logarithm

Meaning

Noun

• For a number $x$, the power to which a given base number must be raised in order to obtain $x$. Written $\backslash log\_b\; x$. For example, $\backslash log\_\{10\}\; 1000\; =\; 3$ because $10^3\; =\; 1000$ and $\backslash log\_2\; 16\; =\; 4$ because $2^4\; =\; 16$.

Related

Similar words

• log

Origin

• From New Latin logarithmus, term coined by Scot mathematician John Napier from Ancient Greek λόγος ("word, reason") and ἀριθμός; compare rational number, from analogous Latin.