Introduction and general help regarding powers

[Harrison01]

Hi there, Good evening all.

Ok, I've just started my HNC in electrical engineering (1 month in via open learning)and to be honest, I'm struggling. I understand all the concepts of the equations regarding bending moments, shear force diagrams etc but i can't seem to get to grip with the equations.. I have a level maths but i achieved this 8-9 years ago so I'm after a bit of directional help.

Q1, what or how is the best way to write to the 'poer minus 4' ( the minus sign up in the air)?
Q2, Can anyone explain to me in simple terms the best way to understand poers e.g. 1mm4=(1x10^3)4=1x10^12M

Also if there is any good reading material out there that may be useful please point me in the right direction. Much appreciated.

 

[tiny-tim]

Welcome to PF!

Hi Harrison01! Welcome to PF!

Q1, what or how is the best way to write to the 'poer minus 4' ( the minus sign up in the air)?

first, there's a "w" in there … "powers" (rhymes with "hours")

"x to the minus 4"

"x^-4"

"1/x⁴"

Q2, Can anyone explain to me in simple terms the best way to understand poers e.g. 1mm4=(1x10^3)4=1x10^12M

do you mean "one milllimetre"? that's 0.001 m, or 10^-3 m

if you want that to the 4th power, that's (10^-3 m)⁴,=10^-12 m⁴

("m⁴" is like "s²", it's a maths thing, it doesn't mean anything you can draw)

 

[Harrison01]

cheers for the reply tim,

1mm=0.001M=10-3

But what is the best way to write to the minus 3. is there a common symbol as i can't get the - to go higher than the norm..

 

[tiny-tim]

Hi Harrison01!

But what is the best way to write to the minus 3. is there a common symbol as i can't get the - to go higher than the norm..

on this forum, you can use the X² button just above the reply box,

([NOPARSE]or type 10-3[/NOPARSE])

alternatively, write 1/10³ ​