logarithms
Slide rule math
Logarithms are mathematical functions that answer the question: to what power must a base number be raised to produce a given value?
If 10² = 100, then the logarithm base 10 of 100 is 2.
Before calculators, logarithm tables simplified multiplication and division by converting them to addition and subtraction.
The term appears in phrases like logarithmic scale, where values increase by powers rather than fixed increments—useful for representing data spanning huge ranges, like earthquake magnitudes or sound intensity.
Supporting bottom structure
- exponentSuperscript showing power
- lnLogarithm base e
- logSectioned tree trunk
- antilogResult of raising base
natural · common · binary · decimal · inverse · exponential · mantissa · characteristic
Measure of solution acidity
- RichterSeismological scale eponym
- decibelTenth of a bel
- magnitudeSize or scale
- compressionForcing into smaller space
octave · semitone · cent · f-stop · aperture · loudness · intensity · brightness
Increasing by constant ratio
Following programmed steps
- asymptoticApproaching a limit infinitely
- polynomialExpression with variable terms
- merge-sortDivide-and-conquer sorting algorithm
- quicksortRecursive partitioning sort method
base
Supporting bottom structure
antilog · natural · common · binary · decimal · inverse · exponential · mantissa · characteristic · e
pH
Measure of solution acidity
compression · octave · semitone · cent · f-stop · aperture · loudness · intensity · brightness · Shannon
exponential
Increasing by constant ratio
- half-lifePeriod for fifty-percent reduction
- decayGradual organic breakdown
- viralSpreading quickly online
geometric · continuous · rate · amortization · discounting
algorithmic
Following programmed steps
- asymptoticApproaching a limit infinitely
- polynomialExpression with variable terms
- merge-sortDivide-and-conquer sorting algorithm
- mathaddition, subtraction, multiplication, division, algebra
- mathematicsalgebra, arithmetic, calculus, geometry, number
- math conceptsangle, numbers, algebra, circle, equations
- precalculusfunctions, polynomials, trigonometry, exponential functions, domain
- Calculatorspocket calculator, scientific calculator, graphing calculator, basic calculator, desk calculator
- math basicsaddition, subtraction, multiplication, numbers, fractions
logarithmsexponentiation
Raising to a power
exponentials · powers · antilogarithms · exponential functions · multiplication
- common logarithmLogarithm using base ten
- logarithmic scaleMeasurement showing multiplicative change
- logarithmic spiralCurve maintaining constant tangent angle
- natural logarithmInverse of e-to-the-x
- logarithmic tablesPrecomputed exponent reference sheets
logarithm, logarithmic, logarithmically, antilogarithm, antilogarithms