Changes

Closely associated with logarithms was a tool called the ''slide rule.'' A slide rule consists of ruled logarithmic scales. By manipulating the slide rule, one can graphically add together the logarithm of two numbers, which is equivalent to multiplying them. From about 1870 to 1970, slide rules were used by virtually every scientist and engineer. They were regarded as a symbol of engineering. Engineering students were identifiable by the ten-inch slide rules attached to their belts.  Learning to use a slide rule was a fundamental skill taught in high-school mathematics classes.

Closely associated with logarithms was a tool called the ''slide rule.'' A slide rule consists of ruled logarithmic scales. By manipulating the slide rule, one can graphically add together the logarithm of two numbers, which is equivalent to multiplying them. From about 1870 to 1970, slide rules were used by virtually every scientist and engineer. They were regarded as a symbol of engineering. Engineering students were identifiable by the ten-inch slide rules attached to their belts.  Learning to use a slide rule was a fundamental skill taught in high-school mathematics classes.

The arrival of pocket-sized electronic calculators brought an end to the practical use of the slide rule or the table of logarithms. A calculator can compute a logarithm to ten places in less time than it takes to turn to the right page in a book-sized table of logarithms.

The arrival of pocket-sized electronic [[calculator]]s brought an end to the practical use of the slide rule or the table of logarithms. A calculator can compute a logarithm to ten places in less time than it takes to turn to the right page in a book-sized table of logarithms.