Lesson 14

Part II (Introduction to NumSolve and Probability, continued)

In this part, you will learn how to use the NumSolve application. NumSolve is a very simple application that can be used to solve most literal equations for one unknown.

1. Converting from Fahrenheit to Celsius

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2. Converting from Celsius to Fahrenheit

Simple, isn’t it? Well, there is one more feature to discuss: The use of the Lower and Upper values.

NumSolve returns only one solution each time you click Solve. What if there are two solutions? For example, y = x^2-1 has two solutions when y=0. Namely, x=1 and x=-1.

3. Using NumSolve to Find More Than One Solution

4. Another Way to Find More Than One Solution

When we guess a solution, NumSolve will return the solution that is closest to our guess.

5. Global Variables Can Be Overwritten

Part II


Practice Exercises

  1. Please open the NumSolve application.
  2. One of the most useful formulas in Physics is Force=Mass x Acceleration, or F=MA.
  3. Enter the equation F=M*A into NumSolve and press EXE.
  4. Input a value of 9.8 for A, 45.9 for M and solve for F.
  5. After clicking Solve, get a screen capture. Paste it into your Lesson14 document (under a title of PART II).
  6. Change M to your weight or a friend’s weight divided by 2.2. For example, M=137/2.2. Solve for F again. F is your weight in Newtons, or the force you or your friend are exerting on the earth!
  7. With your new force showing, get a screen capture. Add two blank spaces following the first screen capture and then paste this one.
  8. This time, assume we know the force being exerted is 350 Newtons. What is the mass of the object exerting this force?
  9. With the new mass (M) showing, get a screen capture. Add two blank spaces following the second screen capture and then paste this one.