Skip to content Skip to navigation

Connexions

You are here: Home » Content » Domain and range of exponential and logarithmic function

Navigation

Content Actions
  • Download module PDF
  • Add to ...
    Add the module to:
    • My Favorites
    • A lens
    • An external social bookmarking service
    • My Favorites (What is 'My Favorites'?)
      'My Favorites' is a special kind of lens which you can use to bookmark modules and collections directly in Connexions. 'My Favorites' can only be seen by you, and collections saved in 'My Favorites' can remember the last module you were on. You need a Connexions account to use 'My Favorites'.
    • A lens (What is a lens?)

      Definition of a lens

      Lenses

      A lens is a custom view of Connexions content. You can think of it as a fancy kind of list that will let you see Connexions through the eyes of organizations and people you trust.

      What is in a lens?

      Lens makers point to Connexions materials (modules and collections), creating a guide that includes their own comments and descriptive tags about the content.

      Who can create a lens?

      Any individual Connexions member, a community, or a respected organization.

    • External bookmarks
  • E-mail the author

Recently Viewed

Domain and range of exponential and logarithmic function

Module by: Sunil Kumar Singh

Working rules : We shall be using following definitions/results for solving problems in this module :

  • y = log a x , where a > 0, a ≠ 1, x > 0, y ∈ R y = log a x , where a > 0, a ≠ 1, x > 0, y ∈ R
  • y = log a x ⇔ x = a y y = log a x ⇔ x = a y
  • If log a x ≥ y , then x ≥ a y , if a > 1 If log a x ≥ y , then x ≥ a y , if a > 1
  • If log a x ≥ y , then x ≤ a y , if a < 1 If log a x ≥ y , then x ≤ a y , if a < 1

Domain of logarithmic function

Example 1

Problem : Find the domain of the function given by :

f x = log x 2 f x = log x 2

Solution : By definition of logarithmic function, we know that base of logarithmic function is a positive number excluding x =1.

x > 0, x ≠ 1 x > 0, x ≠ 1

Hence, domain of the given function is :

Figure 1: Thick line represents domain of the given function.
Domain of the function
Domain of the function (lf1a.gif)

Domain = 0, ∞ − { 1 } Domain = 0, ∞ − { 1 }

or,

Domain = 0,1 ∪ { 1, ∞ } Domain = 0,1 ∪ { 1, ∞ }

Example 2

Problem : Find the domain of the function given by :

f x = log 10 x 2 − 5 x + 6 x 2 + 5 x + 9 f x = log 10 x 2 − 5 x + 6 x 2 + 5 x + 9

Solution : The argument (input to the function) of logarithmic function is a rational function. We need to find values of “x” such that the argument of the function evaluates to a positive number. Hence,

⇒ x 2 − 5 x + 6 x 2 + 5 x + 9 > 0 ⇒ x 2 − 5 x + 6 x 2 + 5 x + 9 > 0

In this case, we can not apply sign scheme for the rational function as a whole. Reason is that the quadratic equation in the denominator has no real roots and as such can not be factorized in linear factors. We see that discreminant,"D", of the quadratic equation in the denominator, is negative :

⇒ D = b 2 − 4 a c = 5 2 − 4 X 1 X 9 = 25 − 36 = - 11 ⇒ D = b 2 − 4 a c = 5 2 − 4 X 1 X 9 = 25 − 36 = - 11

The quadratic expression in denominator is positive for all value of x as coefficient of squared term is positive. Clearly, sign of rational function is same as that of quadratic expression in the numerator. The coefficient of squared term of the numerator “ x 2 x 2 ”, is positive for all values of “x”. The quadratic expression in the numerator evaluates to positive for intervals beyond root values. The roots of the corresponding equal equation is :

⇒ x 2 − 2 x − 3 x + 6 = 0 ⇒ x x − 2 − 3 x − 2 = 0 ⇒ x − 2 x − 3 = 0 ⇒ x 2 − 2 x − 3 x + 6 = 0 ⇒ x x − 2 − 3 x − 2 = 0 ⇒ x − 2 x − 3 = 0

