# Logarithm - Calculator Question

• December 7th 2009, 02:03 PM
1434runescape
Logarithm - Calculator Question
Hello all,

I'm having a problem on how to input this in my calculator:
1.033 = log ([HCO3-]/ [H2CO3])

The answer from this problem is this:
[HCO3-]/ [H2CO3] = 10.8

I tried doing this...

10^-1.033 but I get this instead of 10.8: 0.092682982
I know that we have to do that step but I don't know what to do with that number. I tried adding it to 1.033 but it obviously doesn't get me the 10.8 answer.

By the way... 10.8 is the ratio between [HCO3-] and [H2CO3].

Thanks. I'll just be here to reply so don't hesitate to help me out. =)
• December 7th 2009, 02:06 PM
e^(i*pi)
Quote:

Originally Posted by 1434runescape
Hello all,

I'm having a problem on how to input this in my calculator:
1.033 = log ([HCO3-]/ [H2CO3])

The answer from this problem is this:
[HCO3-]/ [H2CO3] = 10.8

I tried doing this...

10^-1.033 but I get this instead of 10.8: 0.092682982
I know that we have to do that step but I don't know what to do with that number. I tried adding it to 1.033 but it obviously doesn't get me the 10.8 answer.

By the way... 10.8 is the ratio between [HCO3-] and [H2CO3].

Thanks. I'll just be here to reply so don't hesitate to help me out. =)

You took the negative exponent when you should have taken the positive exponent (because there is no minus sign on the 1.033)

$10^{1.033} = 10.8$ (3sf)
• December 7th 2009, 02:12 PM
1434runescape
Quote:

Originally Posted by e^(i*pi)
You took the negative exponent when you should have taken the positive exponent (because there is no minus sign on the 1.033)

$10^{1.033} = 10.8$ (3sf)