Mathematical modelling with generalised logarithm and exponential functions

Baker, RD

Abstract

That `elementary transcendental function', the logarithm,
is a very familiar function, that we learn
early on, and I can still recall a mathematics teacher at school telling
the class solemnly that `all logarithms are indices'. It seemed like a
Zen koan at the time, but we were soon equipped with log tables and wrestling
with the mysteries of the `bar' notation. A lost art to the youth of today
who merely have to press the `ln' button on their calculator.

Quite a few years on
it seemed a good idea to try to generalise the logarithm and its inverse
function, the exponential, by adding a parameter. From a practical viewpoint,
this would mean that any model including logarithms or exponentials could
be immediately generalised in the attempt to fit data better.

Citation

Baker, R. Mathematical modelling with generalised logarithm and exponential functions. Mathematics today, 50(2), 98-101

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Deposit Date: Apr 8, 2014
• Journal: Mathematics Today
• Print ISSN: 1361-2042
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 50
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 98-101