Transformations of Exponential

6.4 GO DIGITAL

and Logarithmic Functions

Learning Target Describe and graph transformations of exponential
and logarithmic functions.

Success Criteria • I can describe transformations of exponential and

logarithmic functions.
• I can graph transformations of exponential and logarithmic functions.
• I can write functions that represent transformations of exponential
and logarithmic functions.

EXPLORE IT Identifying Transformations

Work with a partner. You can transform graphs of exponential and logarithmic
functions in the same way you transformed graphs of functions previously. Each
graph shown is a transformation of the parent function
f (x) = e x or f (x) = ln x.
In parts (a)–(f), match each graph with one of the functions in the list at the left.
Explain your reasoning. Then describe the transformation of f represented by g.
A. g(x) = e x + 2 − 3
B. g(x) = −e x + 2 + 1 a. 4
y b. y
g 4
C. g(x) = −e x − 2 + 3 g
2
D. g(x) = e x − 2 − 1
−4 −2 2 x −4 −2
E. g(x) = ln(x + 2) 2 4x
−2 −2
F. g(x) = ln(x − 2)
−4
G. g(x) = 2 + ln x
H. g(x) = 2 + ln(−x)
c. y d. y g
4
2
2

−4 2 x
−2 2 4 x
−2
g
−4

Math Practice e.
4
y f.
4
y

Look for Structure g

2
How can you use the
asymptotes to match the
−4 2 4x −4 −2 2 x
functions and graphs?
−2 g −2

−4 −4

g. The graph of h is a translation 4 units right and 1 unit up of the graph of

f (x) = e x. Write a rule for h. Then graph each function.

6.4 Transformations of Exponential and Logarithmic Functions 315

Algebra 2 SE Chapter 6.indb 315 5/11/20 2:32 PM

 Transforming Graphs of
Exponential Functions GO DIGITAL

You can transform graphs of exponential and logarithmic functions in the

same way you transformed graphs of functions in previous chapters. Examples
of transformations of the graph of f (x) = 4x are shown below.

KEY IDEAS
Transformation f (x) Notation Examples
Horizontal Translation g(x) = 4x − 3 3 units right
f (x − h)
Graph shifts left or right. g(x) = 4x + 2 2 units left
Vertical Translation g(x) = 4x + 5 5 units up
f (x) + k
Graph shifts up or down. g(x) = 4x − 1 1 unit down
Reflection f(−x) g(x) = 4−x in the y-axis
Graph flips over a line. −f (x) g(x) = −4x in the x-axis
Horizontal Stretch or Shrink g(x) = 42x shrink by a
Graph stretches away from 1
factor of —
or shrinks toward y-axis f(ax) 2
1 g(x) = 4x/2 stretch by a
by a factor of —.
a factor of 2
Vertical Stretch or Shrink g(x) = 3(4x) stretch by a
Graph stretches away from factor of 3
or shrinks toward x-axis ⋅
a f(x) 1
g(x) = — (4x) shrink by a
by a factor of a. 4 1
factor of —
4

EXAMPLE 1 Translating an Exponential Function

x x
()
Describe the transformation of f (x) = —12 represented by g(x) = —12 − 4. ()
Then graph each function.

SOLUTION
x
STUDY TIP Notice that the function is of the form g(x) = —12 + k. ()
Notice in the graph that Rewrite the function to identify k.
x g f y
the vertical translation
also shifts the asymptote
()
g(x) = —12 + (−4)
3
4 units down, so the range
of g is y > −4. k
−3 1 3 x
Because k = −4, the graph of g −1
is a translation 4 units down of
the graph of f.

SELF-ASSESSMENT 1 I do not understand. 2 I can do it with help. 3 I can do it on my own. 4 I can teach someone else.

Describe the transformation of f represented by g. Then graph each function.

