Chapter 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world.
— Albert Einstein (attributed)
Why This Matters
Exponential functions describe growth and decay — the mathematics of life itself.
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Populations grow exponentially
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Radioactive materials decay exponentially
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Your money compounds exponentially
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Viruses spread exponentially
Logarithms are the inverse — they answer "how long?" and "how many doublings?"
Sections
| Section | Topic | Key Skill | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Inverse Functions |
Find \(f^{-1}(x)\) |
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|
Exponential Functions |
Graph \(f(x) = b^x\) |
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|
Logarithmic Functions |
Graph \(f(x) = \log_b(x)\) |
[ ] Not Started |
|
Properties of Logarithms |
Expand, condense |
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Exponential and Logarithmic Equations |
Solve |
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|
Modeling with Exponential Functions |
Applications |
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