Volume 2 Doe Handbook Mathematics
Volume 2 Doe Handbook Mathematics
Volume 2 Doe Handbook Mathematics
JUNE 1992
Available to DOE and DOE contractors from the Office of Scientific and
Technical Information. P. O. Box 62, Oak Ridge, TN 37831; prices available
from (615) 576-8401. FTS 626-8401.
Available to the public firom the National Technical Information Service, U.S.
Department of Commerce, 5285 Port Royal Rd., Springfield, VA 22161.
DISCLAIMER
MmER
BISTRIBUTION OF THIS DOCUMENT IS UNLIMITED
MATHEMATICS
ABSTRACT
Rev. 0 MA
MATHEMATICS
FOREWORD
These handbooks were first published as Reactor Operator Fundamentals Manuals in 1985
for use by DOE category A reactors. The subject areas, subject matter content, and level of
detail of the Reactor Operator Fundamentals Manuals were determined from several sources.
DOE Category A reactor training managers determined which materials should be included, and
served as a primary reference in the initial development phase. Training guidelines from the
commercial nuclear power industry, results of job and task analyses, and independent input from
contractors and operations-oriented personnel were all considered and included to some degree
in developing the text material and learning objectives.
The DOE Fundamentals Handbooks represent the needs of various DOE nuclear facilities'
fundamental training requirements. To increase their applicability to nonreactor nuclear
facilities, the Reactor Operator Fundamentals Manual learning objectives were distributed to the
Nuclear Facility Training Coordination Program Steering Committee for review and comment.
To update their reactor-specific content, DOE Category A reactor training managers also
reviewed and commented on the content. On the basis of feedback from these sources,
information that applied to two or more DOE nuclear facilities was considered generic and was
included. The final draft of each of the handbooks was then reviewed by these two groups.
This approach has resulted in revised modular handbooks that contain sufficient detail such that
each facility may adjust the content to fit their specific needs.
The DOE Fundamentals Handbooks have been prepared for the Assistant Secretary for
Nuclear Energy, Office of Nuclear Safety Policy and Standards, by the DOE Training
Coordination Program. This program is managed by EG&G Idaho, Inc.
Rev. 0 MA
MATHEMATICS
OVERVIEW
The Mathematics handbook consists of five modules that are contained in two volumes.
The following is a brief description of the information presented in each module of the
handbook.
Volume 1 of 2
Module 2 - Algebra
This module describes the concepts of algebra including quadratic equations and
word problems.
Volume 2 of 2
Module 3 - Geometry
This module describes the basic geometric figures of triangles, quadrilaterals, and
circles; and the calculation of area and volume.
Module 4 - Trigonometry
Rev. 0 MA
MATHEMATICS
Rev. 0 MA
Department of Energy
Fundamentals Handbook
MATHEMATICS
Module 3
Geometry
Geometry TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF FIGURES ii
REFERENCES iv
OBJECTIVES V
Terms 1
Lines 1
Important Facts 2
Angles 2
Summary 5
Triangles 6
Area and Perimeter of Triangles 7
Quadrilaterals 8
Circles 11
Summary 12
Rectangular Solids 13
Cube 14
Sphere 14
Right Circular Cone 15
Right Circular Cylinder 16
Summary 17
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 Angle 2
Figure 10 Parallelogram 8
Figure 11 Rectangle 9
Figure 12 Square 10
Figure 13 Circle 11
Figure 15 Cube 14
Figure 16 Sphere 15
LIST OF TABLES
NONE
REFERENCES
• Dolciani, Mary P., et al.. Algebra Structure and Method Book 1. Atlanta: Houghton-
Mifflin, 1979.
• CHivio, C Thomas and Olivio, Thomas P., Basic Mathematics Simplified. Albany, NY:
Delmar, 1977.
• Academic Program For Nuclear Power Plant Personnel. Volume 1, Columbia, MD:
General Physics Corporation, Library of Congress Card #A 326517, 1982.
TERMINAL OBJECTIVE
1.0 Given a calculator and the correct formula, APPLY the laws of geometry to solve
mathematical problems.
ENABLING OBJECTIVES
1.4 Given the formula, CALCULATE the area and the perimeter of each of the
following basic geometric shapes:
a. Triangle
b. Parallelogram
c. Circle
1.5 Given the formula, CALCULATE the volume and surface areas of the following
solid figures:
a. Rectangular solid
b. Cube
c. Sphere
d. Right circular cone
e. Right circular cylinder
The purpose of this section is to provide a foundation of geometric principles and constructions
on which many practical problems depend for solution.
Terms
Lines
A line is the path formed by a moving point. A length of a straight line is the shortest distance
between two nonadjacent points and is made up of collinear points. A line segment is a portion
of a line. A ray is an infinite set of collinear points extending from one end point to infinity.
A set of points is noncoUinear if the points are not contained in a line.
Two or more straight lines are parallel when they are coplanar (contained in the same plane) and
do not intersect; that is, when they are an equal distance apart at every point.
Important Fads
The following facts are used frequently in plane geometry. These facts will help you solve
problems in this section.
1. The shortest distance betw^n two points is the length of the straight line segment
joining them.
3. Only one straight line segment can be drawn between two points.
4. A geometric figure can be moved in the plane without any effect on its size or
shape.
5. Two straight lines in the same plane are either parallel or they intersect.
Angles
An angle is the union of two nonparallel rays originating from the same point; this point is
known as the vertex. The rays are known as sides of the angle, as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1 Angle
If ray AB is on top of ray BC, then the angle ABC is a zero angle. One complete revolution of
a ray gives an angle of 360°.
Depending on the rotation of a ray, an angle can be classified as right, straight, acute, obtuse,
or reflex. These angles are defined as follows:
Straight Angle - angle with a ray separated by 180° to form a straight line.
Obtuse Angle - angle with a ray rotated greater than 90° but less than 180°.
