How Can Basic Algebraic Skills Be Applied in Electrical Engineering?

[MacLaddy]

Homework Statement

Right now I am at the very beginning of what I am sure will be a very long process of getting my Electrical Engineering Degree. I am currently taking math 1010 online, and it is currently asking this question.

After completing all the tasks required for this module on Systems of Linear Equations, Inequalities, and Problem Solving do the following:

Think of your chosen field (or if you have not yet chosen a major, pick a field you are interested in). Find an application that would involve the algebraic skills learned in this module. Post the application as well as the solution.

You may find the application anywhere you'd like (books, Internet, person in field etc.)

So, I am hoping to ask a person in the field of Electrical Engineering. It seems that most EE problems are much more advanced mathematically than simple Linear Equations.

If anyone can offer their input I would be greatly appreciative.

Homework Equations

A similar equation is the "A Train left a station doing such and such," but I don't want to use that, as everyone else in the class is doing some variation of it.

The Attempt at a Solution

Asking here...

 

[Zayer]

I think it's not a good idea to pick a problem from EE problems. Because most of it are boring.

 

[MacLaddy]

Actually, I think most of them are too difficult for me to comprehend at this early stage...

I ended up creating a function for draining and refilling a swimming pool. (like that isn't boring)

 

[Zayer]

Ok, take this example

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=376316

Two important things you should know
1-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ohm%27s_law"

2-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirchhoff%27s_circuit_laws"

Using Ohm's and Kirchhoff's Current Laws, you will end up with a system of four equations and four unknowns.

Also,you can modifies the question so that you have complex numbers in the four equations.

 

[DeeNos]

I can definitely understand your concerns about the level of mathematical complexity in the field of Electrical Engineering. However, even though most problems in EE may involve more advanced math, it is still important to have a strong foundation in basic algebraic skills. These skills will come in handy in many real-world applications, such as circuit analysis and design, signal processing, and control systems.

One specific application that comes to mind is the analysis of electrical circuits using Kirchhoff's laws. These laws, which govern the behavior of electric currents and voltages in a circuit, can be expressed as a set of linear equations. By using the algebraic skills learned in this module, you can easily solve these equations and determine the values of currents and voltages at different points in the circuit.

For example, let's say you are designing a circuit for a lighting system in a building. You need to determine the optimal resistance value for a resistor in the circuit in order to achieve the desired brightness for the lights. By setting up a system of linear equations based on Kirchhoff's laws, you can solve for the unknown resistance value and ensure that your lighting system works efficiently and effectively.

In terms of a solution, it would involve setting up the appropriate equations and then using techniques such as substitution or elimination to solve for the unknown variables. This is a simple but important application of algebraic skills in the field of Electrical Engineering.

I hope this helps to illustrate the relevance of algebra in EE and how it can be applied in real-world scenarios. Good luck with your studies!