what do the logarithm mean?

Answer 1

In mathematics, a logarithm of a number x in base b is the power y to which b must be raised to obtain x, or x = by, where the value b must be neither 0 nor a root of 1. It is usually written as
Log b (x)=y

When x and b (to be written in subscript ) are further restricted to positive real numbers, the logarithm is a unique real number.

The function log b (x) depends on both b and x, but the term logarithm function (or logarithmic function) in standard usage refers to a function of the form log b (x) in which the base b is fixed and so the only argument is x. Thus there is one logarithm function for each value of the base b (which must be positive and must differ from 1). Viewed in this way, the base-b logarithm function is the inverse function of the exponential function bx. The word "logarithm" is often used to refer to a logarithm function itself as well as to particular values of this function.

Logarithms is mainly classified into 3 forms,viz.,
1> Natural Logarithms (ln): It is the Logarithm of a real number x at the base e (approximately equal to 2.718281828459).
2> Common Logarithms(log (base)10): It is the logarithm of a real number x at the base 10.
3> Binary Logarithms (log (base)2): It is the logarithm of a real number x at the base 2.

Answer 2

Logarithms are just a funny way to write exponents, and they help to solve equations with a number being raised to a power with a variable in it.

Example-

2^3 = 8

can be written in logarithmic form as

log (base 2) 8 = 3

The base 2 is simply a subscript, it doesn't look like (base 2), but that is how it's read.

Answer 3

The logarithm is the inverse of an exponent. For example, if 10^3 = 1000, log_10 (log base 10) 1000 = 3.

So, if you raise something to a power, taking the answer's logarithm will get you the power you raised it to.

Though, this can differ with different bases. That's why the base has to be defined. Usually, the log button on your calculator means base 10, and the ln button means natural log, or base e (~ 2.718).

Answer 4

In mathematics, the logarithmic mean is a function of two numbers which is equal to their difference divided by the logarithm of their quotient

Answer 5

The method of solving a problem by keeping log is called logarithm.

Answer 6

It has a very specific meaning by mathematical definition. Copy the site in the proper block and click, you will find the definition.

It has very good use, before the computers all calculations involving large numbers were done using logarithm to base 10.

Multiplication, divisions were reduced to addition and subtraction............read on.

Answer 7

c...
2^3 = 8 [xplainin wid n example]
in logarithmic terms u write this as-
log8to the base 3= 2
[cant represent ''to the base'']
its nothing but exponential notation into some other form [told u only da basic]

Answer 8

Although his name is the root from which "algorithm" originates, I don't think he worked with logarithms, even though that possibility exists.

Answer 9

if 2^3=8
then 2^x=8
x=?

log 8 according to base 2 gives x

Answer 10

Read this it defines logarithm:
http://www.answers.com/topic/logarithm

Or put into your search engine Define logarithm.