Mathematical modelling with generalised logarithm and exponential functions

Baker, RD ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3555-3425 2014, 'Mathematical modelling with generalised logarithm and exponential functions' , Mathematics Today, 50 (2) , pp. 98-101.

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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.

Item Type:	Article
Themes:	Subjects outside of the University Themes
Schools:	Schools > Salford Business School Schools > Salford Business School > Salford Business School Research Centre
Journal or Publication Title:	Mathematics Today
Publisher:	Institute of Mathematics and its Applications
Refereed:	Yes
ISSN:	1361-2042
Funders:	Non funded research
Depositing User:	Prof Rose Dawn Baker
Date Deposited:	08 Apr 2014 17:13
Last Modified:	16 Feb 2022 15:20
URI:	https://usir.salford.ac.uk/id/eprint/31157

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