/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 5 Fill in the blank. The \(y\) -... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

91Ó°ÊÓ

Fill in the blank. The \(y\) -axis is a(n) _____________ for the graph of \(f(x)=\log _{a}(x)\).

Short Answer

Expert verified
vertical asymptote

Step by step solution

01

Identify the equation type

The given equation is a logarithmic function in the form of \( f(x) = \log_a(x) \).
02

Recall the properties of the logarithmic function

Recall that for the function \( f(x) = \log_a(x) \), the graph does not intersect the y-axis because the logarithm is undefined for non-positive values of x.
03

Understand the behavior near the y-axis

As \( x \) approaches zero from the positive side, \( f(x) = \log_a(x) \) approaches negative infinity. This indicates that the y-axis acts as a boundary the graph approaches but never touches.
04

Define the asymptote

Based on the behavior near the y-axis and the definition of an asymptote, the y-axis is a vertical asymptote of the logarithmic function \( f(x) = \log_a(x) \).

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Asymptote
When studying logarithmic functions like \(f(x) = \log_a(x)\), it's important to understand what an asymptote is. An asymptote is a line that the graph of a function approaches but never actually touches. In the case of \(f(x) = \log_a(x)\), the y-axis (\(x=0\)) is a vertical asymptote.
Why? As x gets very close to zero from the positive side, \(\log_a(x)\) heads towards negative infinity. This means that the graph will get very close to the y-axis as x decreases, but will never actually reach or intersect the axis. Therefore, the y-axis acts as a boundary that the logarithmic function approaches indefinitely.
Logarithm Properties
To understand logarithmic functions deeply, you'll need to get familiar with some fundamental logarithm properties. Here are a few key properties:
  • Base Relationship: \( \log_a(a) = 1 \) because the log represents the exponent needed to achieve the base value.
  • Product Rule: \( \log_a(xy) = \log_a(x) + \log_a(y) \) breaks down products into sums.
  • Quotient Rule: \( \log_a \left( \frac{x}{y} \right) = \log_a(x) - \log_a(y) \) helps to simplify divisions into differences.
  • Power Rule: \( \log_a(x^k) = k \cdot \log_a(x) \) which pulls power exponents out front.
  • Change of Base Formula: \( \log_a(x) = \frac{\log_b(x)}{\log_b(a)} \) allows conversion between different log bases.
Understanding these properties will help in manipulating and solving equations involving logs.
Undefined Values
One significant property of logarithmic functions, such as \( f(x) = \log_a(x) \), is that they are only defined for positive values of x. This means for any \( x \leq 0 \), \( \log_a(x) \) is undefined.
Why does this happen? Remember, the logarithm \( \log_a(x) \) is the exponent to which the base \( a \) must be raised to produce \( x \). There is no real number solution for this when \( x \) is zero or negative. Since no power of a positive base number can result in zero or a negative number, the log of such values does not exist.
Thus, always ensure x is positive when dealing with logarithmic functions to avoid undefined expressions.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Solve each problem. To illustrate the "miracle" of compound interest, Ben Franklin bequeathed \(\$ 4000\) to the city of Boston in \(1790 .\) The fund grew to \(\$ 4.5\) million in 200 years. Find the annual rate compounded continuously that would cause this "miracle" to happen.

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