Figure 2: Thick line represents domain of the given function.
Domain of the function
Domain of the function (lf2a.gif)

x < 2 or x > 3 x < 2 or x > 3

Domain = ( - ∞ , 2 ) ∪ ( 3, ∞ ) Domain = ( - ∞ , 2 ) ∪ ( 3, ∞ )

Example 3

Problem : Find the domain of the function given by :

f x = log 10 6 x − x 2 8 f x = log 10 6 x − x 2 8

Solution : The function is a square root of a logarithmic function. On the other hand argument of logarithmic function is a rational function. In order to find the domain of the given function, we first determine what values of “x” are valid for logarithmic function. Then, we apply the condition that expression within square root should be non-negative number. Domain of given function is intersection of intervals of x obtained for each of these conditions. Now, we know that argument (input to function) of logarithmic function is a positive number. This implies that we need to find the interval of “x” for which,

⇒ 6 x − x 2 8 > 0 ⇒ 6 x − x 2 8 > 0

⇒ 6 x − x 2 > 0 ⇒ 6 x − x 2 > 0

In above step, we should emphasize here that we multiply “8” and “0” and retain the inequality sign because 8>0. Now, we multiply the inequality by “-1”. Therefore, inequality sign is reversed.

⇒ x 2 − 6 x < 0 ⇒ x 2 − 6 x < 0

Here, roots of corresponding quadratic equation “ x 2 − 6 x x 2 − 6 x ” is x = 0, 6. It means that middle interval between “0 and 6” is negative as coefficient of “ x 2 x 2 ” is positive i.e. 6>0. Hence, interval satisfying the inequality is :

Figure 3: Thick line represents domain of the given function.
Domain of the function
Domain of the function (lf4a.gif)

0 < x < 6 0 < x < 6

Now, we interpret second condition according to which the whole logarithmic expression within the square root should be a non-negative number.

⇒ log 10 6 x − x 2 8 ≥ 0 ⇒ log 10 6 x − x 2 8 ≥ 0

We use the fact that if log a x ≥ y , then x ≥ a y for a > 1 if log a x ≥ y , then x ≥ a y for a > 1 . This gives us the inequality as given here,

⇒ 6 x − x 2 8 ≥ 10 0 ⇒ 6 x − x 2 8 ≥ 10 0

⇒ 6 x − x 2 8 ≥ 1 ⇒ 6 x − x 2 8 ≥ 1

⇒ 6 x − x 2 ≥ 8 ⇒ 6 x − x 2 − 8 ≥ 0 ⇒ 6 x − x 2 ≥ 8 ⇒ 6 x − x 2 − 8 ≥ 0

⇒ x 2 − 6 x + 8 ≤ 0 ⇒ x 2 − 2 x - 4 x + 8 ≤ 0 ⇒ x 2 − 6 x + 8 ≤ 0 ⇒ x 2 − 2 x - 4 x + 8 ≤ 0

⇒ x x − 2 − 4 x − 2 ≤ 0 ⇒ x − 2 x − 4 ≤ 0 ⇒ x x − 2 − 4 x − 2 ≤ 0 ⇒ x − 2 x − 4 ≤ 0

Clearly, “2” and “4” are the roots of the corresponding quadratic equation. Following sign scheme, we pick middle negative interval :

Figure 4: Thick line represents domain of the given function.
Domain of the function
Domain of the function (lf5a.gif)

2 ≤ x ≤ 4 2 ≤ x ≤ 4

Now, the interval of “x” valid for real values of “f(x)” is the one which satisfies both conditions simultaneously i.e. the interval common to two intervals determined. Hence,

Figure 5: Thick line represents domain of the given function.
Domain of the function
Domain of the function (lf6a.gif)

