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MathsIsFun

Administrator

Registered: 2005-01-21

Posts: 7,713

Introduction to Logarithms

Have just written an Introduction to Logarithms

I don't deal with any properties, just the basics.

Does it read well? Any mistooks?

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"The physicists defer only to mathematicians, and the mathematicians defer only to God ..."  - Leon M. Lederman

bossk171

Member

Registered: 2007-07-16

Posts: 305

Re: Introduction to Logarithms

Awesome, very helpful beginners guide.

The only thing that bugs me are the lines: "Engineers love to use it." and "Mathematicians use this one a lot." Those lines just don't satisfy my inner "why?"

Might I suggest adding a "because..." to each sentence?

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There are 10 types of people in the world, those who understand binary, those who don't, and those who can use induction.

MathsIsFun

Administrator

Registered: 2005-01-21

Posts: 7,713

Re: Introduction to Logarithms

"because" with three dots? Just like that?

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"The physicists defer only to mathematicians, and the mathematicians defer only to God ..."  - Leon M. Lederman

mathsyperson

Moderator

Registered: 2005-06-22

Posts: 4,900

Re: Introduction to Logarithms

As well as 10 and e, 2 is sometimes used by computery people.

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Why did the vector cross the road?
It wanted to be normal.

bossk171

Member

Registered: 2007-07-16

Posts: 305

Re: Introduction to Logarithms

"because" with three dots? Just like that?

It was late, I was tired (read: lazy) and I couldn't think of any examples off hand.

Actually, come to think of it, I have no idea why Engineers use log base 10. Mathematicians use base e because it has all sorts of Calculus applications, right?

Also, I forgot to mention earlier, the "... But Sometimes There Is Confusion ... !" chart is really awesome, That's been a real source of confusion to me for a long time.

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There are 10 types of people in the world, those who understand binary, those who don't, and those who can use induction.

Jai Ganesh

Administrator

Registered: 2005-06-28

Posts: 48,413

Re: Introduction to Logarithms

Hi Rod,
I again think we should introduce the fifth operation well before introducting people to logarithms.
The fifth operation is POWER.
a power b is n.
Therefore n logarithm base a is b.
Wouldn't that be amply clear?????
I am apologetic if my views are repeatedly the same.

And there's no hurry to introduce logarithm to base e.
It can take its own time.

Last edited by Jai Ganesh (2007-12-04 00:55:54)

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It appears to me that if one wants to make progress in mathematics, one should study the masters and not the pupils. - Niels Henrik Abel.

Nothing is better than reading and gaining more and more knowledge - Stephen William Hawking.

MathsIsFun

Administrator

Registered: 2005-01-21

Posts: 7,713

Re: Introduction to Logarithms

Good points ... I will tackle them as I expand on the subject

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"The physicists defer only to mathematicians, and the mathematicians defer only to God ..."  - Leon M. Lederman