Word Study
logarithm
CIDE DICTIONARY
logarithm, n. [Gr. lo`gos word, account, proportion + 'ariqmo`s number: cf. F. logarithme.].
One of a class of auxiliary numbers, devised by John Napier , of Merchiston, Scotland (1550-1617), to abridge arithmetical calculations, by the use of addition and subtraction in place of multiplication and division.
"The relation of logarithms to common numbers is that of numbers in an arithmetical series to corresponding numbers in a geometrical series, so that sums and differences of the former indicate respectively products and quotients of the latter; thus,
Hence, the logarithm of any given number is the exponent of a power to which another given invariable number, called the base, must be raised in order to produce that given number. Thus, let 10 be the base, then 2 is the logarithm of 100, because102 = 100 , and 3 is the logarithm of 1,000, because 103 = 1,000 ." [1913 Webster]
Hence, the logarithm of any given number is the exponent of a power to which another given invariable number, called the base, must be raised in order to produce that given number. Thus, let 10 be the base, then 2 is the logarithm of 100, because
OXFORD DICTIONARY
logarithm, n.
1 one of a series of arithmetic exponents tabulated to simplify computation by making it possible to use addition and subtraction instead of multiplication and division.
2 the power to which a fixed number or base ( see BASE(1) 7) must be raised to produce a given number (the logarithm of 1000 to base 10 is 3).
1 one of a series of arithmetic exponents tabulated to simplify computation by making it possible to use addition and subtraction instead of multiplication and division.
2 the power to which a fixed number or base ( see BASE(1) 7) must be raised to produce a given number (the logarithm of 1000 to base 10 is 3).
Idiom
common logarithm a logarithm to the base 10. natural (or Napierian) logarithm a logarithm to the base e (2.71828.....).
Usage
Abbr.: ln or log**.
Derivative
logarithmic adj. logarithmically adv.
Etymology
mod.L logarithmus f. Gk logos reckoning, ratio + arithmos number
ROGET THESAURUS
logarithm
Number
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