketch the graphs of

(a) y = log2 x
(b) Y = log2 2x

(c) y

log2 (x - 1)

Y
y = IOQ 2 2x

The most useful application of this formula is for conversion from any base to base 10
because usually logarithm tables to base 10 are the only tables available; in fact other
tables, except possibly tables of natural logarithms, are not necessary. Also your
calculator has a 'log' key, base 10. Hence, for practical purposes, the conversion formula
may be written as:

log n

y =loQ2x

log
n
_1_0_
loglo a

EXAMPLE 10

log29 = 3170,

(a) The graph of y

is x
(1)

El 2 [!j] EJ

Note: Since 2) = 8 and 24

between 3 and 4.

31699249

16 and 9 lies between 8 and 16, its follows that log2 9 lies

Solve the inequations (a) 2x

= log2 x crosses the X-axis where x = 1, since loga 1 = o. The domain

> 0, the range is any real number. As x - 0 from the right, y -

>9

(a) From the working above, 2.<

(b) 04 x

< 03

= 9 when x = 3170. The graph ofy = 2x slopes upwards

to the right and so 2x > 9 when x > 3170.

Check the result approximately from the graph of y

= 2x.

= log2 2x crosses the X-axis where 2x = 1 i.e. x = ~.

Since log2 2x = log2 2 + log2 X = 1 + log2 x, the graph of y = log2 2x is 1 unit
above the graph of y = log2 x. The graph of y = log2 X is translated 1 unit parallel to

Note: The general shape of the log curve is not affected by the base a.

EXERCISES 13(d)
1. Use the change of base formula and a calculator to evaluate to four figures:
(i) log2 5
(ii) log) 12
(iii) logs 20

(v) log) 16
(viii) log) 5

2. Find the value of x for which

(i) 2x = 7
(ii) 3x
(iv) 04 x = 2
(v) 6x
(vii) 5x = 16
(viii) 4x

Using a calculator, we then proceed as follows:

=5

(iii) 5x = 2
(vi) 3-x = 01
(ix) 2-x = 5

Complete the following table and then draw the graph of y = lo~ x

Operation sequence

EJ

= 04x slopes downwards to the right, and so 04 x < 03 when x >

= 18
= 21

(vi) lo&; 4
(ix) log2 10

3. Complete the following table and then draw the graph of y = logs x

(b) Put 04x = 03. Take logarithms of both sides to base 10.
Hence
xlog lo 04 = loglo 03
x = loglo 03
loglo 04

cD3~ BD4~

-00.

(b) The graph of y

(iv) log4 3
(vii) logs 3

EXAMPLE 11

The graph of y

(c) The graph of y = log2 (x - 1) crosses the X-axis where x - I = 1 i.e. x = 2.

The graph of y = log2 X is translated 1 unit parallel to the X-axis.

Display

Operation sequence
9 ~

1)

the Y-axis.

dividing 09542 by 03010.

Using a calculator we proceed with (1) as follows:

[9

Fig. 13-6

Evaluate log2 9.
Let
Then
Take logarithms of both sides to base 10.
Hence
xlog lo 2 = loglo 9
x = loglo 9
loglo 2
09542
= 0:3010' using base 10 tables.
Thus

= IOQ2 (x

x
1314

lo~x

298 NEW SENIOR MATHS: TWO UNIT COURSE

5. Find the values of x (to 2 decimal places) for which

(a) 5x ;;. 2
(b) 16x ;;. 0'5
(c) 3x < 02
(e) 2x ;;. 5
(f) 025-x < 1,5
(g) 08 x < 3
6. Using the same scale and axes, sketch the family of curves y

(d) 3-x

> 27

(h) 0.7 x

;;.

= aX for a =

7. Using the same scale and axes, sketch the family of curvesy = logax for a =

03

i,
i,

REVISION EXERCISES B

2, 3, 10.

1. Calculate the cosine of the smallest angle of the triangle whose sides are 5 cm, 6 cm,
7cm.

2, 3, 10.

2. Prove that the triangle whose sides are 5 cm, 6 cm and .8cm is an obtuse angled
triangle. Find the size of the obtuse angle.

