Understanding the Dex Error System in Black Hole Mass Measurements

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the concept of "dex" in the context of black hole mass measurements. "Dex" is defined as a logarithmic unit used in astronomy, where it represents a factor of 10, specifically defined by the function dex(x) = 10^x. For example, a measurement of -0.043 dex translates to 10^-0.043. This unit is crucial for understanding the precision of mass values reported in scientific literature.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of logarithmic functions
  • Familiarity with astronomical measurements
  • Basic knowledge of black hole physics
  • Awareness of scientific notation
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  • Research the application of dex in various astronomical contexts
  • Explore the significance of logarithmic units in scientific measurements
  • Study black hole mass measurement techniques
  • Investigate the relationship between dex and other units like bel
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Astronomers, astrophysicists, students studying black hole physics, and anyone interested in the precision of astronomical measurements.

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I've been reading various journal articles about black hole masses. The values given there are given by X +/- Y dex. I cannot find any literature on "dex" nor do the articles go into detail as it is evidently a basic concept that I've just never come across.

Could someone enlighten me?
 
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from this website I got the definition of dex as:

dex
a logarithmic unit being used in astronomy. Originally, dex was a convenient function defined by dex (x) = 10x. But the notation is now being used after the exponent in expressions such as -.043 dex, meaning 10-.043. Thus 1 dex equals a factor of 10, making the dex identical to the bel. The name "dex" is a contraction of "decimal exponent."

http://www.unc.edu/~rowlett/units/dictD.html
 

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