# exponential & logarithmic functions

• November 27th 2009, 10:01 AM
3k1yp2
exponential & logarithmic functions
How would I graph parent of:

☆logarithmic function
☆exponential function
in my TI - 83. I need to make sreen-shots proving i used a calculator, but idk what to put in under "y="...
• November 27th 2009, 10:26 AM
bigwave
Quote:

Originally Posted by 3k1yp2
How would I graph parent of:

☆logarithmic function
☆exponential function
in my TI - 83. I need to make sreen-shots proving i used a calculator, but idk what to put in under "y="...

I have the TI-89 but probably the same..
if I understand you question "idk" ???

set it up for split screen mode\f2\split screen
to toggle the apps 2nd\apps

hope this helps.
• November 27th 2009, 01:38 PM
3k1yp2
Quote:

Originally Posted by bigwave
I have the TI-89 but probably the same..
if I understand you question "idk" ???

set it up for split screen mode\f2\split screen
to toggle the apps 2nd\apps

hope this helps.

I meant i dont know (idk) what the parent function is, in terms of calculator syntax. for a logarithmic function it's log(x) i think, but what about an exponential function? isn't it y=a^x or something? what do i put it in the calc?
• November 27th 2009, 01:40 PM
e^(i*pi)
Quote:

Originally Posted by 3k1yp2
I meant i dont know (idk) what the parent function is, in terms of calculator syntax. for a logarithmic function it's log(x) i think, but what about an exponential function? isn't it y=a^x or something? what do i put it in the calc?

I'd go with $y=e^x$
• November 27th 2009, 06:59 PM
Bill Zimmerly
Quote:

Originally Posted by 3k1yp2
How would I graph parent of:

☆logarithmic function
☆exponential function
in my TI - 83. I need to make sreen-shots proving i used a calculator, but idk what to put in under "y="...

I've never heard of the "parent function" before. (Other than changing diapers. (Wink) ) So I Googled it and here is the list I got...

Of particular interest to me, was this site - that at least said, "There is no such thing as a "parent function." Recently, with increased use of graphing calculators and transformation geometry, math educators have called the most basic functions [those listed on the face of the calculator and some others] parent functions. Functions which include or are derived from these functions are called related functions."

"parent function"

Finally, another one of the links gave this answer to the question of what is the parent function for the exponential function...

WikiAnswers - What is the parent function for the exponential function

I honestly don't like this description ("parent function") as I find it confusing and it doesn't really add anything substantive to the field. Calculators differ widely in what functions are listed on their "face" and therefore this description is almost useless - if not downright harmful because of its ambiguity.