1 x 1 x−2
1. f (x) = 3x, g(x) = 3x + 2 ()
2. f (x) = —4 , g(x) = —4 ()
3. f (x) = 0.5x, g(x) = 0.5x + 1 − 6 4. f (x) = 2x, g(x) = 2x − 3 + 1

316 Chapter 6 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Algebra 2 SE Chapter 6.indb 316 5/11/20 2:33 PM

 Translating a Natural Base
EXAMPLE 2
Exponential Function GO DIGITAL

Describe the transformation of f (x) = e x represented by g(x) = e x + 3 + 2.

Then graph each function.

SOLUTION
Notice that the function is of the form
STUDY TIP g(x) = e x − h + k. Rewrite the function to
g y f
Notice in the graph that identify h and k. 7
the vertical translation
g(x) = e x − (−3) + 2 5
also shifts the asymptote
2 units up, so the range 3
of g is y > 2. h k
Because h = −3 and k = 2, the graph
of g is a translation 3 units left and −6 −4 −2 2x
2 units up of the graph of f.

EXAMPLE 3 Transforming Exponential Functions

Describe the transformation of f represented by g. Then graph each function.

a. f (x) = 3x, g(x) = 33x − 5 b. f (x) = e−x, g(x) = − —18 e−x

SOLUTION
a. Notice that the function is of the b. Notice that the function is
form g(x) = 3ax − h, where a = 3 of the form g(x) = ae−x,
and h = 5. where a = − —18 .

Math Practice So, the graph of g is a So, the graph of g is a

translation 5 units right, reflection in the x-axis
Look for Structure followed by a horizontal shrink and a vertical shrink by
Compare the by a factor of —13 of the graph a factor of —18 of the graph
transformation in of f. of f.
Example 3(a) with
the transformation y f g f y
8 4
of f represented by
h(x) = 33(x − 5). 6

4
−4 2 4x

2 −2

g −4
−2 2 4 x

SELF-ASSESSMENT 1 I do not understand. 2 I can do it with help. 3 I can do it on my own. 4 I can teach someone else.

Describe the transformation of f represented by g. Then graph each function.

5. f (x) = ex, g(x) = ex − 3 6. f (x) = e−x, g(x) = e−x − 5

7. f (x) = 0.4x, g(x) = 0.4−2x 8. f (x) = e x, g(x) = −e x + 6

9. WRITING Given the function f (x) = ab x − h + k, describe the effects of a, h, and k

on the graph of the function.

6.4 Transformations of Exponential and Logarithmic Functions 317

Algebra 2 SE Chapter 6.indb 317 5/11/20 2:33 PM

 Transforming Graphs of
Logarithmic Functions GO DIGITAL

Examples of transformations of the graph of f (x) = log x are shown below.

KEY IDEAS
Transformation
Tran f (x) Notation Examples
Hori
Horizontal Translation g(x) = log(x − 4) 4 units right
f(x − h)
Graph shifts left or right.
Grap g(x) = log(x + 7) 7 units left
Vert
Vertical Translation g(x) = log x + 3 3 units up
f (x) + k
Grap
Graph shifts up or down. g(x) = log x − 1 1 unit down
Refleection f(−x) g(x) = log(−x) in the y-axis
Grap
Graph flips over a line. −f(x) g(x) = −log x in the x-axis
Hori
Horizontal Stretch or Shrink g(x) = log(4x) shrink by a
Grap
Graph stretches away from 1
factor of —
shrinks toward y-axis
or sh f(ax) 4
1
by a factor of —.
a
1
3( )
g(x) = log — x stretch by a
factor of 3
Vertical Stretch or Shrink
Vert g(x) = 5 log x stretch by a
Graph stretches away from
Grap factor of 5
shrinks toward x-axis
or sh ⋅
a f(x) 2
g(x) = — log x shrink by a
by a factor of a. 3 2
factor of —
3

EXAMPLE 4
EXAM Transforming Logarithmic Functions

Describe the transformation of f represented by g. Then graph each function.

