History
Who developed logarithms?
What is one instrument used for calculations before calculators?
Examples: abacus’, tables, and slide rules
Why were logarithms developed?
To assist in the multiplication of quantities that were then called sines.
What are log tables?
Log tables are tables that list the logs of different numbers
What information can you find about the developer?
Nick Name: Marvellous Merchiston
- He was a Scottish landowner known as a mathematician, physicist, and astronomer
How do log tables work?
Log tables work by finding the number you want the log of and sliding your finger across to the log.
Why are they called logarithms?
The word 'logarithm' was coined by John Napier, the inventor of a form of logarithm, in 1614. It comes from the Greek words 'logos' and 'arithmes.' The second word means 'number'
How were the law of logs used in math before calculators?
The law of logs would be used in math before calculators to convert logs to base ten so that you could then find the answer on the log table.
What are ALL of the instruments mentioned that were used for calculations before calculators?
Before Calculators, abacus’, tables, and slide rules were used for calculations.
What is a slide rule?
Slide rules allow you to multiply and divide logs using the body, slide, cursor, and hairline.
How do you use a slide rule for math calculations?
You move the hairline over your first value on C, the slide and your second value over D, on the body, your result in under the hairline on the D scale.