\ Obtuse
If angles are next to each other, they are called adjacent angles. If the sum of two angles equals
90°, they are called complimentary angles. For example, 27° and 63° are complimentary
angles. If the sum of two angles equals 180°, they are called supplementary angles. For
example, 73° and 107° are supplementary angles.
Summary
• Straight lines are parallel when they are in the same plane and do
not intersect.
The terms and properties of lines, angles, and circles may be applied in the layout, design,
development, and construction of closed flat shapes. A new term, plane, must be understood
in order to accurately visualize a closed, flat shape. A plane refers to a flat surface on which
lies a straight line connecting any two points.
A plane figure is one which can be drawn on a plane surface. There are many types of plane
figures encountered in practical problems. Fundamental to most design and construction are
three flat shapes: the triangle, the rectangle, and the circle.
Triangles
A triangle is a figure formed by using straight line segments to connect three points that are not
in a straight line. The straight line segments are called sides of the triangle.
or
A = (l/2)bh
Figure 9 Area of a Triangle
The area of a traingle is always expressed in square units, and the perimeter of a triangle is
always expressed in the original units.
Example:
Calculate the area and perimeter of a right triangle with a 9" base and sides measuring
12" and 15". Be sure to include the units in your answer.
Solution:
A = 1/2 bh P = Si •\- Sj + b
A = .5(9)(12) P = 9 -I- 12 + 15
A = .5(108) P = 36 inches
/I = 54 square inches
Quadrilaterals
A parallelogram is a four-sided
quadrilateral with both pairs of opposite
sides parallel, as shown in Figure 10.
The area of a parallelogram is always expressed in square units, and the perimeter of a
parallelogram is always expressed in the original units.
Example:
Calculate the area and perimeter of a parallelogram with base (b) = 4',
height (h) = 3\ a = 5' and 6 = 4 ' . Be sure to include units in your answer.
Solution:
A =- bh P = 2a + 2b
A = (4)(3) P = 2(5) 4- 2(4)
A = 12 square feet P = 10 -I- 8
P = 18 feet
Figure 11 Rectangle
The area of a rectangle is always expressed in square units, and the perimeter of a rectangle is
always expressed in the original units.
Example:
Calculate the area and perimeter of a rectangle with w = 5 ' and / = 6'. Be sure to
include units in your answer.
Solution:
A = Iw P = 2/ + 2w
A = (5)(6) P = 2(5) -I- 2(6)
A = 30 square feet P = 10 -f 12
P = 22 feet
The area of a square is always expressed in square units, and the perimeter of a square is always
expressed in the original units.
Example:
Calculate the area and perimeter of a square with a = 5'. Be sure to include units in
your answer.
Solution:
A=a' P = 4a
A = (5)(5) P = 4(5)
A = 25 square feet P = 20 feet
Circles
A circle is a plane curve which is equidistant from the
center, as shown in Figure 13. The length of the
perimeter of a circle is called the circumference. The
radius (r) of a circle is a line segment that joins the
center of a circle with any point on its circumference.
The diameter (D) of a circle is a line segment connecting
two points of the circle through the center. The area of
a circle is calculated using the following formula:
A = -Kl^ (3-9)
C = 27r/- (3-10)
or
C = irO
Pi (T) is a theoretical number, approximately 22/7 or 3.141592654, representing the ratio of the
circumference to the diameter of a circle. The scientific calculator makes this easy by
designating a key for determining T.
The area of a circle is always expressed in square units, and the perimeter of a circle is always
expressed in the original units.
Example:
Calculate the area and circumference of a circle with a 3" radius. Be sure to include
units in your answer.
Solution:
A = -Kr' C = 2irr
A = ,r(3)(3) C = (2)x(3)
A = T(9) C = T(6)
A = 28.3 square inches C = 18.9 inches
Summary
The important information in this chapter is summarized below.
1 1
Shapes and Figures of Plane Geometry Summary
The three flat shapes of the triangle, rectangle, and circle may become solids by adding the third
dimension of depth. The triangle becomes a cone; the rectangle, a rectangular solid; and the
circle, a cylinder.
Rectangular Solids
V = abc (3-11)
The surface area of a rectangular solid is expressed in square units, and the volume of a
rectangular solid is expressed in cubic units.
Example:
Calculate the volume and surface area of a rectangular solid with a = 3", Z> = 4", and
c = 5". Be sure to include units in your answer.
Solution:
V = (a)(b)(c) SA = 2(ab + ac + be)
V = (3)(4)(5) SA = 2[(3)(4) -t- (3)(5) + (4)(5)]
V = (12)(5) SA = 2[12 + 15 4- 20]
V = 60 cubic inches SA = 2[47]
SA = 94 square inches
Cube
A cube is a six-sided solid figure whose faces are congruent
squares, as shown in Figure 15.
The volume of a cube is calculated using the following a
formula: ^
/ /
V = a' (3-13)
The surface area of a cube is calculated using the following o ^ \ ^ a
formula:
Figure 15 Cube
SA = 6fl' (3-14)
The surface area of a cube is expressed in square units, and the volume of a cube is expressed
in cubic units.
Example:
Calculate the volume and surface area of a cube with a = 3". Be sure to include units
in your answer.
Solution:
SA = 6a'
V = (3)(3)(3) SA = 6(3)(3)
V = 27 cubic inches SA = 6(9)
SA = 54 square inches
Sphere
A sphere is a solid, all points of which are equidistant from a fixed point, the center, as shown
in Figure 16.
V =4/3ir/^ (3-15)
SA = Airr^ (3-16)
Calculate the volume and surface area of a sphere with r 4". Be sure to include
units in your answer.
Solution:
V = 4/3Ttr^ SA = A-wr^
V = 4/37r(4)(4)(4) SA = 4Tr(4)(4)
V = 4.2(64) SA = 12.6(16)
V = 268.8 cubic inches SA = 201.6 square inches
V = l/3ir/^/z (3-17)
The surface area of a right circular cone is expressed in square units, and the volume of a right
circular cone is expressed in cubic units.