Domain = 0 < x < 6 ∩ 2 ≤ x ≤ 4 Domain = 0 < x < 6 ∩ 2 ≤ x ≤ 4

Domain = 2 ≤ x ≤ 4 = [ 2,4 ] Domain = 2 ≤ x ≤ 4 = [ 2,4 ]

Example 4

Problem : Find the domain of the function given by :

f x = { log 0.2 x 3 + log 0.2 x 3 X log 0.2 0.0016 x + 36 } f x = { log 0.2 x 3 + log 0.2 x 3 X log 0.2 0.0016 x + 36 }

Solution : The function is square root of an expression, consisting logarithmic functions. Here, we first need to simplify expression, using logarithmic identities, before attempting to find domain of the function. Let us first simplify the middle term of the given expression, using logarithmic identities :

log 0.2 x 3 X log 0.2 0.0016 x = 3 log 0.2 x X log 0.2 0.2 4 x log 0.2 x 3 X log 0.2 0.0016 x = 3 log 0.2 x X log 0.2 0.2 4 x

⇒ log 0.2 x 3 X log 0.2 0.0016 x = 3 log 0.2 x X 4 log 0.2 0.2 + log 0.2 x ⇒ log 0.2 x 3 X log 0.2 0.0016 x = 3 log 0.2 x X 4 log 0.2 0.2 + log 0.2 x

We observe that all logarithmic functions have the base of “0.2”. Let us consider that z = log 0.2 x z = log 0.2 x , then logarithmic expression within square root is :

⇒ z 3 + 3 z 4 + z + 36 = z 3 + 3 z 2 + 12 z + 36 = z 2 z + 3 + 12 z + 3 ⇒ z 3 + 3 z 4 + z + 36 = z 3 + 3 z 2 + 12 z + 36 = z 2 z + 3 + 12 z + 3

⇒ z 3 + 3 z 4 + z + 36 = z 2 + 12 z + 3 ⇒ z 3 + 3 z 4 + z + 36 = z 2 + 12 z + 3

Now, this expression is non-negative for square root to be real. Hence,

⇒ z 2 + 12 z + 3 ≥ 0 ⇒ z 2 + 12 z + 3 ≥ 0

But, we see that z 2 + 12 z 2 + 12 is a positive number as term z 2 z 2 is positive. It means that :

⇒ z + 3 ≥ 0 ⇒ log log 0.2 x ≥ - 3 ⇒ x ≤ 0.2 - 3 ⇒ x ≤ 1 0.008 ⇒ x ≤ 125 ⇒ z + 3 ≥ 0 ⇒ log log 0.2 x ≥ - 3 ⇒ x ≤ 0.2 - 3 ⇒ x ≤ 1 0.008 ⇒ x ≤ 125

Note that we have reversed the inequality as the base is 0.2, which is less than 1. Further, we have substituted as :

z = log 0.2 x z = log 0.2 x

This logarithmic function is valid by definition for all positive value of “x”. Now, the domain of given function is the intersection of two intervals as shown in the figure.

Figure 6: Thick line represents domain of the given function.
Domain of the function
Domain of the function (lf7b.gif)

Domain = ( 0,125 ] Domain = ( 0,125 ]

Range of logarithmic function

Example 5

Problem : Find range of the function :

f x = e x − e - | x | e x + e | x | f x = e x − e - | x | e x + e | x |

Solution : We observe that for x≤0,

f x = 0 f x = 0

For x>0

⇒ y = f x = e x − e - | x | e x + e | x | = e 2 x - 1 2 e 2 x ⇒ y = f x = e x − e - | x | e x + e | x | = e 2 x - 1 2 e 2 x

⇒ y X 2 e 2 x = e 2 x - 1 ⇒ 1 - 2 y e 2 x = 1 ⇒ y X 2 e 2 x = e 2 x - 1 ⇒ 1 - 2 y e 2 x = 1 ⇒ e 2 x = 1 1 − 2 y ⇒ e 2 x = 1 1 − 2 y

