菲律宾郊亚鄢南星學校

Nan Sing School of Cauayan City, Incorporated

Dalupang St., Cauayan City, Isabela, Philippines 3305 - Catalyst of Change -
Telefax No. (078) 652-2040
School ID: 400424

MODULE 2
LIMIT OF EXPONENTIAL, LOGARITHMIC, AND TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTION

1
Time Allotment: 1
2

Learning Outcomes -compute the limits of exponential, logarithmic, and

trigonometric functions using tables of values and
At the end of this
graphs of the functions
lesson, you are expected
to:

LIMITS OF EXPONENTIAL
FUNCTION
A quantity grows linearly over time if it increases by a fixed amount with
each time interval. A quantity decreases linearly over time if it decreases by a
fixed amount with each time interval.

If you start with $1000 and put $200 in a jar every month to save for a vacation,
then every month the vacation savings grow by $200 and in x months you will
have: Amount = 1000 + 200x

A quantity grows exponentially over time if it increases by a fixed percentage with

each time interval. A quantity decays exponentially over time if it decreases by a
fixed percentage with each time interval.

If you start with a debt of $1000 and you are charged an annual interest rate of 24
percent (typical credit card interest rate) then how much will you owe after X
months?

24 percent per year = 2 percent per month (this is how they convert it to a
monthly interest rate)
 EXPONENTIAL FUNCTION
For any real number 𝑥, an exponential function is a function with the form

𝑓(𝑥)=𝑏𝑥

where

 𝑏 is any positive real number such that 𝑏≠1.

 The domain of 𝑓 is all real numbers.
 The range of 𝑓 is all positive real numbers.
 The y-intercept is (0,1),
 and the horizontal asymptote is 𝑦=0.

An exponential function with the form 𝑓(𝑥)=𝑏𝑥, 𝑏>0, 𝑏≠1,has these characteristics:

 one-to-one function
 horizontal asymptote: 𝑦=0
 domain: (–∞,∞)
 range: (0,∞)
 x-intercept: none
 y-intercept: (0,1)
 increasing if 𝑏>1
 decreasing if 𝑏<1
 LAWS OF EXPONENTS

For any constants 𝑎>0, 𝑏>0, and for all x and y,

1. 𝑏𝑥⋅𝑏𝑦=𝑏𝑥+𝑦
2. 𝑏𝑥𝑏𝑦=𝑏𝑥−𝑦
3. (𝑏𝑥)𝑦=𝑏𝑥𝑦
4. (𝑎𝑏)𝑥=𝑎𝑥𝑏𝑥
5. 𝑎𝑥𝑏𝑥=(𝑎𝑏)𝑥

EXAMPLE

Use the laws of exponents to simplify each of the following expressions.

a. (2𝑥2/3)3(4𝑥−1/3)2
b. (𝑥3𝑦−1)2(𝑥𝑦2)−2

Solution

a. We can simplify as follows:

(2𝑥2/3)3(4𝑥−1/3)2

=8𝑥216𝑥−2.

b. We can simplify as follows:

(𝑥3𝑦−1)2(𝑥𝑦2)−2=(𝑥3)2(𝑦−1)2𝑥−2(𝑦2)−2=𝑥6𝑦−2𝑥−2𝑦−4=𝑥6𝑥2𝑦−2𝑦4=𝑥8𝑦2.

THE NUMBER e

𝑒 ≈ 2.718282
 The letter 𝑒 was first used to represent this number by the Swiss mathematician
Leonhard Euler during the 1720s. Although Euler did not discover the number, he
showed many important connections between 𝑒e and logarithmic functions. We still use
the notation 𝑒 today to honor Euler’s work because it appears in many areas of
mathematics and because we can use it in many practical applications.

Returning to our savings account example, we can conclude that if a person

puts 𝑃 dollars in an account at an annual interest rate r, compounded continuously,
then 𝐴(𝑡)=𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑡. This function may be familiar. Since functions involving base e arise
often in applications, we call the function 𝑓(𝑥)=𝑒𝑥 the natural exponential function.
Not only is this function interesting because of the definition of the number 𝑒, but also,
as discussed next, its graph has an important property.

Since 𝑒>1, we know ex is increasing on (−∞,∞). In Figure, we show a graph

of 𝑓(𝑥)=𝑒𝑥 along with a tangent line to the graph of at 𝑥=0. We give a precise
definition of tangent line in the next chapter; but, informally, we say a tangent line to a
graph of 𝑓f at 𝑥=𝑎 is a line that passes through the point (𝑎,𝑓(𝑎)) and has the same
“slope” as 𝑓 at that point . The function 𝑓(𝑥)=𝑒𝑥 is the only exponential
function 𝑏𝑥bx with tangent line at 𝑥=0 that has a slope of 1. As we see later in the
text, having this property makes the natural exponential function the most simple
exponential function to use in many instances.

