The logarithmic scale is a nonlinear scale that is used when measurements differ by several orders of magnitude.

Have a look at following three functions plotted on a linear scale (left) and a logarithmic scale (right). Notice how the exponential function becomes a straight line on the logarithmic scale.

Two graphs. Legend reads that f bracket x close bracket equals different colors. 10 to the power of x is in red, x is in green and lawn x is in blue. Left graph is a linear scale on the y-axis and x-axis.  Three colored lines on the graph display positive exponential growth in red, linear growth in green and negative exponential growth in blue. Right graph is a logarithmic scale on the y-axis and linear on the x-axis. Three lines display a linear line in red, and two negative exponential growths in green and blue. The green line is above the blue.

Common uses for a logarithmic scale include earthquake strength, sound loudness, light intensity,growth curves, and pH of solutions.


Check out thelogarithmic lawsto learn how to calculate with logarithms.

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