What are the practical applications of logarithms in the field of engineering science business and economics?

Answer 1

Logarithms were originally used to convert multiplications into additions and divisions into subtractions (plus some looking up in tables).

To multiply 3456 by 6789

1. Look up in table: log(3456) = 3.5386
2. Look up in table: log(6789) = 3.8318
3. add them together = 7.3704
4. Look up in table: antilog(7.3704) = 107.3704 = 23460000

So the only calculation is a simple addition at step 3.

Logarithms were often used for approximate calculations (4 significant figures), but there were tables for more accurate work.

Nowadays, though, it is easier to use calculators for multiplication and division.

There is a whole class of problems where the solution involves logarithms. If the rate of change in a variable X is directly proportional to the quantity X, then the solution involves logarithms (or its inverse, exponents). Typical textbook examples include radioactive decay, simple chemical reactions, bacterial {or any uncontrolled] growth, compound interest.

Answer 2

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