Example:
Calculate the volume and surface area of a right circular cone with r = 3",h — 4", and
/ = 5". Be sure to include the units in your answer.
Solution:
The surface area of a right circular cylinder is calculated Figure 18 Right Circular Cylinder
using the following formula:
The surface area of a right circular cylinder is expressed in square units, and the volume of a
right circular cylinder is expressed in cubic units.
Example:
Calculate the volume and surface area of a right circular cylinder with r = 3" and
h = 4". Be sure to include units in your answer.
Solution:
Summary
The important information in this chapter is summarized below.
1 1
Solid Geometric Shapes Summary
» Volume of a cube: (P
MATHEMATICS
Module 4
Trigonometry
Trigonometry TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF FIGURES ii
REFERENCES iv
OBJECTIVES v
PYTHAGOREAN THEOREM 1
Pythagorean Theorem 1
Summary 3
TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS 4
Summary 8
RADIANS 9
Radian Measure 9
Summary 10
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 Triangle 1
LIST OF TABLES
NONE
REFERENCES
Academic Program For Nuclear Power Plant Personnel. Volume 1, Columbia, MD:
General Physics Corporation, Library of Congress Card #A 326517, 1982.
Drooyan, I. and Wooton, W., Elementary Algebra and College Students. 6th Edition,
John Wiley & Sons, 1984.
Ellis, R. and Gulick, D., College Algebra and Trigonometry. 2nd Edition, Harcourt
Brace Jouanovich, Publishers, 1984.
Rice, B.J. and Strange, J.D., Plane Trigonometry. 2nd Edition, Prinole, Weber &
Schmidt, Inc., 1978.
TERMINAL OBJECTIVE
1.0 Given a calculator and a list of formulas, APPLY the laws of trigonometry to
solve for unknown values.
ENABLING OBJECTIVES
1.1 Given a problem, APPLY the Pythagorean theorem to solve for the unknown
values of a right triangle.
1.2 Given the following trigonometric terms, IDENTIFY the related function:
a. Sine
b. Cosine
c. Tangent
d. Cotangent
e. Secant
f. Cosecant
1.3 Given a problem, APPLY the trigonometric functions to solve for the unknown.
PYTHAGOREAN THEOREM
This chapter covers right triangles and solving for unknowns using the
Pythagorean theorem.
Trigonometry is the branch of mathematics that is the study of angles and the relationship
between angles and the lines that form them. Trigonometry is used in Classical Physics and
Electrical Science to analyze many physical phenomena. Engineers and operators use this
branch of mathematics to solve problems encountered in the classroom and on the job. The
most important application of trigonometry is the solution of problems involving triangles,
particularly right triangles.
Pythagorean Theorem
c' a'\
The Pythagorean theorem is a tool that can be used to
solve for unknown values on right triangles. In order to
B
use the Pythagorean theorem, a term must be defined.
The term hypotenuse is used to describe the side of a
right triangle opposite the right angle. Line segment C Figure 1 Tnangle
is the hypotenuse of the triangle in Figure 1.
The Pythagorean theorem states that in any right triangle, the square of the length of the
hypotenuse equals the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides.
Example:
The two legs of a right triangle are 5 ft and 12 ft. How long is the hypotenuse?
a^ + b-' = e
12^ + S' = (?
144 + 25 = c^
169 = c^
v/T69~ = c
13 ft = c
Using the Pythagorean theorem, one can determine the value of the unknown side of a right
triangle when given the value of the other two sides.
Example:
Given that the hypotenuse of a right triangle is 18" and the length of one side is U",
what is the length of the other side?
fl^ + Z>^ = c^
*^ = 18^ - 11^
b^ = 324 - 121
b = v^03~
b = 14.2 in
Summary
• The Pythagorean theorem states that in any right triangle, the square
of the length of the hypotenuse equals the sum of the squares of the
lengths of the other two sides.
TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS
TTiis chapter covers the six tngonometnc functions and solving nght tnangles
a. Sine
b. Cosine
c. Tangent
d. Cotangent
e. Secant
f. Cosecant
As shown in the previous chapter, the lengths of the sides of nght tnangles can be solved using
the Pythagorean theorem We learned that if the lengths of two sides are known, the length of
the third side can then be determined using the Pythagorean theorem One fact about tnangles
is that the sum of the three angles equals 180° If nght triangles have one 90° angle, then the
sum of the other two angles must equal 90° Understanding this, we can solve for the unknown
angles if we know the length of two sides of a nght triangle This can be done by using the six
tngonometnc functions.
sine 9 = opposite
c hypotenuse (4-2)
Figure 2 Right Tnangle
cosine d = adjacent
c hypotenuse (4-3)
. „ a opposite
tangent 6 = — = —£-£ (4-4)
b adjacent
, „ c hypotenuse
cosecant d = — = -^£—-. (4-5)
b oposite
c hypotenuse
secant S
a adjacent (4-6)
^„ b adjacent
cotangent 0 = — = — (4-7)
a opposite
The trigonometric value for any angle can be determined easily with the aid of a calculator. To
find the sine, cosine, or tangent of any angle, enter the value of the angle into the calculator and
press the desired function. Note that the secant, cosecant, and cotangent are the mathematical
inverse of the sine, cosine and tangent, respectively. Therefore, to determine the cotangent,
secant, or cosecant, first press the SIN, COS, or TAN key, then press the INV key.
Example:
Determine the values of the six trigonometric functions of an angle formed by the x-axis
and a line connecting the origin and the point (3,4).
Solution:
To help to "see" the solution of the problem it helps to plot the points and construct the
right triangle.
X = 3
y =4
r = \Jx^ + y^ = v/3^ + 4^
r = v/9 + 16 = v/2r = 5
Having solved for all three sides of the triangle, the trigonometric functions can now be
determined. Substitute the values for x, y, and r into the trigonometric functions and
solve.
sin 6 == y _ 4 = 0.800
r 5
X _ 3 = 0.600
cos 6
r 5
4
tan e --._ y = 1.333
X 3
r _ 5
CSC e •• = 1.250
y 4
r 5 = 1.667
sec $ •-
X 3
cot e =
X ^ 3 = 0.750
Although the trigonometric functions of angles are defined in terms of lengths of the sides of
right triangles, they are really functions of the angles only. The numerical values of the
trigonometric functions of any angle depend on the size of the angle and not on the length of the
sides of the angle. Thus, the sine of a 30° angle is always 1/2 or 0.500.
