Math Assignment Unit 5
1 (i) Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
An exponential function has the form: f(x) = a · b^x, where:
- a is the initial value.
- b is the base (growth if b > 1, decay if 0 < b < 1).
- x is the exponent (independent variable).
A logarithmic function is the inverse of an exponential function: f(x) = log_b(x)
- b is the base.
- x is the input (x > 0).
Relationship: If b^y = x, then log_b(x) = y.
Domain and Range:
- Exponential: Domain (-∞, ∞); Range (0, ∞)
- Logarithmic: Domain (0, ∞); Range (-∞, ∞)
(ii) Differences and Examples
Exponential: f(x) = 2^x → rapid increase, horizontal asymptote at y = 0, intercept (0,1)
Logarithmic: f(x) = log_2(x) → slow increase, vertical asymptote at x = 0, intercept (1,0)
Power: f(x) = x^2 → parabolic shape, vertex at (0,0)
Graphs should be plotted in GeoGebra showing their distinct growth patterns.
(iii) Exponential Growth Explanation
Exponential growth occurs when a quantity increases by the same percentage over equal
time intervals.
Example: doubling bacteria every hour results in exponential growth. The graph curves
upward sharply.
(iv) Which Grows Faster?
Exponential functions grow faster than logarithmic functions.
For example, log_2(1024) = 10 but 2^10 = 1024. Exponential growth escalates rapidly.
(v) Graph Observations
- Exponential: Rapid upward curve, y-intercept at (0,1)
- Logarithmic: Slow growth, vertical asymptote at x = 0
- Power: Symmetrical (if even), vertex at (0,0)
Graphs can be generated using GeoGebra to visualize these.
Task 2
(i) Simplify
Given: log_6((216^x)/(1296^x)) * log_x(6)
= log_6(216^x) - log_6(1296^x)
= x[log_6(216) - log_6(1296)]
Since 216 = 6^3 and 1296 = 6^4:
= x[3 - 4] = -x
Final Answer: -x * log_x(6)
(ii) Condense Logarithmic Expression
log(x + 1)^2 + log(2x - 1)^3 - log(x)^2 - log(2x - 1)^4 + 6log(x + 1)
= 8log(x + 1) - log(2x - 1) - 2log(x)
= log((x + 1)^8) - log((2x - 1)(x^2))
= log(((x + 1)^8)/((2x - 1)(x^2)))
(iii) Solve Equation
10e^(2x-3) = 15e^(5x-7)
→ (2/3) = e^(3x - 4)
→ ln(2/3) = 3x - 4
→ x = (ln(2/3) + 4)/3 ≈ 1.198
Task 3
(i) Cancer Cell Growth Table
Year Cancer Cell Count (units)
2018 232.26
2019 236.91
2020 241.64
2021 246.48
2022 251.41
2023 256.43
(ii) Growth Function
This growth follows the exponential function: f(t) = 232.26(1.02)^t
- t = number of years since 2018
- 1.02 = 2% annual growth rate
(iii) Project 10-Year Growth
f(10) = 232.26 * (1.02)^10 ≈ 283.13 units
Projected level in 10 years is approximately 283.13 units.
(iv) Graph the Pattern
This shows consistent upward curvature indicating exponential growth.
References:
1. Abramson, J. (2023). Algebra and Trigonometry (2nd ed.). OpenStax.
https://openstax.org/books/algebra-and-trigonometry-2e
2. Yoshiwara, K. (2020). Modeling, Functions, and Graphs. American Institute of
Mathematics. https://yoshiwarabooks.org/mfg/frontmatter.html
