IGCSE · Additional Mathematics 0606 · Algebra

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.

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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
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
a = 3, n = 2; y = 48
lg y = n lg x + lg a M1
n = 2 A1
a = 3 A1
y = 48 A1
4
Question 2Structured · 8 marks
(a)

Solve log2 x + log2 (x + 4) = 5.

[4]
(b)

Solve 32x − 28 × 3x + 27 = 0.

[4]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)x = 4
log2 x(x + 4) = 5 M1
x2 + 4x − 32 = 0 M1
Solve quadratic M1
x = 4 only (reject negative root) A1
4
(b)x = 0, x = 3
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
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(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
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(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
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
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
4
Question 6Structured · 8 marks
(a)

Solve log2 x + log2 (x + 2) = 3.

[4]
(b)

Solve 32x − 30 × 3x + 81 = 0.

[4]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)x = 2
log2 x(x + 2) = 3 M1
x2 + 2x − 8 = 0 M1
Solve quadratic M1
x = 2 only (reject negative root) A1
4
(b)x = 1, x = 3
Let y = 3x: y2 − 30y + 81 = 0 M1
y = 3, y = 27 A1
Convert back M1
x = 1, x = 3 A1
4

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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