When the value of a trigonometric function of an angle is known, the size of the angle can be
found. The inverse trigonometric function, also known as the arc function, defines the angle
based on the value of the trigonometric function. For example, the sine of 21 ° equals 0.35837;
thus, the arc sine of 0.35837 is 21°.
There are two notations commonly used to indicate an inverse trigonometric function.
The notation arcsin means the angle whose sine is. The notation arc can be used as a prefix to
any of the trigonometric functions. Similarly, the notation sin^ means the angle whose sine is.
It is important to remember that the -1 in this notation is not a negative exponent but merely an
indication of the inverse trigonometric function.
To perform this function on a calculator, enter the numerical value, press the INV key, then the
SIN, COS, or TAN key. To calculate the inverse function of cot, esc, and sec, the reciprocal
key must be pressed first then the SIN, COS, or TAN key.
Examples:
Summary
sine a opposite
c hypotenuse
b _ adjacent
cosine
c hypotenuse
a opposite
tangent
b adjacent
b _ adjacent
cotangent
a opposite
c hypotenuse
cosecant
b opposite
c hypotenuse
secant
a adjacent
RADIANS
TTiis chapter will cover the measure of angles in terms of radians and degrees.
Radian Measure
The size of an angle is usually measured in degrees. However, in some applications the size
of an angle is measured in radians. A radian is defined in terms of the length of an arc
subtended by an angle at the center of a circle. An angle whose size is one radian subtends an
arc whose length equals the radius of the circle. Figure 4 shows LBAC whose size is one
radian. The length of arc EC equals the radius r of the circle. The size of an angle, in radians,
equals the length of the arc it subtends divided by the radius.
Length of Arc
Radians (4-8)
Radius
Example:
X (68.6)x
068.6° 1.20 radians
T80 180
Example:
Summary
X radians = 180°
MATHEMATICS
Module 5
Higher Concepts of Mathematics
Higher Concepts of Mathematics TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF TABLES iv
REFERENCES v
OBJECTIVES vi
STATISTICS 1
Frequency Distribution 1
The Mean 2
Variability 5
Normal Distribution 7
Probability 8
Summary 10
IMAGINARY AND COMPLEX NUMBERS 11
Imaginary Numbers 11
Complex Numbers 14
Summary 16
The Matrix 17
Addition of Matrices 18
Multiplication of a Scaler and a Matrix 19
Multiplication of a Matrix by a Matrix 20
The Determinant 21
Using Matrices to Solve System of Linear Equation 25
Summary 29
Dynamic Systems 30
Differentials and Derivatives 30
Graphical Understanding of Derivatives 34
Application of Derivatives to Physical Systems 38
Integral and Summations in Physical Systems 41
Graphical Understanding of Integral 43
Summary 46
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 Normal Probability Distribution 7
LIST OF TABLES
NONE
REFERENCES
Dolciani, Mary P., et al.. Algebra Structure and Method Book 1. Atlanta: Houghton-
Mifflin, 1979.
Olivio, C. Thomas and Olivio, Thomas P., Basic Mathematics Simplified. Albany, NY:
Delmar, 1977.
Academic Program For Nuclear Power Plant Personnel. Volume 1, Columbia, MD:
General Physics Corporation, Library of Congress Card #A 326517, 1982.
Standard Mathematical Tables. 23"" Edition, Cleveland, OH: CRC Press, Inc., Library
of Congress Card #30-4052, ISBN 0-87819-622-6, 1975.
TERMINAL OBJECTIVE
1.0 SOLVE problems involving probability and simple statistics.
ENABLING OBJECTIVES
1.1 STATE the definition of the following statistical terms:
a. Mean
b. Variance
c. Mean variance
TERMINAL OBJECTIVE
2.0 SOLVE for problems involving the use of complex numbers.
ENABLING OBJECTIVES
TERMINAL OBJECTIVE
3.0 SOLVE for the unknowns in a problem through the application of matrix mathematics.
ENABLING OBJECTIVES
TERMINAL OBJECTIVE
4.0 DESCRIBE the use of differentials and integration in mathematical problems.
ENABLING OBJECTIVES
STATISTICS
TTiis chapter will cover the basic concepts of statistics.
In almost every aspect of an operator's work, there is a necessity for making decisions resulting
in some significant action. Many of these decisions are made through past experience with other
similar situations. One might say the operator has developed a method of intuitive inference:
unconsciously exercising some principles of probability in conjunction with statistical inference
following from observation, and arriving at decisions which have a high chance of resulting in
expected outcomes. In other words, statistics is a method or technique which will enable us to
approach a problem of determining a course of action in a systematic manner in order to reach
the desired results.
Frequency Distribution
When groups of numbers are organized, or ordered by some method, and put into tabular or
graphic form, the result will show the "frequency distribution" of the data.
Example:
A test was given and the following grades were received: the number of students
receiving each grade is given in parentheses.
99(1), 98(2), 96(4), 92(7), 90(5), 88(13), 86(11), 83(7), 80(5), 78(4), 75(3), 60(1)
Number of Frequency
Grades Occurrences Distribution
99 1
98 2
96 4
92 11111 11 7
90 11111 5
88 11111 11111 111 13
86 11111 11111 1 11
83 11111 11 7
80 11111 5
78 4
75 3
1
In summary, one method of obtaining additional information from a set of data is to determine
the frequency distribution of the data. The frequency distribution of any one data point is the
number of times that value occurs in a set of data. As will be shown later in this chapter, this
will help simplify the calculation of other statistically useful numbers from a given set of data.
