Can Someone Help Me Rearrange This Astrophysics Equation?

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To rearrange the equation m-M=5log10(d/10) for d, first divide by 5 to get (m-M)/5=log10(d/10). Then, apply the exponential function to eliminate the logarithm, resulting in 10^{(m-M)/5}=d/10. Finally, multiply both sides by 10 to isolate d, yielding d=10 * 10^{(m-M)/5}. The discussion highlights the confusion surrounding the concept of magnitude in astrophysics, which often perplexes both beginners and experienced astronomers.
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I am really quite terrible at rearranging equations, I wonder if anyone could help?

How can I rearrange : m-M=5log10(d/10) to give d=?

Thanks for any imput.
 
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First divide by 5, (m-M)/5=\log_{10}(d/10). To get get rid of the log_10 you take 10^ on both sides.

<br /> 10^{\frac{m-M}{5}}=\frac{d}{10}<br />

Now multiply by 10.
 
Cheers!:smile: This helps alot!
 
what is this simple calculation has to do with "Astrophysics" ...?
 
peeyush_ali said:
what is this simple calculation has to do with "Astrophysics" ...?

This is the calculation for magnitudes. It's the bane of all new undergraduate astrophysics students :-p
 
Stupid backwards magnitudes! I've seen even seasoned astronomers get in a verbal tangle using the wrong adjective to describe some magnitude (i.e. 'as high as' instead of 'as low as' or vice versa). No wonder beginners have trouble...
 
Magnitude is a pretty obscure and confusing measure of brightness. Think 2 to the fifth power.
 
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