Describ
a. f(
f (x) (
x) = log x, g(x) = log − —12 x ) b. f (x) = log1/2 x, g(x) = 2 log1/2(x + 4)

SOLUTION
SOLUT
Notice that the function is of the form g(x) = log(ax), where a = − —12 .
a. Notic

So, the graph of g is a reflection in the y-axis y

f
and a horizontal stretch by a factor of 2 of g
1
the graph of f.
STUDY TIP −16 −8 8 16 x
In Example 4(b), notice −1
in the graph that the
horizontal translation
also shifts the asymptote b. Notice that the function is of the form g(x) = a log1/2(x − h), where
4 units left, so the a = 2 and h = −4.
domain of g is x > −4.
y
So, the graph of g is a horizontal translation
4 units left and a vertical stretch by a factor 2
of 2 of the graph of f.
−1 4x
−2
f

318 Chapter 6 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Algebra 2 SE Chapter 6.indb 318 5/11/20 2:34 PM

 Writing Transformations of Graphs
GO DIGITAL
of Functions

EXAMPLE 5 Writing a Transformed Exponential Function

Let the graph of g be a reflection in the x-axis, followed by a translation 4 units right
of the graph of f (x) = 2x. Write a rule for g.

SOLUTION
Check Step 1 First write a function h that represents the reflection of f.
f h(x) = −f (x) Multiply the output by −1.
2
= −2x Substitute 2x for f (x).

–4 4 6 Step 2 Then write a function g that represents the translation of h.

–2 g(x) = h (x − 4) Subtract 4 from the input.
h g = −2x − 4 Replace x with x − 4 in h (x).

The transformed function is g(x) = −2x − 4.

EXAMPLE 6 Writing a Transformed Logarithmic Function

Let the graph of g be a translation 2 units up, followed by a vertical stretch by a factor
of 2 of the graph of f (x) = log1/3 x. Write a rule for g.

SOLUTION
Step 1 First write a function h that represents the translation of f.
Check h(x) = f (x) + 2 Add 2 to the output.
6
g = log1/3 x + 2 Substitute log1/3 x for f (x).
4 Step 2 Then write a function g that represents the vertical stretch of h.
2
h ⋅
g(x) = 2 h(x) Multiply the output by 2.

f 4 6 8 = 2 ⋅ (log 1/3 x + 2) Substitute log1/3 x + 2 for h(x).

= 2 log1/3 x + 4 Distributive Property

The transformed function is g(x) = 2 log1/3 x + 4.

SELF-ASSESSMENT 1 I do not understand. 2 I can do it with help. 3 I can do it on my own. 4 I can teach someone else.

Describe the transformation of f represented by g. Then graph each function.

10. f (x) = log2 x, g(x) = −3 log2 x 11. f (x) = log1/4 x, g(x) = log1/4(4x) − 5

12. Let the graph of g be a horizontal stretch by a factor of 3, followed by a translation

2 units up of the graph of f (x) = e−x. Write a rule for g.

13. Let the graph of g be a reflection in the y-axis, followed by a translation 4 units left
of the graph of f (x) = log x. Write a rule for g.

6.4 Transformations of Exponential and Logarithmic Functions 319

Algebra 2 SE Chapter 6.indb 319 5/11/20 2:35 PM

 6.4 Practice WITH AND
GO DIGITAL

In Exercises 1– 4, match the function with its graph. In Exercises 15–22, describe the transformation
Explain your reasoning. of f represented by g. Then graph each function.
Example 3
1. y = 2x + 2 − 2
4
15. f (x) = e x, g(x) = e2x 16. f (x) = e x, g (x) = —3 e x
2. y = 2x + 2 +2
17. f (x) = 2x, g(x) = −2x − 3
3. y = 2x − 2 − 2
18. f (x) = 4x, g(x) = 40.5x − 5
4. y = 2x − 2 + 2
19. f (x) = e−x, g(x) = 3e−6x
A. B.
y y 20. f (x) = e−x, g(x) = e−5x + 2
4 6
21. f (x) = 0.5x, g(x) = 6(0.5)x + 5 − 2
2 4
3 x 3 x−7
−4 −2 4x
()
22. f (x) = —4 , g(x) = − —4 () +1