The Mean
One of the most common uses of statistics is the determination of the mean value of a set of
measurements. The term "Mean" is the statistical word used to state the "average" value of a
set of data. The mean is mathematically determined in the same way as the "average" of a
group of numbers is determined.
The arithmetic mean of a set of N measurements, X,, Xj, X3, ..., XN is equal to the sum of the
measurements divided by the number of data points, N. Mathematically, this is expressed by
the following equation:
1 "
"/=1
where
X = the mean
n = the number of values (data)
Xi = the first data point, X2 = the second data point,....x, = the i* data point
X, = the i* data point, x, = the first data point, Xj = the second data point,
etc.
The symbol Sigma (E) is used to indicate summation, and / = 1 to n indicates that the values
of X, from / = 1 to / = « are added. The sum is then divided by the number of terms
added, n.
Example:
5,7, 1,3,4
Solution:
^ = - E ^, = 5E ^.
where
X = the mean
n = the number of values (data) = 5
X, = 5, Xj = 7, X3 = 1, X4 = 3, X5 = 4
substituting
X = ( 5 - l - 7 - ( - l - h 3 - h 4)/5 = 20/5 = 4
4 is the mean.
Example:
Find the mean of 67, 88, 91, 83, 79, 81, 69, and 74.
Solution:
^ = ^E -.
The sum of the scores is 632 and « = 8, therefore
- 632
3c = 79
In many cases involving statistical analysis, literally hundreds or thousands of data points are
involved. In such large groups of data, the frequency distribution can be plotted and the
calculation of the mean can be simplified by multiplying each data point by its frequency
distribution, rather than by summing each value. This is especially true when the number of
discrete values is small, but the number of data points is large.
Therefore, in cases where there is a recurring number of data points, like taking the mean of
a set of temperature readings, it is easier to multiply each reading by its frequency of occurrence
(frequency of distribution), then adding each of the multiple terms to find the mean. This is one
application using the frequency distribution values of a given set of data.
Example:
573, 573, 574, 574, 574, 574, 575, 575, 575, 575, 575, 576, 576, 576, 578
Solution:
Frequency Distribution
Temperatures Frequency (f) (f)W
573 2 1146
574 4 2296
575 5 2875
576 3 1728
578 J. 578
15 8623
X = 574.9
Variability
We have discussed the averages and the means of sets of values. While the mean is a useful tool
in describing a characteristic of a set of numbers, sometimes it is valuable to obtain information
about the mean. There is a second number that indicates how representative the mean is of the
data. For example, in the group of numbers, 100, 5, 20, 2, the mean is 31.75. If these data
points represent tank levels for four days, the use of the mean level, 31.75, to make a decision
using tank usage could be misleading because none of the data points was close to the mean.
This spread, or distance, of each data point from the mean is called the variance. The variance
of each data point is calculated by:
Variance = x - x^
where
The variance of each data point does not provide us with any useful information. But if the
mean of the variances is calculated, a very useful number is determined. The mean variance
is the average value of the variances of a set of data. The mean variance is calculated as
follows:
Mean Variance
"i-i
The mean variance, or mean deviation, can be calculated and used to make judgments by
providing information on the quality of the data. For example, if you were trying to decide
whether to buy stock, and all you knew was that this month's average price was $10, and
today's price is $9, you might be tempted to buy some. But, if you also knew that the mean
variance in the stock's price over the month was $6, you would realize the stock had fluctuated
widely during the month. Therefore, the stock represented a more risky purchase than just the
average price indicated.
It can be seen that to make sound decisions using statistical data, it is important to analyze the
data thoroughly before making any decisions.
Example:
Calculate the variance and mean variance of the following set of hourly tank levels.
Assume the tank is a 100 gal. tank. Based on the mean and the mean variance, would
you expect the tank to be able to accept a 40% (40 gal.) increase in level at any time?
Solution:
The mean is
From the tank mean of 35.1%, it can be seen that a 40% increase in level will statistically fit
into the tank; 35.1 -I- 40 < 100%. But, the mean doesn't tell us if the level varies significantly
over time. Knowing the mean variance is 4.12% provides the additional information. Knowing
the mean variance also allows us to infer that the level at any given time (most likely) will not
be greater than 35.1 -f 4.12 = 39.1%; and 39.1 -I- 40 is still less than 100%. Therefore, it is
a good assumption that, in the near future, a 40% level increase will be accepted by the tank
without any spillage.
Normal Distribution
The concept of a normal distribution curve is used frequently in statistics. In essence, a normal
distribution curve results when a large number of random variables are observed in nature, and
their values are plotted. While this "distribution" of values may take a variety of shapes, it is
interesting to note that a very large number of occurrences observed in nature possess a
frequency distribution which is approximately bell-shaped, or in the form of a normal
distribution, as indicated in Figure 1.
f(Y)
/1 >, Y
The significance of a normal distribution existing in a series of measurements is two fold. First,
it explains why such measurements tend to possess a normal distribution; and second, it provides
a valid basis for statistical inference. Many estimators and decision makers that are used to
make inferences about large numbers of data, are really sums or averages of those
measurements. When these measurements are taken, especially if a large number of them exist,
confidence can be gained in the values, if these values form a bell-shaped curve when plotted
on a distribution basis.
Probability
If El is the number of heads, and Ej is the number of tails, £,/(£, -I- Ej) is an experimental
determination of the probability of heads resulting when a coin is flipped.
P{E^ = nIN
By definition, the probability of an event must be greater than or equal to 0, and less than or
equal to 1. In addition, the sum of the probabilities of all outcomes over the entire "event" must
add to equal 1. For example, the probability of heads in a flip of a coin is 50%, the probability
of tails is 50%. If we assume these are the only two possible outcomes, 50% -f 50%, the two
outcomes, equals 100%, or 1.
The concept of probability is used in statistics when considering the reliability of the data or the
measuring device, or in the correctness of a decision. To have confidence in the values
measured or decisions made, one must have an assurance that the probability is high of the
measurement being true, or the decision being correct.
