Table of contents
- 0. Review of Algebra4h 16m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 6m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 19m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions
Introduction to Logarithms
9:29 minutes
Problem 63b
Textbook Question
Graph each function. Give the domain and range. ƒ(x) = log↓1/2 (x-2)
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1
Step 1: Understand the function. The function given is \( f(x) = \log_{\frac{1}{2}}(x-2) \). This is a logarithmic function with base \( \frac{1}{2} \).
Step 2: Determine the domain. For the logarithmic function \( \log_b(x) \), the argument \( x \) must be greater than zero. Therefore, \( x-2 > 0 \), which implies \( x > 2 \). Thus, the domain is \( (2, \infty) \).
Step 3: Determine the range. Logarithmic functions can take any real number as an output, so the range of \( f(x) = \log_{\frac{1}{2}}(x-2) \) is \( (-\infty, \infty) \).
Step 4: Analyze the behavior of the function. Since the base \( \frac{1}{2} \) is between 0 and 1, the function is decreasing. As \( x \) approaches 2 from the right, \( f(x) \) approaches \( \infty \). As \( x \) increases, \( f(x) \) approaches \(-\infty\).
Step 5: Sketch the graph. Plot the vertical asymptote at \( x = 2 \). The graph will decrease from left to right, starting from \( \infty \) as \( x \) approaches 2 from the right, and moving towards \(-\infty\) as \( x \) increases.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Logarithmic Functions
Logarithmic functions, such as ƒ(x) = log₁/₂(x-2), are the inverses of exponential functions. They are defined for positive arguments, meaning the input (x-2) must be greater than zero. This characteristic shapes the function's domain and range, as logarithms can only take positive values.
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Domain of a Function
The domain of a function refers to the set of all possible input values (x) for which the function is defined. For the function ƒ(x) = log₁/₂(x-2), the domain is determined by the condition x-2 > 0, leading to x > 2. Thus, the domain is all real numbers greater than 2.
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Range of a Function
The range of a function is the set of all possible output values (ƒ(x)) that the function can produce. For logarithmic functions, the range is typically all real numbers, as they can extend infinitely in the negative direction. Therefore, for ƒ(x) = log₁/₂(x-2), the range is (-∞, ∞).
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