Lesson 7A: Exploring Logarithmic Functions
In the early 17th century, due to colonization by the Europeans, world trade was increasing significantly. This intensified demands on banks. There was also a great interest in astronomy because navigating the stars increased the chances of a ship reaching its destination safely. At the time, scientists and especially astronomers spent huge amounts of time completing arithmetic calculations on paper. This was very tedious as well as prone to error. Dealing with other peoples' money and property meant that accuracy was essential. A new method was needed.
The invention of logarithms fueled the scientific revolution. By cutting the time spent doing arithmetic, logarithms allowed people to be much more productive in their work.
Logarithms were developed by the Scotsman John Napier and the Englishman Henry Briggs. Napier gave us the word logarithm from the Greek 
(logos), meaning ratio, and 
(arithmos), meaning number. For 250 years, logarithms were the primary method for reducing complicated calculations into easier ones. Since the 1980s, calculators have taken over this role. Today, although logarithms are no longer used for routine calculations, there are still good reasons for studying them. The logarithmic function still is used very commonly in science, engineering, and financial applications. Logarithms are used by both mathematicians and scientists to help measure and record naturally occurring phenomena.
In this Training Camp, you will investigate logarithmic functions and study their characteristics.
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to
describe the characteristics of a logarithmic function by analyzing its graph describe the characteristics of a logarithmic function by analyzing its equation match the equation of a logarithmic function to its corresponding graph