To calculate the probability of an event, the number of successes (s), and failures (f), must be
determined. Once this is determined, the probability of the success can be calculated by:
where
Example:
Using a die, what is the probability of rolling a three on the first try?
Solution:
First, determine the number of possible outcomes. In this case, there are 6 possible
outcomes. From the stated problem, the roll is a success only if a 3 is rolled. There is
only 1 success outcome and 5 failures. Therefore,
Probability = 1/(1-f 5)
= 1/6
In calculating probability, the probability of a series of independent events equals the product
of probability of the individual events.
Example:
Solution:
From the previous example, there is a 1/6 chance of rolling a three on a single throw.
Therefore, the chance of rolling two threes is:
one in 36 tries.
Example:
An elementary game is played by rolling a die and drawing a ball from a bag containing
3 white and 7 black balls. The player wins whenever he rolls a number less than 4 and
draws a black ball. What is the probability of winning in the first attempt?
Solution:
There are 3 successful outcomes for rolling less than a 4, (i.e. 1,2,3). The probability
of rolling a 3 or less is:
7/(7+3) = 7/10.
Therefore, the probability of both events happening at the same time is:
Summary
Statistics Summary
P= ^
s+f
Imaginary and complex numbers are entirely different from any kind of number used up to this
point. These numbers are generated when solving some quadratic and higher degree equations.
Imaginary and complex numbers become important in the study of electricity; especially in the
study of alternating current circuits.
Imaginary Numbers
Imaginary numbers result when a mathematical operation yields the square root of a negative
number. For example, in solving the quadratic equation x^ + 25 = 0, the solution yields x^ = -
25. Thus, the roots of the equation are ;c = ±\/-25~. The square root of (-25) is called an
imaginary number. Actually, any even root (i.e. square root, 4th root, 6th root, etc.) of a
negative number is called an imaginary number. All other numbers are called real numbers.
The name "imaginary" may be somewhat misleading since imaginary numbers actually exist and
can be used in mathematical operations. They can be added, subtracted, multiplied, and divided.
Imaginary numbers are written in a form different from real numbers. Since they are radicals,
they can be simplified by factoring. Thus, the imaginary number v'-25 equals v^(25)(-l) ,
which equals Ssf-T. Similarly, / ^ equals \/(9)(-l) , which equals 3'/^. All imaginary
numbers can be simplified in this way. They can be written as the product of a real number and
V-1 . In order to further simplify writing imaginary numbers, the imaginary unit / is defined
as /-T. Thus, the imaginary number, /-25~, which equals 5 / - F , is written as 5i, and the
imaginary number, '/-9', which equals 3\/-F, is written 3/. In using imaginary numbers in
electricity, the imaginary unit is often represented by j , instead of /, since i is the common
notation for electrical current.
Imaginary numbers are added or subtracted by writing them using the imaginary unit / and then
adding or subtracting the real number coefficients of i. They are added or subtracted like
algebraic terms in which the imaginary unit i is treated like a literal number. Thus, \f-25 andv--9
are added by writing them as 5/ and 3/ and adding them like algebraic terms. The result is 8/
which equals 8/-1 or v'-64 . Similarly, <f^ subtracted from \f^25~ equals 3i subtracted
from 5/ which equals 2i or 2\J-l or / ^ .
Example:
Solution:
Imaginary numbers are multiplied or divided by writing them using the imaginary unit i, and
then multiplying or dividing them like algebraic terms. However, there are several basic
relationships which must also be used to multiply or divide imaginary numbers.
Using these basic relationships, for example, (\f-25~) (/-4 ) equals (50(2i) which equals 10/^.
But, i^ equals -1. Thus, 10/^ equals (10)(-1) which equals -10.
Any square root has two roots, i.e., a statement x^ = 25 is a quadratic and has roots
Similarly,
^/-25 = ±5i
^M = ±2/
and
V-25 v/-4 = ±10.
Example 1:
Solution:
(v/-2)(v/-32 ) = i^f2i)(^32i)
= V(2)(32)/^
= M (-1)
= 8(-l)
= -8
Example 2:
Solution:
V-48 _ V48i
i=3 s/3i
48
^\ 3
= /l6
=4
Complex Numbers
Complex numbers are numbers which consist of a real part and an imaginary part. The solution
of some quadratic and higher degree equations results in complex numbers. For example, the
roots of the quadratic equation, x^ - 4x + 13 = 0, sie complex numbers. Using the quadratic
formula yields two complex numbers as roots.
X
-b ± v/b^ - 4ac
2a
X
4 ± v/16 - 52
2
X
4 ± V-36
2
X
4 ± 6/
2
X 2 + 3/
The two roots are 2 -I- 3/ and 2 - 3i; they are both complex numbers. 2 is the real part; -1-3/
and -3/ are the imaginary parts. The general form of a complex number is a -I- bi, in which "a"
represents the real part and "bi" represents the imaginary part.
Complex numbers are added, subtracted, multiplied, and divided like algebraic binomials. Thus,
the sum of the two complex numbers, 7 -f 5/ and 2 -F 3/ is 9 -I- 8/, and 7 -I- 5/ minus 2 -f- 3/',
is 5 -I- 2i. Similarly, the product of 7 -(- 5/ and 2 + 3/ is 14 -I- 31/ -f-15/l But /^ equals -1.
Thus, the product is 14 + 31/ -I- 15(-1) which equals -1 + 31/.
Example 1:
Solution:
Example 2:
(3 -I- 5/)(6-2/) =
Solution:
Divide (6-1-8/) by 2.
Solution:
6 + 8/ = 6 ^ 8 .
2 2 "" 2
= 3+4/
A difficulty occurs when dividing one complex number by another complex number. To get
around this difficulty, one must eliminate the imaginary portion of the complex number from the
denominator, when the division is written as a fraction. This is accomplished by multiplying
the numerator and denominator by the conjugate form of the denominator. The conjugate of a
complex number is that complex number written with the opposite sign for the imaginary part.
