English Language WordTools.ai BETA

Definition of «logarithm»

A logarithm is a mathematical function that takes an input value and returns its exponent in a specific base. It's commonly used to represent small or large numbers, as well as for calculations involving exponential functions. The concept was developed by John Napier in 1614 as a way to simplify calculations without having to use long division every time.

Usage examples

  1. The logarithm function is used to solve exponential equations. For instance, to solve the equation 2^x = 8, we can take the logarithm of both sides: log2(2^x) = log2(8), which simplifies to x = log2(8).
  2. In finance, logarithmic returns are commonly used to measure the change in the price of financial instruments. By taking the logarithm of the ratio of the closing price of an asset to its previous price, we can calculate its logarithmic return, which helps in analyzing the performance and volatility of the asset.
  3. Logarithmic transformations are often applied in data analysis to handle skewed data distributions. For example, when dealing with highly skewed data in a regression analysis, taking the logarithm of the dependent variable can help linearize the relationship between the variables and improve the model fit.

Phrases with «logarithm»

Sentences with «logarithm»

  • Figure 4: The annual and decadal land surface temperature from the BerkeleyEarth average, compared to a linear combination of volcanic sulfate emissions and the natural logarithm of CO2. (judithcurry.com)
  • The computer was an extension of his well - known Difference Engine, which was designed to calculate tables of numbers such as logarithms. (newscientist.com)
  • View slideshow Designed nearly 150 years ago but never actually built until recently, the Difference Engine No. 2 designed by Charles Babbage (1791 to 1871) is a piece of Victorian technology meant to tussle with logarithms and trigonometry long before the first modern computer. (scientificamerican.com)
  • (see all sentences)

See also

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z