Education Technology

Precalculus: Transformations of Logarithmic Functions

by Texas Instruments

Updated on September 17, 2024

Objectives

  • Students will explore the family of logarithmic functions of the form f(x) = c*logb(x+a) and describe the effect of each parameter on the graph of y = f(x)
  • Students will determine the equation that corresponds to the graph of a logarithmic function.
  • Students will understand how a vertical shift in the graph of a logarithmic function is related to properties of logarithmic functions.

Vocabulary

  • logarithmic function
  • natural logarithm
  • parameter
  • translation
  • reflection

About the Lesson

This lesson involves the family of logarithmic functions of the form f(x) = c*logb(x+a).

As a result, students will:

  • Manipulate minimized sliders, and observe the effect on the graph of the corresponding logarithmic function.
  • Make a general statement about the effect of each parameter on the graph of the logarithmic function.
  • Match specific logarithmic functions with their corresponding graphs.
  • Relate properties of logarithmic functions to vertical translations of their graphs.

*Note: This activity contains an optional AP Practice Questions document for those students preparing for the AP Precalculus Exam.