How does Napier's logarithm make computing powers easier without calculus?

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Loren Booda
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How can one explain the Napierian logarithm without calculus?
 
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What's with the seemingly arbitrary power of 7; is that an archaic artifact of Napier's? Can one design a slide rule, in theory, that calculates powers by addition of the logarithm of logarithms?
 
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Napier's logarithm isn't the logarithm we use today -- I would assume the 7 made his tables of logarithms numerically convenient for the numbers of interest.


You can compute powers with an ordinary slide rule:

log (a^b) = b * log a

and we know how to multiply with a slide rule.
 

What is the simplest explanation for e?

The simplest explanation for e is that it is a mathematical constant approximately equal to 2.71828. It is often referred to as Euler's number or the base of the natural logarithm.

Why is e an important number in mathematics?

E is an important number in mathematics because it is used in many mathematical formulas and has many applications in areas such as calculus, probability, and growth models. It also has many interesting and unique properties that make it a fundamental constant in mathematics.

How is e calculated?

E is calculated using the infinite series expression 1 + 1/1! + 1/2! + 1/3! +..., where ! denotes the factorial function. It can also be approximated using the limit of (1 + 1/n)^n as n approaches infinity.

What are some real-life applications of e?

E has many real-life applications, such as in compound interest and continuously compounded interest calculations, population growth models, and radioactive decay. It is also used in various engineering and scientific fields, such as electrical engineering and physics.

Is e a transcendental number?

Yes, e is a transcendental number, meaning it cannot be expressed as the root of any algebraic equation with rational coefficients. This was proven by mathematician Charles Hermite in 1873.

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