8. Sketch the graphs of the following, stating their largest possible domain and range in
each case.
(ii) f(x) = loglo X2, X > 0
(i) f(x) = loglo 2x
(iii) f(x) = loglo (2x + 3)
(iv) f(x) = loglo (3x - 6)
(v) f(x) = loglo Ixl
9. Sketch the graphs of the following, stating their largest possible domain and range in
each case.
(i) f(x) = e 2x
(ii) f(x) = 3e-' + 1
(iii) f(x) = e-2x
(iv) f(x) = 2e- 2x - 2

3. In t:,ABC, L B

= 53,

LC

= 48, AC = 8 cm, find the length of BC.

4. (a) A(O, 0), B(6, 0), C(8, 2) and D are the vertices of a parallelogram ABCD. Find the
coordinates of D.
(b) This parallelogram is rotated in the plane through 90 in an anticlockwise
direction about the origin. Find the equations of AD and AC.
5. (i) The line 3x - 2y = 6 is rotated in the plane through an angle of 90 about its
point of intersection with (a) the X-axis (b) the Y-axis. Find the equation of the
line in these positions.
.
(ii) Find the coordinates of the points of intersection of the lines 3y = 5x - 19,
3x + 5y + 9 = 0 and 4y = x + 3.
Show that the triangle with the points of intersection as vertices is right angled.
6. Find the equation of the line perpendicular to the line 3x + 4y = 5 and passing
through the mid-point of the line segment joining the points (3, -2) and (5, 8).
7. Find the perpendicular distance from the point (2, 3) to the line 6x

+ 8y

5.

8. Find the equation of the locus of a point which moves so that:

(i) its distance from the point (4, 1) is equal to its distance from the point (2, -5).
(ii) its distance from the point (-2, 3) is 5 units.
9. The equation of a circle is X2 + y2 - 2x - 2y - 23 = O.
(a) Find its centre and radius.
(b) Prove that the point (7, -2) lies outside the circle.
(c) Find the distance from the point (7, -2) to the centre.
(d) Use the Theorem of Pythagoras to find the length of the tangent to the circle from
the point (7, -2).
10. Find the coordinates of the point A on the line x = -3 such that the line joining A to B
(3, 5) is perpendicular to the line 2x + 5y = 12.
Find the sum of all the numbers between 20 and 200 that are divisible by 9.
J~..(i) Evaluate 6 + 3 + 15 + ...
(ii) A ball is dropped from a height of 20 m and rebounds to a height of 18 m. If each

time it rebounds it rises to nine-tenths of the previous height, calculate the total
distance it could travel.
Three numbers whose sum is 15 are successive terms of an arithmetic sequence. If 1, 1
and 4 are added to these numbers respectively, the resulting numbers are successive
terms of a geometric sequence. Find the numbers .
. ;If.J3 - 1 and 2 - .J3 are consecutive terms of a geometric sequence, write down in
;~lrnplest surd form, the next two terms and'the sum to infinity.

500 NE'N SENIOR TvIATHS: TWO UNIT COURSE

ANS\VfII.S

EXERCISESJ2\il

(i~)

25/8

L (~j) (0, 0), (0, 2)

3, (,,) (0,
1)

(is) y = ~2, x = 0
(b) y ~~ -1, x ~ {)
\

(R,'
"

(b) y = -3, x = ()
(h) y =
x = [)

2. (&1) (0, 0), (0, 3)

4,. (3; (0, 0), (0, -2)

'

y = .! x = 0

(b) y = It x =

fl. (f,) (0, 0), (0,

''I.'

y1/6

5.

(to) X =

(1, -1)

(IJ) y = -3,

:13.
Ill.

= 8y

I")

14. x = -16y
1)2 = 4(x + I);

15. x? = 4y

n, -1), (0,1); x

(b) (y - 2)2 = -8

16, x 2 = -By
= -2

(iE).x =

(x

-,~~)

OJ (x - 2)2
(ii)
(iii)

(1,

n,

(1,
-5), (-3,

4).\

= y; (7., 0),

-:- 3)2 = y -:- 3: (-3,

,~ -C)! - 4); (0, 4), (0,

(1'1)

-4

~o

1)2 = 4(y -I- I);

y =
(-3,
y =

(g)

a U2

(~ii)

+ ]I

if) x --

- Y

(a)

;t

{til

64-

54

27

1_1

'I

-~

W.
2"n (I)) :5 3" -2 (<.:) 9
11. (n) a 3/ ;b ll ?,
(t,) 1000

{ill 18"
(d)

,~~l
1L"
(,-,) - 2

,lJ"

{)-:,
,c..

