[tutorials & resource material arranged by topic

    Use of log-log plane and semi-log plane

    © 2003, A2         log-log plane, no axes   semi-log plane, no axes



    The use of the nonuniform common (base 10) log scale permits detail for a wide range of values.

    Use a semi-log plane to display graphs with an exponential or a power or a large y-range and a small x-range where y-values are all the same sign - negative or positive.

    Use the log-log plane to display graphs were both x-range and y-range vary greatly.

   
Cubing Function, y = x3


Cubing Function, y = x3, on semi-log paper

    Note that the extended lines on the y-scale are for powers of 10: 1 or 100, 10 or 101, 100 or 102, 1000 or 103.



Cubing Function, y = x3, other domain values

    Note that this graph can't be drawn using a log scale because all y values must have the same sign.



The Exponential Function, y = ex

    The constant e is the base of the natural log, ln.



The Exponential Function, y = ex, on semi-log plane

    On a semi-log plane, exponential growth is linear.



Exponential & Power Functions, y = abx and y = axm on semi-log plane

    Use a graph on semilog or loglog planes to help determine if a function is exponential or power.

    On a semi-log plane, exponential growth is linear.

    On a log-log plane, a power function is linear and the slope, m, through points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) is

and very like the traditional coordinate plane slope formula.



A Bland Log-Log Plane w/Scales Marked

    This is an example of how one might vary both scales and still keep accuracy.



 
 
[MC,i. Home Page] [Good Stuff Page] [Order Form] [Semester Schedule] [Teacher Page]
© January 25, 2003
85 First Street, Keyport, NJ 07735-1503
www.mathnstuff.com/math/spoken/here/2class/340/loggraf.htm