How do you graph #f(X)=ln(2x-6)#?

1 Answer
Mar 31, 2016

Find the key points of a logarithm function:

#(x_1,0)#

#(x_2,1)#

#ln(g(x))->g(x)=0# (vertical asymptote)

Keep in mind that:

#ln(x)->#increasing and concave
#ln(-x)->#decreasing and concave

Explanation:

#f(x)=0#

#ln(2x-6)=0#

#ln(2x-6)=ln1#

#lnx# is #1-1#

#2x-6=1#

#x=7/2#

  • So you have one point #(x,y)=(7/2,0)=(3.5,0)#

#f(x)=1#

#ln(2x-6)=1#

#ln(2x-6)=lne#

#lnx# is #1-1#

#2x-6=e#

#x=3+e/2~=4.36#

  • So you have a second point #(x,y)=(1,4.36)#

Now to find the vertical line that #f(x)# never touches, but tends to, because of its logarithmic nature. This is when we try to estimate #ln0# so:

#ln(2x-6)#

#2x-6=0#

#x=3#

  • Vertical asymptote for #x=3#
  • Finally, since the function is logarithmic, it will be increasing and concave .

Therefore, the function will:

  • Increase but curve downwards.
  • Pass through #(3.5,0)# and #(1,4.36)#
  • Tend to touch #x=3#

Here is the graph:

graph{ln(2x-6) [0.989, 6.464, -1.215, 1.523]}