How do you solve this equation used to calibrate an ammeter?

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Homework Statement
algebra with two unknowns
Relevant Equations
two thetas in equation
Please can someone tell me how to solve the below:
we have been given:

241543
can someone please explain how we deal with two theatas? please ignore full stops wouldn't line up any other way!​
 
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I can't tell what you're doing here or what the question is. Could you please fix your post and remove the formatting?
 
vela said:
I can't tell what you're doing here or what the question is. Could you please fix your post and remove the formatting?
Hi Vela, I apologise, new here. please see amendment
 
rexxii said:
Please can someone tell me how to solve the below:
we have been given:

View attachment 241543
can someone please explain how we deal with two theatas? please ignore full stops wouldn't line up any other way!​

There is only one theta, not two. However, that theta appears in two places and in two different forms.

If you want to find the value of ##\theta## corresponding to a given current ##i##, you can just draw a graph of ##i## vs. ##\theta## and pick out an approximate solution from the graph. You can refine it (i.e., get a more accurate solution) using any number of numerical equation-solving methods. Alternatively, you can submit the problem to a software package for solution. For example, using the EXCEL Solver tool should enable you to complete the job.

Another way is to re-write the equation as
$$\theta = (i/0.735)^2 \sin(\theta + 3),$$
plot the two curves ##y = \theta## and ##y = (i/0.735)^2 \sin(\theta+30)##, and see where the two curves cross one another.
 
Last edited:
Ray Vickson said:
There is only one theta, not two. However, that theta appears in two places and in two different forms.

If you want to find the value of ##\theta## corresponding to a given current ##i##, you can just draw a graph of ##i## vs. ##\theta## and pick out an approximate solution from the graph. You can refine it (i.e., get a more accurate solution) using any number of numerical equation-solving methods. Alternatively, you can submit the problem to a software package for solution. For example, using the EXCEL Solver tool should enable you to complete the job.

Another way is to re-write the equation as
$$\theta = (i/0.735)^2 \sin(\theta + 3),$$
plot the two curves ##y = \theta## and ##y = (i/0.735)^2 \sin(\theta+30)##, and see where the two curves cross one another.
hi,

thank you for the advice - i understand what you mean partly.

However, how can i define this on a graph? I cannot put theta into a graphing software.

I would have thought I plot y=3 and y=0.735 sqrt route (x/sin(x+30) but that doesn't seem to be working please could you expand on what you mean?

Thank you
 
Graphing software generally expects the argument of sin to be in radians; your formula uses degrees.

However I think the intention is that you rearrange the equation as [tex] \theta = \left(\frac{3}{0.753}\right)^2 \sin(\theta + 30)[/tex] as @Ray Vickson has done, and then iterate [tex] \theta_{n+1} = \left(\frac{3}{0.753}\right)^2 \sin(\theta_n + 30)[/tex] to convergence, as can be done on a standard scientific calculator.

You will require an initial guess for [itex]\theta_0[/itex], and the first part of the question should provide that.
 
rexxii said:
hi,

thank you for the advice - i understand what you mean partly.

However, how can i define this on a graph? I cannot put theta into a graphing software.

I would have thought I plot y=3 and y=0.735 sqrt route (x/sin(x+30) but that doesn't seem to be working please could you expand on what you mean?

Thank you

Show the details: why does it not work? It works for me, but I need to be careful about converting ##\theta## from degrees to radians.