Re: Order of Magnitude

Subject: Re: Order of Magnitude
From: Sandy Harris <pashley -at- storm -dot- ca>
To: "TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com>
Date: Mon, 22 Apr 2002 11:39:53 -0400


Stephen McDermott wrote:
>
> Order of magnitude is a scientific and mathematical term used to describe
> very large (and small) numbers.
>
> It is displaying numbers based on the power of ten (or -10). Thus, the
> Earth is 10^22 tons. My chance of getting a raise is 10^3:1 (1000:1).
>
> In other words, the term "order of magnitude" has a very specific meaning,
> and you should not redefine it.

Yes.

I have heard people in computing use a "binary order of magnitude" to
refer
to powers of two. I do that myself, but never without the "binary"
qualifier
and only when talking to someone of a fairly mathematical turn of mind.
I
cannot think of a situation where I'd use it in writing.

For that matter, unless all your readers are scientists or engineers,
you
probably shouldn't use "order of magnitude".


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References:
RE: Order of Magnitude: From: Stephen McDermott

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