For example, the conjugate of 4 + 5 / is 4-5/.
Solution:
4 + 8/ ^ 2 + 4/ _ 8 + 32/ + 32/^
2-4/ 2+4/ 4 - 16/2
^ 8 + 32/ + 32(-l)
4-16(-l)
^ -24 + 32/
20
5 "" 5 '
Summary
The important information from this chapter is summartized below.
Imaginary Number
Complex Number
• A complex number is any number that contains both a real and imaginary
term.
P = (i)(i) = -1
P = (i2)(/) = (-!)(/) = ./
/•" = (/')(/') = (-1)(-1) = +1
In the real world, many times the solution to a problem containing a large number of variables
is required. In both physics and electrical circuit theory, many problems will be encountered
which contain multiple simultaneous equations with multiple unknowns. These equations can
be solved using the standard approach of eliminating the variables or by one of the other
methods. This can be difficult and time-consuming. To avoid this problem, and easily solve
families of equations containing multiple unknowns, a type of math was developed called Matrix
theory.
Once the terminology and basic manipulations of matrices are understood, matrices can be used
to readily solve large complex systems of equations.
The Matrix
We define a matrix as any rectangular array of numbers. Examples of matrices may be formed
from the coefficients and constants of a system of linear equations: that is,
2x-4y = 1
3x + y = 16
2-4 7
3 1 16
The numbers used in the matrix are called elements. In the example given, we have three
columns and two rows of elements. The number of rows and columns are used to determine the
dimensions of the matrix. In our example, the dimensions of the matrix are 2 x 3, having 2
rows and 3 columns of elements. In general, the dimensions of a matrix which have m rows and
n columns is called an m x n matrix.
A matrix with only a single row or a single column is called either a row or a column matrix.
A matrix which has the same number of rows as columns is called a square matrix. Examples
of matrices and their dimensions are as follows:
1 7 6
2x3
2 4 8
1 7
6 2 3x2
3 5
3 X 1
We will use capital letters to describe matrices. We will also include subscripts to give the
dimensions.
1 3 3
'2x3
5 6 7
Two matrices are said to be equal if, and only if, they have the same dimensions, and their
corresponding elements are equal. The following are all equal matrices:
"
0 1 0 1
= =
2 4 2 4
Addition of Matrices
Matrices may only be added if they both have the same dimensions. To add two matrices, each
element is added to its corresponding element. The sum matrix has the same dimensions as the
two being added.
Example:
6 2 6 2 1 3
B
-13 0 0-3 6
Solution:
8 3 9
-10 6
When multiplying a matrix by a scalar (or number), we write "scalar K times matrix A." Each
element of the matrix is multiplied by the scalar. By example:
2 3
K =3 and A
1 7
then
2 3
3\ A = 3
1 7
2-3 3-3
1-3 7-3
6 9
3 21
To multiply two matrices, the first matrix must have the same number of rows (m) as the second
matrix has columns («). In other words, m of the first matrix must equal n of the second
matrix. For example, a 2 x 1 matrix can be multiplied by a 1 x 2 matrix.
X ax bx
[a b] =
y ay by
a b w X
A= B=
c d y 2
aw+by ax+bz
C = A ' B=
cw+dy cx+dz
In general terms, a matrix C which is a product of two matrices, A and B, will have elements
given by the following.
where
i = ith row
j = jth column
Example:
1 2 3 5
B
3 4 0 6
Solution:
(Ix3)+(2x0) (Ix5)+(2x6)
A ' B
(3x3)+(4x0) (3x5)+(4x6)
3+0 5+12
9+0 15+24
3 17
9 39
The Determinant
Before a large matrix determinant can be calculated, we must learn how to calculate the
determinant of a 2 x 2 matrix. By definition, the determinant of a 2 x 2 matrix is calculated as
follows:
a b
A = ad - be
c d
6 2
-1 3
Solution:
A = (6-3) - (-1-2)
= 18 - (-2)
= 18 + 2
= 20
1 3 1
4 1 2
5 6 3
Any single row or column is picked. In this example, column one is selected. The matrix will
be expanded using the elements from the first column. Each of the elements in the selected
column will be multiplied by its minor starting with the first element in the column (1). A line
is then drawn through all the elements in the same row and column as 1. Since this is a 3 x 3
matrix, that leaves a minor or 2 x 2 determinant. This resulting 2 x 2 determinant is called the
minor of the element in the first row first column.
3 1 1
•+-4
M 1
1 1
6
I5j
1 2
6 3
[ 1 3 1
,)—f ,
I I
1^5; 6 3
3 T
6 3
hi 3 1
4__f
( J j ) j _6_ _3_ )
3 1
1 2
Each element is given a sign based on its position in the original determinant.
The sign is positive (negative) if the sum of the row plus the column for the element is even
(odd). This pattern can be expanded or reduced to any size determinant. The positive and
negative signs are just alternated.
Each minor is now multiplied by its signed element and the determinant of the resulting 2 x 2
calculated.
1 2
1 = 1 [(1 . 3) - (2 • 6)] = 3 - (12) = -9
6 3J
3 1
-4 = -4 [(3 • 3) - (1 • 6)] = -4 [9 - 6] = -12
6 3 _
3 1
5 = 5 [(3 • 2) - (1 . 1)] = 5 [6 - l] = 25
1 2J
Determinant = (-9) + (-12) + 25 = 4
Example:
3 1 2
4 5 6
0 1 4
Solution:
First
Minor 5 6
i 4 | 5 6 = 3 3 ( 20 - 6 ) = 3 (14) = 42
1 1 1 4
_l£i 1 4 J
Second
Minor
'XDIJI' 4 6
4 [sl 6 = -1 -1 (15 - 0 ) = -1 (16) -16
1 1 0 4
0 [T j 4
Third
Minor
GIJIS' 4 5
4 5 J6| = 3 3 ( 4 ^ 0 ) 3 (4)
1 1 0 1
0 1 ^4J_
Dete r m i n a n t 42 + ( - 1 6 ) + (12) = 38
Matrices and their determinant can be used to solve a system of equations. This method
becomes especially attractive when large numbers of unknowns are involved. But the method
is still useful in solving algebraic equations containing two and three unknowns.
