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mdewolff1-Visitor
1-Visitor
December 8, 2015
Question

correct syntax equation

  • December 8, 2015
  • 2 replies
  • 3260 views

Hello,

I'm trying to get my first equation in Mathcad to work right.

What we need to accomplish in this school project is fabrication of a (virtual) scale. More precisely writing a proper equation which would define the correlation between the weight of the letter/package placed on the scale, and the angle movement of the needle. It is hard to get it right algebraically when I'm not sure of how Mathcad reads the input.

Can I request some help with the syntax of the equation?

Thanks so much, maurits

2 replies

F
Fred_Kohlhepp23-Emerald I
23-Emerald I
December 8, 2015

I can't read your file (I'm only up to 3.0), but attached is an example that might point the way for you.  Welcome to Mathcad!

M
mdewolff1-VisitorAuthor
1-Visitor
December 8, 2015

Thanks for your response, Fred. My scale is pretty much defined all the way. I would appreciate it very much if you or someone else could take another shot. I will attach a image.pdf

Thanks again, maurits

F
Fred_Kohlhepp23-Emerald I
23-Emerald I
December 8, 2015

Bit more challenging.

M
MJG1-Visitor
1-Visitor
December 8, 2015

Are you sure about the equation?  The units don't work out.  In the numerator, the first term is Force*Distance, the second term is Mass, and the third & fourth terms are Mass*Distance.  I'm guessing you need to multiply all the masses by "g" to get them in terms of Force.  However, the second term seems to be missing a Distance term.

Once you get the equation corrected, I think the following will work for you (shown in MC15, but should work similarly in Prime):

M
MJG1-Visitor
1-Visitor
December 8, 2015

After taking some time to look more closely at your problem, I now understand what you're doing.  Here are a few thoughts:

1.) As I stated previously, your units don't work out.  I now know what your equation should be, but since this is homework, I challenge you to correct your own equation - I think you can get it.

2.) You seem to have forgotten about the angle γ.  Take a closer look at the angles - I believe you'll need to make some further adjustments.

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