−4 −2 2 4x ERROR ANALYSIS In Exercises 23 and 24, describe and

correct the error in graphing the transformation of f
C. D.
represented by g.
y y
4
23. g (x) = 2x + 3
2

✗
3 y
−4 2 4x g f
−1 1 8

−6 −4 −2 2x

In Exercises 5–14, describe the transformation −4 −2 2 4x

of f represented by g. Then graph each function.
Examples 1 and 2 24. g (x) = 3−x
5. f (x) = 3x, g(x) = 3x + 5

6. f (x) = 4x, g(x) = 4x − 8 ✗ 2

y
f

7. f (x) = e x, g(x) = e x − 1 −4 −2 2 4x

−2
8. f (x) = e x, g(x) = e x + 4 g

9. f (x) = 2x, g(x) = 2x − 7

10. f (x) = 5x, g(x) = 5x + 1 In Exercises 25–28, describe the transformation

of f represented by g. Then graph each function.
11. f (x) = e−x, g(x) = e−x + 6 Example 4

12. f (x) = e−x, g(x) = e−x − 9 25. f (x) = log4 x, g(x) = 3 log4 x − 5

26. f (x) = log1/3 x, g(x) = log1/3(−x) + 6

13. f (x) = 0.25x, g (x) = 0.25x – 3 + 12

1 x 1 x+2
27. f (x) = log1/5 x, g(x) = −log1/5(x − 7)
()
14. f (x)= —3 , g(x) = —3 () − —23
28. f (x) = log2 x, g(x) = log2(x + 2) − 3

320 Chapter 6 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Algebra 2 SE Chapter 6.indb 320 5/11/20 2:35 PM

 ANALYZING RELATIONSHIPS In Exercises 29–32, use In Exercises 35–38, write a rule for g that
the graph of f to match the transformation of f with represents the indicated transformations GO DIGITAL
its graph. of the graph of f. Example 5
y
35. f (x) = 5x; translation 2 units down, followed by a
f
reflection in the y-axis

()
2 x
36. f (x) = —3 ; reflection in the x-axis, followed by a
x vertical stretch by a factor of 6 and a translation
4 units left
1
37. f (x) = ex; horizontal shrink by a factor of —2 , followed
by a translation 5 units up
29. y = f (x − 2) 30. y = f (x + 2)
38. f (x) = e−x; translation 4 units right and 1 unit down,
31. y = 2f (x) 32. y = f (2x) followed by a vertical shrink by a factor of —13

A. y B. y In Exercises 39–42, write a rule for g that represents

the indicated transformations of the graph of f.
Example 6

x x
39. f (x) = log6 x; vertical stretch by a factor of 6,
followed by a translation 5 units down
40. f (x) = log5 x; reflection in the x-axis, followed by a
translation 9 units left

C. y D. y 41. f (x) = log1/2 x; translation 3 units left and 2 units up,

followed by a reflection in the y-axis
42. f (x) = ln x; translation 3 units right and 1 unit up,
followed by a horizontal stretch by a factor of 8
x x
STRUCTURE In Exercises 43 and 44, describe
the transformation of the graph of f represented
by the graph of g. Then give an equation of the
asymptote.
JUSTIFYING STEPS In Exercises 33 and 34, justify each 43. f (x) = 3x, g(x) = 3x − 9
step in writing a rule for g that represents the indicated 44. f (x) = log1/5 x, g(x) = log1/5 x + 13
transformations of the graph of f.
33. f (x) = log7 x; reflection in the x-axis, followed by a 45. MODELING REAL LIFE The speed (in miles per hour)
translation 6 units down of a hoverboard can be modeled by the function
g(t) = 9 − 9e −at, where t is the number of seconds
h (x) = −f (x) since activation and 0 < a < 1. Describe how changing
= −log7 x the value of a affects the graph of g. What does this
mean in terms of the speed of the hoverboard?
g (x) = h (x) − 6
= −log7 x − 6 46. MODELING REAL LIFE Explain why the advertisement
below is misleading for the hoverboard modeled
34. f (x) = 8x; vertical stretch by a factor of 4, followed by in Exercise 45.
a translation 1 unit up and 3 units left

