Textbook Section 1.

4: Logarithmic Functions

1. List the rules for logarithmic functions. (example:

log(A)+log(B)=log(AB), etc.)

There are mainly 4 important log rules which are stated as follows:
● product rule: logb mn = logb m + logb n
● quotient rule: logb m/n = logb m - logb n
n
● power rule: logb m = n logb m

● change of base rule: loga b = (logc b) / (logc a)

The rules are derived and applicable to any function with base b.

x
(b = m ⇔ logb m = x).

0
b = 1 ⇒ logb 1 = 0

1
b = b ⇒ logb b = 0

2. Explain the difference between "logx”, “lnx", and "log2x".

1. “logₓ”: This is a logarithmic function with a base . For example,

log(9)=2 because 3^2=9.

2. “ln(x)”: This represents the natural logarithm, with base e, where e is

Euler’s number (approximately 2.71828). For example, ln(e)=1 because e^1=e.

3. “log₂(x)”: This is a logarithmic function with a base of 2. For example,

log(8)=3 because 2^3=8.

In summary, the base of the logarithm determines how the logarithm relates to
exponentiation. “logₓ” has a variable base , “ln(x)” has a base of , and “log₂(x)” has a
base of 2.
 3. When you use logarithms to help you solve an equation, why do you have
to check the domain of the logarithms?
4. How can you tell if a graph, algebraic expression, table of values, or verbal description
of a function is describing a logarithmic function?

Textbook Section 1.5: Trigonometric Functions

1. What is a "radian" and how is it related to "arclength"?

A "radian" is a unit of angular measure used in mathematics and physics. It is

defined as the angle subtended when you sweep along the circumference of a circle,
and the arc length swept is equal to the radius of the circle.

More precisely, in a circle with radius \( r \), an angle \( \theta \) measured in radians
corresponds to an arc length \( s \) given by \( s = r \cdot \theta \).

The radian measure is advantageous because it simplifies many mathematical

formulas involving angles, particularly in trigonometry and calculus. It also provides a
more natural link between angles and the geometry of circles. In contrast, degrees
measure angles based on dividing a circle into 360 equal parts.

2. Summarize what you know about y=cos(x), y=sin(x), and y=tan(x).

Include graphs, definitions, properties (including amplitude and period), and
identities.
a,b,c, and d in determining the graph of
3. Describe the role of constants
y=asin(bx+c)+d from y=sin(x) and y=acos(bx+c)+d from y=cos(x).
Hint: Be careful about the value c. You might have to perform arithmetic on
it before describing its role.)

1. Amplitude (a): The amplitude determines the vertical stretch or

compression of the graph. A larger results in a greater amplitude, while a smaller
compresses the graph vertically.

2. Frequency (b): The coefficient affects the frequency or the number of

oscillations within a given interval. A larger leads to more oscillations, while a
smaller reduces the number of oscillations.
 3. Phase Shift (c): The term introduces a horizontal shift, or phase shift,
to the graph. The value of determines how much the graph is horizontally translated.

4. Vertical Shift (d): The constant causes a vertical shift, moving the
entire graph up or down. A positive shifts the graph upward, while a negative shifts
it downward.

By adjusting these constants, you can manipulate the amplitude, frequency, phase,
and vertical position of the sine and cosine functions, leading to a variety of possible
graph shapes and positions.

4. Given a table of values, how can you tell if it can be modelled by a trigonometric
function? Which properties are you looking for?

Textbook Section 1.6: Powers Polynomials, and Rational Functions

1. What is a polynomial? What is a rational function? Give algebraic and

graphical examples of each.

A **polynomial** is a mathematical expression consisting of variables raised to

non-negative integer powers, multiplied by coefficients. The general form of a
polynomial is \(a_nx^n + a_{n-1}x^{n-1} + \ldots + a_1x + a_0\), where \(n\) is a
non-negative integer, \(a_n, a_{n-1}, \ldots, a_1, a_0\) are constants, and \(x\) is the
variable.

**Algebraic Example:**

\[ P(x) = 3x^4 - 7x^2 + 2x + 5 \]

**Graphical Example:**

Consider the polynomial \(P(x) = (x - 2)(x + 1)(x - 3)\). Its graph would intersect the
x-axis at \(x = 2\), \(x = -1\), and \(x = 3\), showing the roots of the polynomial.
A **rational function** is the ratio of two polynomials. It has the form \(
\frac{P(x)}{Q(x)} \), where \(P(x)\) and \(Q(x)\) are polynomials, and \(Q(x)\) is not the
zero polynomial.

**Algebraic Example:**

\[ R(x) = \frac{2x^3 - x^2 + 4}{x^2 + 3x - 5} \]

**Graphical Example:**

Consider \(R(x) = \frac{x^2 - 1}{x - 2}\). The graph would have a vertical asymptote at
\(x = 2\) and a hole at \(x = -1\) since \((x - 2)\) is a factor in both the numerator and
denominator.

2. Given the algebraic form of a polynomial, how can you tell its "end
behaviour" (how it behaves as x goes to +∞ and −∞)?
3. Given the algebraic form of a rational function, how can you tell its "end
behaviour" (how it behaves as x goes to +∞ and −∞)?
4. How is the rate of change of a function different for lines, polynomials, rational
functions, exponential functions, or trigonometric functions? In other words, how can
we use the rate of change of a function to determine which of those functions is
represented by a graph, table of values, or verbal description of a function?

The rate of change of a function provides insights into its behavior and can help distinguish
between different types of functions. Here are some general characteristics:

1. **Lines:** The rate of change is constant for linear functions (lines). If the function is
represented by a straight line, the slope of that line is constant.

2. **Polynomials:** The rate of change of polynomial functions varies depending on the degree of
the polynomial. Higher-degree polynomials exhibit more complex behavior, with multiple turning
points.
3. **Rational Functions:** Rational functions may have vertical asymptotes where the rate of
change becomes infinite. Horizontal asymptotes indicate long-term behavior, and the rate of
change approaches zero.

4. **Exponential Functions:** Exponential functions grow (or decay) at a rate proportional to their
current value. The rate of change is proportional to the function's current value, leading to
exponential growth or decay.

5. **Trigonometric Functions:** The rate of change of trigonometric functions depends on the

type of trigonometric function. For example, the derivative of \( \sin(x) \) is \( \cos(x) \), leading to
periodic behavior.

To determine the type of function from a graph, table, or verbal description, analyze the pattern of
the rate of change. Linear, polynomial, exponential, and trigonometric functions each have
distinctive rate of change characteristics that can help identify them. Rational functions may
exhibit asymptotic behavior, helping to distinguish them from other types.