Recent content by hobbyist

  1. H

    References for Randomness & Pseudorandomness

    there is no difference, except that for pseudorandomness one with generator knowledge can predict the next value, for "truly random" nobody knows the generator.
  2. H

    Classical physics history books

    well, beginnings of physics started with Aristotle in Western culture, not sure though that this is a GOOD book for you.
  3. H

    Classical physics history books

    how about googling in books for history of science?
  4. H

    Which parameter am I missing in determining a straight line?

    Yes, this is a good question. But first to clarify that c is just a number, not a point. Therefore the more correct question, why we need 4 numbers (coordinates of 2 SPECIFIC points) and only 2 numbers (m and c). The answer is quite simple: with equation y=mx+c, you define a line running...
  5. H

    Which parameter am I missing in determining a straight line?

    They are independent in a sense that one can draw different straight lines using different m and c. But if one has a fixed point (y1, x1) and c, then m is defined, same for (y1,x1) and m, then c defined. As in original question:
  6. H

    Which parameter am I missing in determining a straight line?

    It is obvious that grzz meant a straight line, thus 2 points DEFINE a unique line. The statement about "the same line" although may be true but misleading and irrelevant in the context.
  7. H

    Which parameter am I missing in determining a straight line?

    m and c are not independent. Consider equation y=mx+c for points (y1,x1) and (y2,x2). Solving it you will have: m=(y2-y1)/(x2-x1); c=(y1+y1)/(2m(x2+x1)). the similar thinking can lead you to understanding that to define a line you need just TWO points, and a number of coordinates for each point...
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