Recent content by turdferguson

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    Maximum - Can this be solved algebraically?

    I found out today that we were supposed to use Newtons Method with a scientific calculator
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    MATLAB Matlab - graphing multivariable functions

    Type "help subplot". This tells you how to plot multiple graphs in the same figure for convenient pictures
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    Maximum - Can this be solved algebraically?

    Homework Statement Find the absolute extrema of f(x) = e^-x * ln(lnx) The Attempt at a Solution Ive successfully taken the first derivative and set it to zero. The problem is checking the sign of 1/(xlnx) - ln(lnx) No matter how I try to manipulate this, I can't seem to isolate x. Its...
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    Applied Optimization Suggestions

    Thats a good one (with nice geometer's sketchpad potential), but someone else is already doing it. So far, I've found this: Two poles, one 6 meters tall and one 15 meters tall, are 20 meters apart. A length of wire is attached to the top of each pole and it is also staked to the ground...
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    Applied Optimization Suggestions

    That is more of a related rates question. I could solve for the minimum/maximm speed of the shadow, but we've dealt with that basic setup already
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    Applied Optimization Suggestions

    For a calc project, I am supposed to solve an interesting calculus word problem dealing with maximum and minimum values. The catch is that I cannot use my own book. Can anyone suggest a challenging optimization problem? So far, we've covered the problem with a person who must find the least time...
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    Other Becoming an Engineer: Considerations and Personal Experiences

    Im in pretty much the same situation, and it seems like the answer is electrical engineering. There are opportunities to specialize in signal processing, for example, at the grad level
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    How Do You Determine the Equation of a Parabola Given its Vertex and a Point?

    If its a perfect parabola, then what's the x coordinate of the maximum height?
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    AP Mechanics DiffEQ: Restoring Torque & Angular Acceleration

    Horizontal plane. For anyone interested, I looked up the solutions, and they were able to simplify it greatly with the small angle approximations sin(theta)=theta and cos(theta)=1 Then the torque is -kL2theta, the acceleration is k/[2m]. Then they solved it in one magic step to get...
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    AP Mechanics DiffEQ: Restoring Torque & Angular Acceleration

    Homework Statement A stick of length 2L and negligible mass has a point mass m affixed to each end. The stick is arranged so that it pivots in a horizontal plane about a frictionless vertical axis through its center. A spring of force constant k is connected to one of the masses. The system...
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    How to find mass with gravitational attraction.

    You can calculate the product of the masses with the given force and distance. Then because you know the sum, you have a system of 2 equations with 2 unknowns
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    Lifting an Elevator 3000lbs with a 12ft Cable: Calculating Work

    Homework Statement A freight elevator weighing 3000 pounds is supported by a 12 foot long cable that weighs 14 pounds per linear foot. Approximate the work required to lift the elevator 9 feet by winding the cable onto a winchHomework Equations W = int(f)dyThe Attempt at a Solution The work...
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    Calculating Energy and Friction in a Child's Descent on a 6m Slide

    The problem deals with conservation of energy. Etop=Ebottom. Without friction, PEtop=KEbottom, but that's not what you have here.
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    Calculating Energy and Friction in a Child's Descent on a 6m Slide

    Potential energy only deals with vertical displacement. You need the length of the slide for the second part of the question
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