College Algebra Problems With Answers
Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

College algebra problems on logarithmic and exponential functions are presented along with answers[cite: 1]. Each solution is hidden inside a collapsible dropdown so you can practice independently before reviewing the step-by-step calculations.

Problems and Solutions

Problem 1

Let the logarithmic function \( f \) be defined by \( f(x) = 2\ln(2x - 1) \).

View Solution
  • a) Solve \( 2x - 1 > 0 \) to find the domain: \[ x > \dfrac{1}{2} \]
  • b) Solve \( 2x - 1 = 0 \) to find the vertical asymptote: \[ x = \dfrac{1}{2} \]

Problem 2

Let the exponential function \( h \) be defined by \( h(x) = 2 + e^x \).

View Solution
  • a) Range of \( h \): \[ (2, +\infty) \]
  • b) Horizontal asymptote: \[ y = 2 \]

Problem 3

The population of city A changes according to the exponential function \[ A(t) = 2.9 \times 2^{0.11t} \text{ (millions)} \] and the population of city B changes according to the exponential function \[ B(t) = 1.7 \times 2^{0.17t} \text{ (millions)} \] where \( t = 0 \) corresponds to 2009.

View Solution
  • a) \( A(0) = 2.9 \) millions and \( B(0) = 1.7 \) millions. Therefore, city A had a larger population in 2009.
  • b) Solve \( 2.9 \times 2^{0.11t} = 1.7 \times 2^{0.17t} \) to find \( t \):
    Take \( \ln \) of both sides of the equation: \[ \ln\left[ 2.9 \times 2^{0.11t} \right] = \ln\left[ 1.7 \times 2^{0.17t} \right] \] \[ \ln(2.9) + 0.11t \ln(2) = \ln(1.7) + 0.17t \ln(2) \] Solve for \( t \): \[ t = \dfrac{\ln 1.7 - \ln 2.9}{0.11\ln 2 - 0.17\ln 2} \approx 13 \] (approximated to the nearest unit).
    The size of the two populations will be the same in \( 2009 + 13 = 2022 \).

Problem 4

Find the inverse of the logarithmic function \( f \) defined by \( f(x) = 2 \log_5(2x - 8) + 3 \).

View Solution

Solve the equation \( x = 2 \log_5(2y - 8) + 3 \) for \( y \) to obtain the inverse function:

\[ f^{-1}(x) = \dfrac{1}{2} 5^{\dfrac{x-3}{2}} + 4 \]

Problem 5

Find the inverse of the exponential function \( h \) defined by \( h(x) = -2 \cdot 3^{-3x + 9} - 4 \).

View Solution

Solve the equation \( x = -2 \cdot 3^{-3y + 9} - 4 \) for \( y \) to obtain the inverse function:

\[ h^{-1}(x) = \dfrac{-1}{3} \log_3 \left( \dfrac{x+4}{-2} \right) + 3 \]

Problem 6

Solve the logarithmic equation defined by: \[ \ln(2x - 2) + \ln(4x - 3) = 2 \ln(2x) \]

View Solution

Rewrite the given equation using logarithm properties:

\[ \ln\left[(2x - 2)(4x - 3)\right] = \ln(2x)^2 \]

This gives the algebraic equation:

\[ (2x - 2)(4x - 3) = (2x)^2 \]

Solve the quadratic equation for \( x \):

\[ x = 3 \quad \text{and} \quad x = \dfrac{1}{2} \]

Checking the two values, only \( x = 3 \) is a valid solution to the given logarithmic equation (since \( x = \frac{1}{2} \) results in the logarithm of zero or a negative number).

Problem 7

\( A \), \( B \) and \( k \) in the exponential function \( f \) given by \[ f(x) = Ae^{kx} + B \] are constants. Find \( A \), \( B \) and \( k \) if \( f(0) = 1 \), \( f(1) = 2 \), and the graph of \( f \) has a horizontal asymptote \( y = -4 \).

View Solution
  • The horizontal asymptote \( y = -4 \) gives \( B = -4 \).
  • Using \( f(0) = 1 \): \[ f(0) = A + B = 1 \implies A - 4 = 1 \implies A = 5 \]
  • Using \( f(1) = 2 \): \[ f(1) = 5e^k - 4 = 2 \implies 5e^k = 6 \implies e^k = \dfrac{6}{5} \] \[ k = \ln\left(\dfrac{6}{5}\right) \]

More References and Links


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