logarithm

Definition

For a number x, the exponent by which a given base number must be raised in order to obtain the power x. Written log _bx. For example, log ₁₀1000=3 because 10³=1000 and log ₂16=4 because 2⁴=16.

Etymology

From New Latin logarithmus, term coined by Scottish mathematician John Napier from Ancient Greek λόγος (lógos, “word, reckoning”) and ἀριθμός (arithmós, “number”); compare rational number, from analogous Latin.

Example Sentences

• "For a currency which uses denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, etc., each jump in the base-10 logarithm from one denomination to the next higher is either 0.3010 or 0.3979."

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