'j"

(f) -3

(e)
(i"}2

Y=

19 ..x2 = :t By
20. x 2 :::::; -4y
21. x 2 = 2Sy
ZZ.
- 2)2 = lci(y +
:\,3. (x -- 2)2 ~ Y - 5
2tL (x + 1)2 = SLY - 3)
25.
- 2)2 = 4(y
1)
26, x 2 = 3y
27.
~ 2)2 = 4a{y - 1) 00 (x + 2)2 = 2(y - Ie)
2B.

:=

2)2 = -4(y -. 5)

(X -

(c) (x - 1)2 = -4lF +

(0) (X + 3)2 = Sty + 5);

ill
1 \e,
i
\-} ,Y

+
-4)

(f) 2 1n

0 17/ 17.

= 1

(qi1) 3 11/G

-. );: .. - -1
t,t)

b"
({2

241 :,

EXERCISES 13kd
(!!!) 2

(b)

k (l') 7

{d} 1 (e) -3

(g) 10

(f) -j

(In) 3

[,

=2

4'

x =3

x = {)

n, -0, n,'O), y

! /'

(. \a}

= -2,

x ~" -I

1
125

it'!Ji
$

-=r

(c;),~

(,i)

(e) 27

5. '\:0) '7 (h) 1 {{:) 8 (d) 1

(g) :2

oX

7.(2) 3

(h} 2

(c) J

(~;):-r

(~)

(d) 2

(e) lOO

{,]}

61og w :5

k (~)

(g) ::
(f) 3

(h) !

(i) 12

m 10

F,XEP.CISES 13(8)
(h) y =

I. (a)

XlO

2. (<1)

)(5),9

(e) y = 2:lx

(d)

(bl

7. (!!J

4:1

(11) I

(r)

I,ll) (r 2

~;:2n

2-2

~J:'"

(b)

(g) 10-3

("'J~, _,,3
,lS
xv <~~5

{ll) 10-4

21
(~:!) .F -. x

(g) y - x

+
+

x + 3y

2.

On) Jy

,1])
+ y -]"
{:~ 4y
_
11. 0-4772, 0'6020, IH030, 0'9544, 1., -O-3010, 0-4"112, -O'W'I(),
(i) 10-5

1:'a

U.

Ji3.

PlOiJl

14. Y = ax"

->

+ 2y --

x ,

(i) 2)' -

15.

= 2"

(0:1) 9, 27
EXERC~SES

(Ii) 2

(i) I

'j3-kD

1, 0) 2'322
(;rD) 07737
:l. (i) HOI
(v:) 2'096

O~i) 1'36~
(v~~)

nn

0 6826

(yiE) 1"465

2 (,31

(!ii) 0'4307
(viii) 1'161

('o/U) 1723

EXERCISES 13(b)

0-2
(e) 27

(ft)

3
+ X4
+ XiI

(gy 1~

12. lil) ~i -

;~;:

(h) 2-9

2
3

(I,)

1~

{c} 4
( )3

U.

5x 3

"lM

(g)

2- 5 {Ii) 2-3 (e) 2- 6 {f) 2'"1

(~) 10 0 (i') H)-t (e) W-2 (2)

9, (8) 30 (h)
(c) jO (d)
:dAt (f:j.) x - Y
(b) 2x ~ 2y
(e) x -:- 3y -- 1
(f)
- 2x~ +

(d)

S. (2) 2-2 (Ill) 2-1

6. (~) J()2 (Il) lIV

if) Y

(c) y = 3X 312

i}) 0'7925
(h-:) 3'322
-0'7565

2'524
(v) 1699

,I

502 NEW SENIOR MATHS: TWO UNIT C:OURSE

17, -025

W.

2X2

+3

(b) 4x .-- 3

2.:50 (H) 2.x

190 4
{~~}. ::Ly2

kL 1

Z{L

1)

-,

2~\.'

E)ZERCiSES 14(b)

5.

(~~)

(~)

~'?

(bl x

IN}

}.; & 2'3:~

(0 dorrwJn:)( >

< -1,46
x > -492

k) x

-I 47
(f)
< 1}29
range aU real nunlhers
~

(g)

>
>

(in donlain: x
OU) dOi:nain: x >
range aU real numbers O~) domain: x
(v) don.min: all x ~xcept O~ range aU reQ] nurnbers
9Q

O~

<-3
(h) x ,.,; 338
range aU :real D.Ernbers

2~

rang.e

~d)

an real :numbers

l~t,";

ox

3.Y/i.

