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logarithm Article

logarithm summary

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Below is the article summary. For the full article, see logarithm.

logarithm, In mathematics, the power to which a base must be raised to yield a given number (e.g., the logarithm to the base 3 of 9, or log3 9, is 2, because 32 = 9). A common logarithm is a logarithm to the base 10. Thus, the common logarithm of 100 (log 100) is 2, because 102 = 100. Logarithms to the base e, in which e = 2.71828…, called natural logarithms (ln), are especially useful in calculus. Logarithms were invented to simplify cumbersome calculations, since exponents can be added or subtracted to multiply or divide their bases. These processes have been further simplified by the incorporation of logarithmic functions into digital calculators and computers. See also John Napier.

John Napier
John Napier Summary
John Napier was a Scottish mathematician and theological writer who originated the concept of logarithms as a mathematical device to aid in calculations. At the age of 13, Napier entered the University of St. Andrews, but his stay appears to have been short, and he left without taking a degree.