Logarithmic & exponential functions: IGCSE Additional Mathematics questions with answers
Free Logarithmic & exponential functions questions for IGCSE Additional Mathematics (0606), part of Algebra. Each question has the answer and the marking points an examiner would look for.
Logarithmic & exponential functions practice questions
Question 1Structured · 4 marksA* challenge
Variables x and y are related by y = axn. When lg y is plotted against lg x, a straight line is obtained with gradient 2 and intercept 0.477 on the lg y axis.
Find the values of a and n, and hence find y when x = 4.
[4]
Show answers and mark scheme
Part
Answer and marking points
Marks
a = 3, n = 2; y = 48
lg y = n lg x + lg a M1 n = 2 A1 a = 3 A1 y = 48 A1
Let y = 3x: y2 − 28y + 27 = 0 M1 y = 1, y = 27 A1 Convert back M1 x = 0, x = 3 A1
4
Question 3Structured · 5 marks
Without using a calculator,
(a)
find the value of log5 625 + log5 (1/25).
[2]
(b)
express lg 8 + 2 lg 5 − lg 4 as a single logarithm and hence find its value.
[3]
Show answers and mark scheme
Part
Answer and marking points
Marks
(a)
2
4 and −2 M1 2 A1
2
(b)
lg 50
power law M1 product/quotient laws M1 lg 50 A1
3
Question 4Structured · 5 marks
The number of bacteria, N, in a culture after t hours is given by N = 800e0.05t.
(a)
Find the initial number of bacteria.
[1]
(b)
Find the number of bacteria after 20 hours.
[1]
(c)
Find the time taken for the number to reach 1600.
[3]
Show answers and mark scheme
Part
Answer and marking points
Marks
(a)
800
800 B1
1
(b)
2175
2175 B1
1
(c)
13.9 hours
e0.05t = 2 M1 take ln M1 13.9 A1
3
Question 5Structured · 4 marksA* challenge
Variables x and y are related by y = axn. When lg y is plotted against lg x, a straight line is obtained with gradient 1.5 and intercept 0.699 on the lg y axis.
Find the values of a and n, and hence find y when x = 4.
[4]
Show answers and mark scheme
Part
Answer and marking points
Marks
a = 5, n = 1.5; y = 40
lg y = n lg x + lg a M1 n = 1.5 A1 a = 5 A1 y = 40 A1
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Original Cambridge-style practice questions written for mentorriyaz.in. These are not Cambridge past paper questions, and this site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Updated 2026-11-04. Paper generator · mentorriyaz.in