# Change in Temperature Equation HELP Please!

1. Jan 22, 2012

### FFX

Hey Everyone,

First time posting here, but you'll probably see me around quite a bit!
If this is in the wrong math spot please let me know, I don't understand the different types of maths.

I have an equation on the change of temperature, I substituted all the values in correctly and thought I was working it out correctly, but my answer came out far too low for me to think I did it correctly. If someone could have a look and give me guidance, that'd be great. The first picture is the full question, the second is me 'trying' to work it out! :(

2. Jan 24, 2012

### BruceW

I think you went wrong on the very last step.
$$\frac{440.022}{( \frac{23.43}{2.556 \times 10^{-8}})}$$
Does not equal $4.80023 \times 10^-6$. You've gotten it 10 times larger than it should be. But this is still a problem, because you said you were expecting a larger answer. Are you sure you've got all the units right?

P.S. Welcome to physics forum :)

3. Jan 29, 2012

### neverquit250

Off topic, but What program did you use to show your work? I am taking online precalc and whatever program you are using would make my life much easier. Thanks!

4. Jan 29, 2012

### BruceW

who, me or ffx? I'm using latex, which physics forums 'supports' or however you call it.

5. Jan 29, 2012

### HallsofIvy

Staff Emeritus
This forum uses LaTeX, a math formatting language. You can use html tags [ tex ] and [ \tex ] (without the spaces) or, to fit it onto a line, [ itex ] and [ /itex ] (again without the spaces).

There is an introduction to its use here:

6. Jan 29, 2012

### neverquit250

I was curious about FFX's method. I was looking for something a little more user friendly than Latex. Perhaps I am getting the wrong impression.

Last edited: Jan 29, 2012
7. Jan 29, 2012

### BruceW

hmm, I'm not sure how ffx wrote all that working, because he's put it on here as an image. Maybe message him, hope he answers?

8. Jan 29, 2012

### FFX

Cheers for the replies!
Sorry for my delayed response, working full time and studying full time leaves me limited free time!

Thank you for correcting my mistake Bruce. I just 'assumed' the answer should be bigger. But a couple people on this site have already stated that there's no reason why I should assume a bigger answer when the question doesn't have any indication of what the size of the number should be! So the answer you provided would be correct, thank you!

@Neverquit
I didn't actually use any specific math program. I just used microsoft word. If you go 'insert' - 'equations' in microsoft word, you'll be given a toolbar with all the different math symbols. It's very easy to use but it doesn't work anything out for you automatically, everything must be typed in manually so it's a slow process.

I'm taking my math course externally, so I find microsoft word works for me as I can easily email off my assignment when necessary.

9. Jan 30, 2012

### neverquit250

Thanks FFX, good luck with your studies!