Logarithm
Logarithm
Logarithm (pronounced: /ˈlɒɡərɪðəm/) is a mathematical concept that is used extensively in many fields, including medicine.
Etymology
The term "logarithm" is derived from the Greek words "logos" which means "ratio" and "arithmos" which means "number". It was first introduced by the Scottish mathematician John Napier in the early 17th century.
Definition
In mathematics, a logarithm is the inverse function to exponentiation. That means the logarithm of a given number x is the exponent to which another fixed number, the base b, must be raised, to produce that number x. In the simplest case, the logarithm counts the number of occurrences of the same factor in repeated multiplication; this number of occurrences of the factor is the exponent.
Use in Medicine
In medicine, logarithms are often used in calculations involving biological growth and decay, dosage calculations, and in the interpretation of medical imaging data. For example, the decibel (dB), a unit used to measure the intensity of a sound, is based on the logarithm of the ratio of two power levels.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Logarithm
- Wikipedia's article - Logarithm
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