The graph of 𝑓 (𝑥)=𝑒𝑥 has a tangent line with slope 1 at 𝑥=0.

EXPONENTIAL LIMIT LAWS

Using our understanding of Y functions, we can discuss their inverses, which are the
logarithmic functions. These come in handy when we need to consider any
phenomenon that varies over a wide range of values, such as pH in chemistry or
decibels in sound levels.

𝑥
The exponential function 𝑓(𝑥)=𝑏 is one-to-one, with domain (−∞,∞) and range (0,∞)
Therefore, it has an inverse function, called the logarithmic function with base 𝑏. For
any 𝑏>0, 𝑏≠1, the logarithmic function with base b, denoted 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏, has
domain (0,∞) and range (−∞,∞),and satisfies
 菲律宾郊亚鄢南星學校
Nan Sing School of Cauayan City, Incorporated
Dalupang St., Cauayan City, Isabela, Philippines 3305 - Catalyst of Change -
Telefax No. (078) 652-2040
School ID: 400424

𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏(𝑥)=𝑦 if and only if 𝑏𝑦=𝑥.

For example,

𝑙𝑜𝑔2(8)=3 since 23 = 8,

𝑙𝑜𝑔10(1100) = −2 since 10−2=1102=1100,

𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏 (1) = 0 since 𝑏0 = 1 for any base 𝑏 > 0.

x
Furthermore, since 𝑦 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏(𝑥) and 𝑦 = 𝑏 are inverse functions,

log𝑏(𝑏𝑥) = 𝑥

and

𝑏log𝑏(𝑥) = 𝑥.

The most commonly used logarithmic function is the function 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑒. Since this function
uses natural e as its base, it is called the natural logarithm. Here we use the
notation ln(𝑥) or ln𝑥 to mean 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑒(𝑥). For example,

3 3
ln(𝑒) = 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑒 (𝑒) = 1, ln(𝑒 ) = 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑒 (𝑒 ) = 3, ln(1) = 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑒 (1) = 0.
𝑥
Since the functions 𝑓(𝑥)=𝑒 and 𝑔(𝑥)=ln(𝑥) are inverses of each other,
ln𝑥
ln(𝑒𝑥 )=𝑥 and 𝑒 =𝑥,
and their graphs are symmetric about the line 𝑦=𝑥.

𝑥
The functions 𝑦 = 𝑒 and 𝑦 = ln(𝑥) are inverses of each other, so their graphs are symmetric
about the line 𝑦 = 𝑥.

In general, for any base 𝑏>0, 𝑏≠1, the function 𝑔(𝑥)=𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏(𝑥) is symmetric about the
𝑥
line 𝑦=𝑥 with the function 𝑓(𝑥)=𝑏 . Using this fact and the graphs of the exponential
functions, we graph functions 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏 for several values of b>1 (Figure).

Basic Calculus | Page 6 of 9

 菲律宾郊亚鄢南星學校
Nan Sing School of Cauayan City, Incorporated
Dalupang St., Cauayan City, Isabela, Philippines 3305 - Catalyst of Change -
Telefax No. (078) 652-2040
School ID: 400424

Graphs of 𝑦 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏(𝑥) are depicted for 𝑏 = 2, 𝑒,10.

Before solving some equations involving exponential and logarithmic functions, let’s
review the basic properties of logarithms.

PROPERTIES OF LOGARITHMS

If 𝑎,𝑏,𝑐>0,𝑏≠1 , and 𝑟 is any real number, then

1. 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏(𝑎𝑐)=𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏(𝑎)+𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏(𝑐) (Product property)

2. 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏(𝑎𝑐)=𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏(𝑎)−𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏(𝑐) (Quotient property)
3. 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏(𝑎𝑟)=𝑟𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏(𝑎) (Power property)

SOLVING EQUATIONS INVOLVING EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Solve each of the following equations for 𝑥.

a. 5𝑥=25x=2
𝑥 −𝑥
b. 𝑒 +6𝑒 =5

Solution

a. Applying the natural logarithm function to both sides of the equation, we have

ln5𝑥=ln2.

