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

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To solve the equation for calibrating an ammeter, users suggest graphing the relationship between current (i) and theta (θ) to find an approximate solution, which can be refined using numerical methods or software like Excel Solver. The equation can be rewritten to facilitate plotting, specifically as θ = (i/0.735)² sin(θ + 30). It's important to ensure that the argument for the sine function is in the correct units, as graphing software typically requires radians. Users also recommend iterating the equation using an initial guess for θ to converge on a solution. Proper formatting and clarity in the equation are crucial for effective problem-solving.
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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 <br /> \theta = \left(\frac{3}{0.753}\right)^2 \sin(\theta + 30)<br /> as @Ray Vickson has done, and then iterate <br /> \theta_{n+1} = \left(\frac{3}{0.753}\right)^2 \sin(\theta_n + 30)<br /> to convergence, as can be done on a standard scientific calculator.

You will require an initial guess for \theta_0, 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.
 
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