Can Someone Help Me Rearrange This Astrophysics Equation?

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The discussion focuses on rearranging the astrophysics equation m-M=5log10(d/10) to solve for distance (d). The correct steps involve dividing by 5, applying the logarithmic identity, and then multiplying by 10 to isolate d. This equation is crucial for understanding astronomical magnitudes, which often confuse both new and experienced astronomers due to their non-intuitive nature.

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log(3.14)
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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 a lot!
 
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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