Can Someone Help Me Rearrange This Astrophysics Equation?

In summary, the conversation discusses rearranging an equation and finding the value of "d". The method involves dividing by 5 and taking the logarithm before multiplying by 10. This calculation is related to astrophysics and is used to measure brightness in magnitudes. However, it can be confusing and difficult for beginners to understand.
  • #1
log(3.14)
4
0
I am really quite terrible at rearranging equations, I wonder if anyone could help?

How can I rearrange : m-M=5log10(d/10) to give d=?

Thanks for any imput.
 
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  • #2
First divide by 5, [itex](m-M)/5=\log_{10}(d/10)[/itex]. To get get rid of the log_10 you take 10^ on both sides.

[tex]
10^{\frac{m-M}{5}}=\frac{d}{10}
[/tex]

Now multiply by 10.
 
  • #3
Cheers!:smile: This helps alot!
 
  • #4
what is this simple calculation has to do with "Astrophysics" ...?
 
  • #5
peeyush_ali said:
what is this simple calculation has to do with "Astrophysics" ...?

This is the calculation for magnitudes. It's the bane of all new undergraduate astrophysics students :-p
 
  • #6
Stupid backwards magnitudes! I've seen even seasoned astronomers get in a verbal tangle using the wrong adjective to describe some magnitude (i.e. 'as high as' instead of 'as low as' or vice versa). No wonder beginners have trouble...
 
  • #7
Magnitude is a pretty obscure and confusing measure of brightness. Think 2 to the fifth power.
 

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