Logarithmic Data

Definition

Logarithmic Data in plain English

On a logarithmic scale, each step up doesn't ADD a fixed amount, it MULTIPLIES by one. So moving one notch might mean 10 times bigger, and two notches means 100 times bigger. The Richter scale for earthquakes works this way: a magnitude 6 quake isn't a little stronger than a 5, it's about 10 times stronger. People use this kind of scale to squeeze huge ranges, from tiny to enormous, onto one readable chart without the small stuff getting crushed to a flat line.

Related GMAT terms

• Absolute Value
• Argument
• Arithmetic Mean
• Assumption
• Binary Data
• Combination
• Composite Number
• Conditional
• Conjunction
• Continuous Data