74

(bl J()

;'12

(b)
1. (!I) !IX - J + 2h
'7 - ~Lr ~ 4&x
(b) 6x + 2, + 38x
2. (2) -3
x -- 2 (0;;) 3x2 - 4;:
4.
8 (b) 4x - 4
;3, (a) 2 - 21t ib}:2
iio (u) 6x ~ 4 (h) 8x ,- :~
2x + 1 (u) 6x -, 6.x7. (c) 4:>:3 (f)
-- 16}(3
7 (~~) 3xz _ 6 {b) -3 (el (2~ -4), C2, 4)
g~
6x - 2
-14 . {c) 6a --. 2 <iA) 16
S
3
(c) 9x2 - 4.:;;
7
!{l)18x" 2.\- 2
(hy 9x'2 ~ 6
- 4x + 5
(g}i :2,Llx2
72x -;- 54 (h) 3x2
--i(f) 3(Ly2 + 2hx
0

{O Gornrun: all real nurnbers; range: aU positive Llunlber~;

(Ii) (lorna]]): ,':dl r['Hl numbers; fange: all numbr;rs greater than 1
(m) d.omain: aU real nurnben;; range: aU positive nu:rlibers
(~v) dOHlain: ,"ill real nUlnhers; range~ 8] numbers greater iJ:ian -2

12. 5, -5
:?x+h--3
(i) (11) 3y -:- 2x = 4
(b) 3y -:- 2x + 9 "0 0
(2, -3), (5,
(-3, 0)
.." 3y = 4x - 7
7. 3') units
1;' (I) 3y + -:- 3 ,~O {ii) x2 + y2 -:- 4.:;; -- 6y - 12 =
(a) (l, 1); 5 units (1:) 3-/5 ll!lJts (d) 215 units
1(1. (-3, -10)
n. ::'.250

:t

1.2. (0 12

].3. 2,

(QO 380 rn

'0

(ll)

18. (a) (1,

t"

= 2n - 4

(iI) 93

22. (a) 322

'. 19. (!Jl) aX

(by-tQQ

20. $1788, $1629

I 2 JTJ

J"-.)'
\II}

:T

~ \'~\

,_0>

..... ,

I.e
c'

'],7, ('l) k < 7~

(ll) k = 7~ (<.:) k :> 7!

(2, I), (4, 5)
3!1, (! = 2, = 3
:H. (2) m ~ I or -Ii
(by in < -ll or m :> I
(<:) -11 < m < 1
32~
--j-. 2)2 = 4),; v~;rtex (""2, O)~ focus (""2" l)~ d.irectrix y = '-1, axis x = -'1,~ focal1ength ]. unit
33, (x - 3)" = 4(y +
vertex
-I), focus (3, 0), (lIrectf)x.)i = -2, axis x ~ 3, focal length l11ni(
2

0'25
-2

JzL 16 CEO. tZ em
3ii, a = 2" b = ":)
25 l7 m (1.;) 39'16 m (~) 22" 45 '

2
'S'j.

39~ (~~)

4:t (3) y = 5x + 8

PA = PB ".:::

(J

42.

(2~

."
m -/2
2 lim,s
units

-2)

31t

4ij, (11) 6<;.'3 m

'~4.

-...

{lii)

fil

(0) 54 m

(c) ::0" 28 '

. _,

14 Hlllts; 3' 5 llmis

lIP} (3, 2) (I:) diagonals bisect e;:;ch

EXERCISESI4!,,)
.l. '1

ie)

(h)

(2,

(~) 4

1 (d) rioes ant exist 1;. 2 \vhen a- = 3

5. 1 ~1\f'hel1 a = 3 ~. (I wilen a ,=

4, L vJh~n a :; :'" -'J

EXEJ{CISES 14(d}

(b} i543
cv
kQ~ .1"
\~; -,!J

(b)

3.0

6. ()

H.12

14. ~.
11

7, -10
11-' 1
.. :oJ.

-j-

EXEAC!SES

1. (a)

21. 208J. 668

-y-J T

14. --~'

17. (i)
(el) 0

3-/3 - 5 7 - 4.J3 z.J3

11~ 5~ -1

1~.

(ill) 2x -- 3

1~ (~1)

3.2x - 5

(d) 3x2 - 8x + 3
(1}6x+2
(]:I
~6x+

(1)) 4x +
(e) 6x 2 -

6}:2

~-

:iSx -:- \0
<--

15

],1 wbea

=4