⋅ f (x)
h(x) = 4
=4⋅8 x

g (x) = h(x + 3) + 1
=4 ⋅8 x+3 +1 Up to 12 miles
per hour

6.4 Transformations of Exponential

Exponential
al and Logarithmic Functions 321

Algebra 2 SE Chapter 6.indb 321 5/11/20 2:37 PM

 47. MAKING AN ARGUMENT Does a horizontal stretch by 50. THOUGHT PROVOKING
a factor of 4 have the same result as a vertical shrink Consider the functions f (x) = loga x and GO DIGITAL
by a factor of —14 for f (x) = log4 x? Explain. 1
g (x) = — log x + k. How are the
log a
graphs of f and g related?
48. HOW DO YOU SEE IT? y
The graphs of f (x) = b x 8
x g f
1
and g(x) = — are
b () 6
51. PROBLEM SOLVING The amount P (in grams)
of 100 grams of plutonium-239 that remains after
shown for b = 2. Use 4 t years can be modeled by P = 100(0.99997)t.
the graphs to describe a a. How much plutonium-239 remains after
transformation of the 12,000 years?
graph of f that results in
the graph of g. −4 −2 2 4x b. Describe the transformation of the function when
the initial amount of plutonium-239 is 550 grams.
c. Does the transformation in part (b) affect the
49. CRITICAL THINKING Consider the graph of the
domain and range of the function? Explain.
function h (x) = e−x − 2.
Describe the transformation
of the graph of f (x) = e−x represented by the graph
52. OPEN-ENDED Write a function whose graph has a
of h. Then describe the transformation of the graph
y-intercept of 5 and an asymptote of y = 2.
of g(x) = e x represented by the graph of h.

REVIEW & REFRESH

—
In Exercises 53–56, simplify the expression. 62. Solve √ 2x + 11 = 5. Check your solution.
53. 9log9 x 54. eln 9
63. MODELING REAL LIFE Social media advertisement
revenue and ride sharing rewards earn annual
55. log2 22x 56. 10log (x − 3)
interest compounded continuously. The balance S
(in dollars) of the social media advertisement
In Exercises 57 and 58, determine whether the data
revenue after t years is modeled by S = 25e0.1t.
show a linear relationship. If so, write an equation of
The graph shows the balance R of the ride sharing
a line of fit. Then estimate y when x = 20 and explain
rewards. Which account has a greater principal?
its meaning in the context of the situation.
Which account has a greater balance after 6 years?
57.
Minutes gliding, x 1 4 8 12
Ride Sharing Rewards
Calories burned, y 8 32 64 96 R
50
Balance (dollars)

58. Months, x 3 6 9 12 40

Attendance 30
2 2.1 2.2 2.3 (0, 30)
(thousands), y
20

In Exercises 59 and 60, write a rule for g that 10

represents the indicated transformations of the
graph of f. 0
0 2 4 6 8 t

59. f (x) = ex;

horizontal shrink by a factor of 1
—3 , Year
followed by a translation 1 unit down
In Exercises 64 and 65, rewrite the function in the
60. f (x) = log2 x; reflection in the y-axis, followed by a form y = a(1 + r) t or y = a(1 − r) t. State the growth
translation 3 units right or decay rate, and describe the end behavior of the
function.
61. Find the zeros of h(x) = x 4 + x3 − 12x2.
Then sketch the graph of h. 64. y = a(2)t/4 ()
1 2t
65. y = a —3

322 Chapter 6 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Algebra 2 SE Chapter 6.indb 322 5/11/20 2:37 PM