
# Chapter 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions


In this chapter, we will explore exponential functions, which can be used for, among other things, modeling growth patterns such as those found in bacteria. We will also investigate logarithmic functions, which are closely related to exponential functions. Both types of functions have numerous real-world applications when it comes to modeling and interpreting data.

• Section 4.1: Exponential Functions
When populations grow rapidly, we often say that the growth is “exponential,” meaning that something is growing very rapidly. To a mathematician, however, the term exponential growth has a very specific meaning. In this section, we will take a look at exponential functions, which model this kind of rapid growth.
• Section 4.2: Graphs of Exponential Functions
As we discussed in the previous section, exponential functions are used for many real-world applications such as finance, forensics, computer science, and most of the life sciences. Working with an equation that describes a real-world situation gives us a method for making predictions. Most of the time, however, the equation itself is not enough. We learn a lot about things by seeing their pictorial representations, and that is exactly why graphing exponential equations is a powerful tool.
• Section 4.3: Logarithmic Functions
The inverse of an exponential function is a logarithmic function, and the inverse of a logarithmic function is an exponential function.
• Section 4.4: Graphs of Logarithmic Functions
In this section we will discuss the values for which a logarithmic function is defined, and then turn our attention to graphing the family of logarithmic functions.
• Section 4.5: Logarithmic Properties
Recall that the logarithmic and exponential functions “undo” each other. This means that logarithms have similar properties to exponents. Some important properties of logarithms are given here.
• Section 4.6: Exponential and Logarithmic Equations
Uncontrolled population growth can be modeled with exponential functions. Equations resulting from those exponential functions can be solved to analyze and make predictions about exponential growth. In this section, we will learn techniques for solving exponential functions.
• Section 4.7: Exponential and Logarithmic Models
We have already explored some basic applications of exponential and logarithmic functions. In this section, we explore some important applications in more depth, including radioactive isotopes and Newton’s Law of Cooling.

Thumbnail: The functions $$y=e^x$$ and $$y=\ln(x)$$ are inverses of each other, so their graphs are symmetric about the line $$y=x$$. Image used with permission (CC BY-SA; OpenStax).