We can see that e 2 x ≥ 1 e 2 x ≥ 1 for all x. Hence,

⇒ 1 1 − 2 y ≥ 1 ⇒ 1 1 − 2 y − 1 ≥ 0 ⇒ 1 − 1 + 2 y 1 − 2 y ≥ 0 ⇒ 1 1 − 2 y ≥ 1 ⇒ 1 1 − 2 y − 1 ≥ 0 ⇒ 1 − 1 + 2 y 1 − 2 y ≥ 0

⇒ 2 y 1 − 2 y ≥ 0 ⇒ 2 y 1 − 2 y ≥ 0 ⇒ 2 y 2 y − 1 ≤ 0 ⇒ 2 y 2 y − 1 ≤ 0

Here, critical points are 0,1. Thus, range of the given function is :

Range = [ 0, 1 2 ) Range = [ 0, 1 2 )

Exercise

Exercise 1

Find the domain of the function given by :

f x = 2 sin - 1 x f x = 2 sin - 1 x

Solution 1

The exponent of the exponential function is inverse trigonometric function. Exponential function is real for all real values of exponent. We see here that given function is real for the values of “x” corresponding to which arcsine function is real. Now, domain of arcsine function is [-1,1]. This is the interval of "x" for which arcsine is real. Hence, domain of the given function, “f(x)” is :

Domain = [ - 1,1 ] Domain = [ - 1,1 ]

Exercise 2

Find the domain of the function given by :

f x = log 10 { 8 − x + x − 2 } f x = log 10 { 8 − x + x − 2 }

Solution 2

The argument (input to the function) of logarithmic function is addition of two square roots. We need to find values of “x” such that the argument of the logarithmic function evaluates to a positive number. An unsigned square root is a positive number by definition. It can not be negative. Symbolically, √x is a positive number. Clearly, each of the square roots is a positive number. Hence, their addition is also a positive number. Thus, we see that the requirement of the argument of a logarithmic function being a positive number, is automatically fulfilled by virtue of the property of an unsigned square root.

We, therefore, only need to evaluate “x” for which each of the square roots is real. In other words, the expressions in each of the square roots is a non-negative integer.

8 − x ≥ 0 ⇒ x − 8 ≤ 0 ⇒ x ≤ 8 8 − x ≥ 0 ⇒ x − 8 ≤ 0 ⇒ x ≤ 8

x − 2 ≥ 0 ⇒ x ≥ 2 x − 2 ≥ 0 ⇒ x ≥ 2

The two square root functions are added to form the argument of logarithmic function. We know that domain of function resulting from addition is intersection of domains of individual square root function. Hence,

Domain = [ 2,8 ] Domain = [ 2,8 ]

Exercise 3

Find the domain of the function :

f x = log 10 { 1 − log x 2 − 3 x + 12 } f x = log 10 { 1 − log x 2 − 3 x + 12 }

Solution 3

Hints : There are two logarithmic functions composing the given function. Let us call them outer and inner. For outer logarithmic function,

⇒ 1 − log x 2 − 3 x + 12 > 0 ⇒ 1 − log x 2 − 3 x + 12 > 0 ⇒ log x 2 − 3 x + 12 < 1 ⇒ log x 2 − 3 x + 12 < 1 ⇒ log 10 x 2 − 3 x + 12 < log 10 10 ⇒ log 10 x 2 − 3 x + 12 < log 10 10 ⇒ x 2 − 3 x + 12 < 10 ⇒ x 2 − 3 x + 12 < 10 ⇒ x 2 − 3 x + 2 < 0 ⇒ x 2 − 3 x + 2 < 0 ⇒ x − 1 x − 2 < 0 ⇒ x − 1 x − 2 < 0 ⇒ x ∈ 1,2 ⇒ x ∈ 1,2

For inner logarithmic function,

x 2 − 3 x + 12 > 0 x 2 − 3 x + 12 > 0

Here, coefficient of squared term is positive and and D<0. Hence, this inequality is true for all real x i.e. xR. Now, domain of given function is intersection of two intervals.