Using the power property of logarithms,

𝑥ln5=ln2.
Basic Calculus | Page 7 of 9
 菲律宾郊亚鄢南星學校
Nan Sing School of Cauayan City, Incorporated
Dalupang St., Cauayan City, Isabela, Philippines 3305 - Catalyst of Change -
Telefax No. (078) 652-2040
School ID: 400424

Therefore, 𝑥=ln2/ln5.x=ln2/ln5.

b. Multiplying both sides of the equation by 𝑒𝑥ex,we arrive at the equation

𝑒2𝑥+6=5𝑒𝑥.

Rewriting this equation as

𝑒2𝑥−5𝑒𝑥+6=0,

we can then rewrite it as a quadratic equation in 𝑒𝑥:

(𝑒𝑥)2−5(𝑒𝑥) + 6 = 0.

Now we can solve the quadratic equation. Factoring this equation, we obtain

(𝑒𝑥−3)(𝑒𝑥−2)=0.
𝑥 𝑥
Therefore, the solutions satisfy 𝑒 =3 and 𝑒 =2. Taking the natural logarithm of both
3 2
sides gives us the solutions 𝑥=ln ,ln .

SOLVING EQUATIONS INVOLVING LOGARITHMIC FUNCTIONS

Solve each of the following equations for 𝑥x.

1
a. Ln ( ) = 4
x
2
b. ln(2𝑥) − 3ln(𝑥 )=0

Solution

a. By the definition of the natural logarithm function,

1 1
ln ( X ) = 4 if and only if 𝑒4= x .

4
Therefore, the solution is 𝑥=1/𝑒 .

b. Using the power property of logarithmic functions, we can rewrite the equation
6
as ln(2𝑥)−ln(𝑥 )=0.

Using the quotient property, this becomes

2
ln( 5 )=0
x

5
Therefore, 2/𝑥 =1, which implies x=√ 2. We should then check for any extraneous
5

solutions.

Basic Calculus | Page 8 of 9

 菲律宾郊亚鄢南星學校
Nan Sing School of Cauayan City, Incorporated
Dalupang St., Cauayan City, Isabela, Philippines 3305 - Catalyst of Change -
Telefax No. (078) 652-2040
School ID: 400424

DETERMINING END BEHAVIOR FOR A TRANSCENDENTAL

FUNCTION
x
(2+3 e )
Find the limits as 𝑥→∞ and 𝑥→−∞ for f (x)= and describe the end behavior
(7−5 e x )
of 𝑓.

Solution

𝑥
To find the limit as 𝑥→∞, divide the numerator and denominator by 𝑒 :
x
2+3 e
lim𝑥→∞𝑓(𝑥)= lim x
x→ ∞ 7−5 e
x
(2/e )+3
=lim𝑥→∞
(7 /e x )−5
𝑥
As shown in Figure, 𝑒 →∞ as 𝑥→∞. Therefore,
2 7
lim𝑥→∞ x = 0 = lim𝑥→∞ x = 0
e e
We conclude that lim𝑥→∞𝑓(𝑥) = -3/5 and the graph of 𝑓 approaches the horizontal
asymptote 𝑦=−3/5 as 𝑥→∞. To find the limit as 𝑥→−∞ use the fact
that 𝑒𝑥→0 as 𝑥→−∞ to conclude that lim𝑥→∞𝑓(𝑥)=27 and therefore the graph of
approaches the horizontal asymptote 𝑦=27 as 𝑥→−∞.

KEY CONCEPTS
𝑥
 The exponential function 𝑦=𝑏 is increasing if 𝑏>1 and decreasing
if 0<𝑏<1. Its domain is (−∞,∞) and its range is (0,∞).
𝑥
 The logarithmic function 𝑦=𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏(𝑥) is the inverse of 𝑦=𝑏 . Its domain
is (0,∞) and its range is (−∞,∞).
x
 The natural exponential function is 𝑦=𝑒 and the natural logarithmic
function is 𝑦=ln𝑥=𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑒𝑥.
 Given an exponential function or logarithmic function in base 𝑎a, we can
make a change of base to convert this function to any base 𝑏>0, 𝑏≠1. We
typically convert to base 𝑒.

Basic Calculus | Page 9 of 9

 菲律宾郊亚鄢南星學校
Nan Sing School of Cauayan City, Incorporated
Dalupang St., Cauayan City, Isabela, Philippines 3305
Telefax No. (078) 652-2040
School ID: 400424

- Catalyst of Change -
 菲律宾郊亚鄢南星學校
Nan Sing School of Cauayan City, Incorporated
Dalupang St., Cauayan City, Isabela, Philippines 3305
Telefax No. (078) 652-2040
School ID: 400424

- Catalyst of Change -