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Where Are Logarithms Used?

Alexander Ross • • 6 min read
Where Are Logarithms Used?

Much of the power of logarithms is their usefulness in solving exponential equations

exponential equations
Exponential functions have the form f(x) = bx, where b > 0 and b ≠ 1. Just as in any exponential expression, b is called the base and x is called the exponent. An example of an exponential function is the growth of bacteria.
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. Some examples of this include sound (decibel measures), earthquakes (Richter scale), the brightness of stars, and chemistry (pH balance, a measure of acidity and alkalinity).

Why are logarithms used?

Logarithms are a convenient way to express large numbers. (The base-10 logarithm of a number is roughly the number of digits in that number, for example.) Slide rules work because adding and subtracting logarithms is equivalent to multiplication and division. (This benefit is slightly less important today.)

What jobs use logarithms?

Some of the job titles that may employ the use of logarithms are:
  • Agricultural Manager.
  • Application Analyst.
  • Assistant Winemaker & Distiller.
  • Budget Analyst.
  • Chemist.
  • Civil Engineer.
  • Compliance and Safety Manager.
  • Controller.
Alexander Ross
Author

Alexander Ross

Alexander Ross has covered the video game industry for a decade, writing deep dives on game design, esports tournaments, VR developments, and gaming culture.