Chemistry: Using Charles Law (Algebraic Manipulation to Solve for A Variable)
Here we lightly discuss the chemistry concept of Charles’s Law. We solve a simple problem and focus on using a logical problem solving approach to answering these types of questions. We will also use this logical approach to check our answer and then verify it.
Dimensional Analysis: Going from meters per second to here and now
Here, we will first laugh at my attempts to add levity to a dull title like Dimensional Analysis. I realize my”edgy” title giving abilities leave something to be desired and will be kept to a minimum. Anyway, on a more useful note, we will discuss the ideas needed to navigate a word problem using the idea of related rates or ratios that are multiplied as factors to render an appropriate answer. The main idea is to understand what is asked of you in the problem and then use your own cunning to to find related data that articulates (or dis-articulates) a given problem and its native unit format to an intelligible solution.
Trigonometry Basics…..Basic Basics
Here we will go over the fundamental components involved in basic Trigonometry. We will look at the Right Triangle and the Unit Circle and note how they interplay into the concepts of this discipline. We also see how the circular functions are involved these concepts and also what “makes up” these six functions.
Vectors Pt. 6(b.): Resultant Velocities Word Problem
Hello all,
Here we will look into a word problem that requires us to find a new velocity based on a few stated criteria. This W.P. (word problem) is an idealized situation and does not contain all of the real world factors for solving but we can still see some useful data. As always If you need any clarifications or see any mistakes please correct me.
Pt. 6(a) Vector Applications Continued
Here we continue our work on Vector applications. We will use some given information to derive a velocity (resultant speed) and some direction angle for this given problem. This answer will be formulated using the i and j component form.
Here is an awesome opportunity for anyone to view some of the best made Mathematics instructional material ever made!!! Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you former M.I.T. / Bunker Hill professor, Herbert Gross!!!
In what has to be my runaway new favorite on the site, we’ve just released Calculus Revisited, a series of videos by MIT professor Herb Gross. Now you can learn calculus old school—literally!
Wolfram Alpha: A Personal Tutor for Math Students…..Or Anyone!!!
Have you ever wanted to know not only what the solution to a question is but also why it is that solution? This problem will pop up from time to time in everyday life whether you’re at work, school, meetings, or just feeling curious. Luckily, there is a program that can answer (provided you ask correctly) nearly any question that you can give it. It is called WolframAlpha and it is branded as a “computation knowledge engine”. A means to provide the full knowledge of collective humanity at the cost of a few keystrokes.
When I first heard about this site (Fall 2010) I could not believe the talk. I was in a Calculus class with a terrible teacher; the kind who sit behind a podium and merely read you the textbook for an hour. We were discussing the behavior of Limits at Infinity and all was not well with my learning of the topic. I struggled to wade through the -then new- language of a Calculus curriculum and still could not seem to grasp the concept until….
When you pull up the site for use you will basically see a semi austere search engine interface. This was a bit un-nerving at first as it gives no boundary to what needs to be typed into the text box to get a desired result. And I thought “How the hell do you input Calculus data and get a sensible result?”, I was at a loss. I then simply (and quite intuitively) typed into the dialog box the relevant information as best as could logically deduce, pressed enter and waited for an error to be replied but that was not to be. I had asked the interface to show me the answer to a limit problem and it had quite easily returned a sensible and correct result WITH the steps and thoughts required to solve the problem! I was truly impressed to say the least.
So I asked it some other questions;
- What aircraft are overhead? It gave me a factual answer of which aircraft (Carriers and flights!!) that were passing overhead of my computer’s IP location at that time.
- How far am I(Ocala, FL) from the Statute of Liberty? Answer: 916.1 miles, 1174 Kilometers, 796.1 Nautical miles, as a sound wave: 1 hour and 12 minutes, etc.
- How many licks to get to the center of a Tootsie pop? Answer: 3481 (according to The Univ. of Cambridge)
These are simply amazing results for a knowledge engine. For fun, ask “what is the secret to life?” and you’ll receive an answer or type “hello” to the SE, and you’ll receive an intelligible response. My point is that to become familiar with this tool and make wide-spread use of this technology could have a great and positive impact on the ease and quickness of how information comes to light.
Since that day when I first discovered the value that this site presents to life, I have tried to evangelize its worth to anyone that will listen. Unfortunately, many of you do not. If you one day find yourself just wasting time one day droning at Facebook, twitter, or some blowhard’s blog then you have time to test drive this site. I promise it will be worth your while and may even come in handy more than a few times (especially you college / high school students).
I will leave you with a thought that I had about my time in the Marine Corps in reference to this subject. When you are asked a questioned by a superior ranked Marine during an inspection, casually, or during a technical evaluation and you do not know the answer to said question. The correct reply is acknowledge your short coming and a EXPEDITIOUSLY seek that correct answer. with WolframAlpha its as good as done.
Pt. 6(a) Vectors: Vector Applications
Here I solve a Resultant Vector problem where there are 2 forces acting on an object. This is part 1 of a 2 part lecture on popular uses for vectors in problem solving and to show how to calculate the combined force exerted on an object under ideal conditions.
Pt. 5 Vectors: Unit vectors, Standard Vectors, and Linear Combinations
Here we will explore the concept of a Unit vector and some related thoughts. We will go deeper into what a vector is made of and practice an example of both creating a Unit vector and also a linear combination of i and j. As always, enjoy and feel free to give some feedback!
Q.E.D. 3086 