I understand that log2 is useful for informatics, e.g. to determine how many bits I need to represent a given number. I understand that log10 is useful to determine the order of magnitude of numbers.

However, I’m having trouble understanding what makes ln interesting. It seems like it’s used a lot, but to me it just looks like a logarithm with a very weird base. What are the uses for this logarithm?

  • kiwifoxtrot@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    2
    ·
    edit-2
    1 year ago

    ln(x) and e^x are to simulate growth rates, which is why I assume it’s called the natural log. This was developed to show the growth of bacteria as they divide into two to grow, 1 -> 2 -> 4 -> 8 -> 16 etc. ln(x) will give you the time it will take to grow your population to size x. e^x will give you the size of your population after x time.