SECOND REQUIREMENT: Solve the following problems and report the answers using
the appropriate number of significant figures:
u. 6012.14 + 305.2
z.
18.9 X 21
--------------------------
--------------------------
v. 310.221 -- 6.1
aa.
0.269 - 3
--------------------------
--------------------------
w. 0.01154 + 0.23
ab. 662 - 18.0
--------------------------
--------------------------
x. 100.2 + 85
ac.
75 X 801
--------------------------
--------------------------
y. 66 -- 2
ad.
0.21 X 3.0233
--------------------------
--------------------------
Section VI. LOGARITHMS
1-31. DISCUSSION
The "common" logarithm (log) or the logarithm to the base ten (log10) of a
number is the exponent (power) to which the number ten must be raised to equal that
number. For example, the logarithm of 100 is equal to two, since the exponent (power)
to which the number ten (10) must be raised to equal 100 is two or 100 = 102. Since
logarithms are exponents, they follow the "Rules of Exponentiation" previously
discussed. The laboratory specialist can utilize logarithms to perform multiplication,
division, find roots, and raise a number to a power. A second use of logarithms is in the
solving of a number of equations used in the clinical laboratory; e.g., pH = -log [H+] and
absorbance = 2 - log %T
NOTE:
The work with logarithms in this subcourse will consist of traditional manual
methods with tables (see Appendix B) rather than the use of a calculator to
find logarithms and related values. Please remember this when you do the
exercises and the examination items. Logarithms are approximate values.
Comparable operations using a calculator will yield slightly different results in
most instances.
MD0837
1-29