Using logs to obtain the slope of a function

In summary: Can you please elaborate a bit more on what went wrong when you attempted to take the log of (10, 0.692)?
  • #1
thepassenger48
13
0

Homework Statement


I have to find the slope of an exponential curve by using log identities.

Using basic values such as:
(10, 0.692)
(30, 1.082)
(70, 1.579)

Homework Equations


The equation is in the form T=Cm^p
So the log function is logT=logC + Plog(m) right?

The Attempt at a Solution



When I take the log of (10, 0.692) I end up with negative values, which is completely non-sensical when compared to my experimental values!
I end up with function -.6x^.4
when I should get .3x^.4
 
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  • #2
To me there is still a fair bit of ambiguity in the statement of your problem, perhaps if you could elaborate a bit further, it would be easier to assist you. For example, the ordered pair (10, 0.692), what values does this correspond to in the equation? Your formula is certainly right, but I'm not quite following. I assume the abscissa is Temperature, but what's the other?
 
  • #3
thepassenger48 said:

Homework Statement


I have to find the slope of an exponential curve by using log identities.

Using basic values such as:
(10, 0.692)
(30, 1.082)
(70, 1.579)

Homework Equations


The equation is in the form T=Cm^p
So the log function is logT=logC + Plog(m) right?

The Attempt at a Solution



When I take the log of (10, 0.692) I end up with negative values, which is completely non-sensical when compared to my experimental values!
I end up with function -.6x^.4
when I should get .3x^.4
Why is it non-sensical? you are talking about the logarithm being negative, not the values themselves.

I'm going to assume that the first number in each pair is m, the second number T. As Kreizhn said, it would be good idea to actually put that in your question.

(log 10, log 0.692)= (1, -0.160)
(log 30, log 1.082)= (1.477, 0.0342)
(log 70, log 1.579)= (1.845, 0.198)

slope, P:
(0.198-(-1.60))/(1.845- 1)= 0.358/0.845= 0.424
When m= 10, log 0.692= -.160= log C+ (0.424)log 10= log C+ 0.424 so
log C= -.160- 0.424= -.584 which means C itslelf is less than 1 but positive:
log T= -.584+ 0.424log m so T= 10-.584 m0.424= 0.2550m0.424. Rounded to one decimal place, that is T= .3 m.4.

log C is -.6, C= .3 (again, to one decimal place)
 
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  • #4
HallsofIvy said:
Why is it non-sensical? you are talking about the logarithm being negative, not the values themselves.

I'm going to assume that the first number in each pair is m, the second number T. As Kreizhn said, it would be good idea to actually put that in your question.

(log 10, log 0.692)= (1, -0.160)
(log 30, log 1.082)= (1.477, 0.0342)
(log 70, log 1.579)= (1.845, 0.198)

slope, P:
(0.198-(-1.60))/(1.845- 1)= 0.358/0.845= 0.424
When m= 10, log 0.692= -.160= log C+ (0.424)log 10= log C+ 0.424 so
log C= -.160- 0.424= -.584 which means C itslelf is less than 1 but positive:
log T= -.584+ 0.424log m so T= 10-.584 m0.424= 0.2550m0.424. Rounded to one decimal place, that is T= .3 m.4.

log C is -.6, C= .3 (again, to one decimal place)

That was a flawless answer. Thank you very much.
I'm sorry for wording my question so poorly.
 

1. What is the purpose of using logs to obtain the slope of a function?

Using logs allows us to transform a non-linear function into a linear function, making it easier to calculate the slope. This is especially useful when dealing with complex or exponential functions.

2. How do you use logs to find the slope of a function?

To obtain the slope of a function using logs, we first take the natural log of both sides of the equation. Then, we use the properties of logarithms to simplify the equation into the form y = mx + b, where m is the slope we are looking for.

3. Can logs be used for any type of function?

Logs can be used for any type of function, as long as it is continuous and differentiable. However, they are most commonly used for exponential and logarithmic functions.

4. Are there any limitations to using logs to find the slope of a function?

One limitation of using logs is that it may not work for all types of functions. In some cases, the transformation may not result in a linear function, making it difficult to find the slope. Additionally, logs may not be suitable for functions with multiple variables.

5. How does using logs to find the slope of a function differ from traditional methods?

Using logs is an alternative method to finding the slope of a function compared to traditional methods such as using the slope formula or calculating the derivative. It is particularly useful for non-linear functions, as it simplifies the process and makes it easier to calculate the slope.

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