Domain = 1,2 Domain = 1,2

Exercise 4

Problem 3 : Find the domain of the function given by :

f x = log 2 log 3 log 4 x f x = log 2 log 3 log 4 x

Solution 4

The function is formed by nesting three logarithmic functions. Further base of logarithmic functions are different. For determining domain we (i) find value of “x” for which “ log 4 x log 4 x ” is real (ii) find range of “ log 4 x log 4 x ” for which “ log 3 log 4 x log 3 log 4 x ” is real and (iii) find range of “ log 3 log 4 x log 3 log 4 x ” for which f(x) is real.

For “ log 4 x log 4 x ” to be real, x is a positive number. It means,

x > 0 x > 0

For “ log 3 log 4 x log 3 log 4 x ” to be real, “ log 4 x log 4 x ” is required to be positive. It means,

log 4 x > 0 log 4 x > 0

Using the fact that if log a x ≥ y , then x ≥ a y for a > 1 if log a x ≥ y , then x ≥ a y for a > 1 , we have :

⇒ x > 4 0 ⇒ x > 1 ⇒ x > 4 0 ⇒ x > 1

For “f(x)” to be real, “ log 3 log 4 x log 3 log 4 x ” is required to be positive. It means,

⇒ log 3 log 4 x > 0 ⇒ log 3 log 4 x > 0

⇒ log 4 x > 1 ⇒ log 4 x > 1

⇒ x > 4 1 ⇒ x > 4 ⇒ x > 4 1 ⇒ x > 4

Combining three intervals so obtained,

Figure 7: Thick line represents domain of the given function.
Domain of the function
Domain of the function (lf3a.gif)

Domain = 4, ∞ Domain = 4, ∞

Exercise 5

Find the range of the function :

f x = log 10 x 2 − 3 x + 4 f x = log 10 x 2 − 3 x + 4

Solution 5

Hints : We need to find minimum and maximum value of logarithmic function for the values of x in domain of the function. The argument of logarithmic function is a quadratic function, whose coefficient of squared term is positive and D <0. It means its graph is a parabola opening up in the positive side of y-axis. The minimum value of the quadratic expression is :

y min = − D 4 a y min = − D 4 a

y max = ∞ y max = ∞

Now, we know that graph of logarithmic function for base, a > 1, is a continuously increasing graph. It means that value of logarithmic function, corresponding to min and max values of quadratic expression is the range of given function.

⇒ f 7 4 = log 10 7 14 ⇒ f 7 4 = log 10 7 14 ⇒ f x → ∞ → ∞ ⇒ f x → ∞ → ∞

Hence, range of given function is :

Range = ( log 10 7 14 , ∞ ) Range = ( log 10 7 14 , ∞ )

Exercise 6

Find domain and range if

e x − e f x = e e x − e f x = e

Solution 6

Rearranging, we have :

⇒ e f x = e x − e ⇒ e f x = e x − e

Taking logarithm on either sides of equation,

⇒ y = f x = log e x − e ⇒ y = f x = log e x − e

For logarithmic function,

⇒ e x − e > 0 ⇒ e x > e ⇒ x > 1 ⇒ e x − e > 0 ⇒ e x > e ⇒ x > 1

Domain = 1, ∞ Domain = 1, ∞

In order to find range, we solve function expression for y. In exponential form,

⇒ e y = e x − e ⇒ e x = e y − e ⇒ e y = e x − e ⇒ e x = e y − e

Taking logarithm on either sides of equation,

⇒ x = log e e y − e ⇒ x = log e e y − e

For logarithmic function,

⇒ e y − e > 0 ⇒ e y > e ⇒ y > 1 ⇒ e y − e > 0 ⇒ e y > e ⇒ y > 1

Range = 1, ∞ Range = 1, ∞

Comments, questions, feedback, criticisms?

Send feedback