Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Solving Exponential and Logarithmic Equations

Subject Area

Mathematics

Grade(s)

9, 10, 11, 12

Overview

This learning activity Solving Exponential and Logarithmic Equations will be used at the end of a lesson on understanding the inverse relationship between exponents and logarithms and using this relationship to solve problems involving logarithms and exponents.

This activity was created as a result of the ALEX Resource Development Summit.

    Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 09-12 - Precalculus

    MA19.PRE.29

    Use the inverse relationship between exponents and logarithms to solve problems involving logarithms and exponents. Extend from logarithms with base 2 and 10 to a base of e.

    Unpacked Content

    UP:MA19.PRE.29

    Vocabulary

    • Inverse relationship
    • Logarithm
    • Natural logarithm

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • Definition of Logarithm. If bx = y, then logb y = x.
    • Restrictions on domain and range of both functions (b > 0, b not equal to 1, y > 0).
    • Techniques for creating graphs of exponential and logarithmic functions.
    • Situations that can be modeled by exponential and logarithmic functions.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • Re-write the equivalent inverse function from an exponential function or logarithm function in various forms (graphs, tables, or equations).
    • Model contextual situations using logarithmic and exponential functions.
    • Solve exponential and logarithmic equations by isolating the variable.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • Equivalent forms of a function, specifically logarithmic and exponential, may be useful at different times to solve problems.
    • Although the algebraic representations look different, the logarithmic form and exponential form of the same relationship are equivalent.

    Phase

    After/Explain/Elaborate
    Learning Objectives

    Learning Objectives

    I can understand the inverse relationship between exponents and logarithms.

    I can use the inverse relationship to solve problems involving logarithms and exponents.

     

    Activity Details

    This activity will be used at the end of a lesson on logarithms and exponents. Students will complete the activity Solving Exponential and Logarithmic Equations. This activity is a final check for students on the mastery of solving exponential and logarithmic equations. Students will complete this activity individually.

    Assessment Strategies

    Assessment Strategies

    The activity Solving Exponential and Logarithmic Equations can be used to assess the student's ability to understand the inverse relationship between exponents and logarithms and using this relationship to solve problems involving logarithms and exponents.

    Variation Tips

    The learning activity Solving Exponential and Logarithmic Equations can be shortened to use the questions as exit slips.

    Background and Preparation

    Background / Preparation

    Students will need to understand the inverse relationship between exponents and logarithms and using this relationship to solve problems involving logarithms and exponents. The teacher can add the activity to Google Classroom for the students to view. The teacher can copy the activity Solving Exponential and Logarithmic Equations for the students to write on and turn in.

    Digital Tools / Resources

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