In part one of this chapter, it was shown that equations could be organized such that their
coefficients could be written as a matrix.
ax + by = c
ex +Jy = g
where:
a b X c
=
I' f . y_ _g _
To solve for each variable, the matrix containing the constants {c,g) is substituted in place of
the column containing the coefficients of the variable that we want to solve for {a,e or b/).
This new matrix is divided by the original coefficient matrix. This process is call "Cramer's
Rule."
Example:
c b
g f
X =
c b
g f
a c
e g
y =
a b
e f
Example:
X + 2y = A
+ 3)' = 1
-J:
Solution:
4 2
1 3
X =
1 2
-1 3
1 4
-1 1
y=
1 2
-1 3
solving each 2 x 2 for its determinant,
^ _ [(4-3) - (1-2)] _ 12 - 2 _ jO _ 2
[(1-3) - (-1.2)1 3+2 5
_ [(1-1) - ( - 1 - 4 ) ] _ J _ j ^ _ 5 _ J
[(1-3) - (-1-2)] 3+2 5
X =2 and y =1
A 3 X 3 is solved by using the same logic, except each 3 x 3 must be expanded by minors to
solve for the determinant.
Example:
Given the following three equations, solve for the three unknowns.
2x -I- 3y - z = 2
x-2y •¥2z = -10
3x + y -2z= \
Solution:
2 3-1
-10 -2 2
1 1 -2
2 3-1
1 -2 2
3 1 -2
2 2-1
1 -10 2
3 1 -2
2 3-1
1 -2 2
3 1 -2
3 2
-2 -10
1 1
z =
3
-2
1
Expanding the top matrix for x using the elements in the bottom row gives:
3 -1 2 -1 2 3
(-1) (-2)
-2 2 -10 2 -10 -2
1 (6 - 2) + (-1) (4 10) + (-2) (-4 + 30) =
4+6 52 = -42
Expanding the bottom matrix for x using the elements in the first column gives:
-2 2 3 -1 3 -I
+ (-1) + 3
1 -2 1 -2 -2 2
2(4 - 2) + (-1) (-6 + 1) + 3 (6 - 2)
4 + 5 + 12 = 21
This gives:
X = ^ = -2
21
y = 1
z = -3
Summary
The use of determinants and matrices to solve linear equations is done by:
CALCULUS
Many practical problems can be solved using arithmetic and algebra; however,
many other practical problems involve quantities that cannot be adequately
described using numbers which havefixedvalues.
Dynamic Systems
Arithmetic involves numbers that havefixedvalues. Algebra involves both literal and arithmetic
numbers. Although the literal numbers in algebraic problems can change value from one
calculation to the next, they also have fixed values in a given calculation. When a weight is
dropped and allowed to fall freely, its velocity changes continually. The electric current in an
alternating current circuit changes continually. Both of these quantities have a different value
at successive instants of time. Physical systems that involve quantities that change continually
are called dynamic systems. The solution of problems involving dynamic systems often involves
mathematical techniques different from those described in arithmetic and algebra. Calculus
involves all the same mathematical techniques involved in arithmetic and algebra, such as
addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, equations, and functions, but it also involves
several other techniques. These techniques are not difficult to understand because they can be
developed using familiar physical systems, but they do involve new ideas and terminology.
There are many dynamic systems encountered in nuclear facility work. The decay of radioactive
materials, the startup of a reactor, and a power change on a turbine generator all involve
quantities which change continually. An analysis of these dynamic systems involves calculus.
Although the operation of a nuclear facility does not require a detailed understanding of calculus,
it is most helpful to understand certain of the basic ideas and terminology involved. These ideas
and terminology are encountered frequently, and a brief introduction to the basic ideas and
terminology of the mathematics of dynamic systems is discussed in this chapter.
One of the most commonly encountered applications of the mathematics of dynamic systems
involves the relationship between position and time for a moving object. Figure 2 represents
an object moving in a straight line from position P, to position Pj- The distance to Pj from a
fixed reference point, point 0, along the line of travel is represented by 5,; the distance to P2
from point 0 by ^2.
0 Pi P2
-•1
02
If the time recorded by a clock, when the object is at position Pj is ?i, and if the time when the
object is at position P2 is t2, then the average velocity of the object between points Pj and P2
equals the distance traveled, divided by the elapsed time.
(5-1)
If positions Pj and P2 are close together, the distance traveled and the elapsed time are small.
The symbol A, the Greek letter delta, is used to denote changes in quantities. Thus, the average
velocity when positions Pj and P2 are close together is often written using deltas.
y _ AS _ (5-2)
"" At t.
5, - S,
Using equation 5-1 we find the average velocity from 5) to Si is — -. If we connect the
h ~h
points 5, and 52 by a straight line we see it does not accurately reflect the slope of the curved
line through all the points between 5, and 52. Similarly, if we look at the average velocity
between time ti and f, (a smaller period of time), we see the straight line connecting Sj and S^
more closely follows the curved line. Assuming the time between t^ and ti is less than between
tj and ^3, the straight line connecting S^ and 54 very closely approximates the curved line between
53 and 54.
As we further decrease the time interval between successive points, the expression — more
„ _ di _ lim As ,, »,
^^Yt^^t-^-At ^^'^^
The symbols ds and dt are not products of d and s, or of d and t, as in algebra. Each represents
a single quantity. They are pronounced "dee-ess" and "dee-tee," respectively. These
expressions and the quantities they represent are called differentials. Thus, ds is the differential
of s and dt is the differential of t. These expressions represent incremental changes, where ds
represents an incremental change in distance s, and dt represents an incremental change in time
t.
The combined expression ds/dt is called a derivative; it is the derivative of s with respect to t.
It is read as "dee-ess dee-tee." dz/dx is the derivative of z with respect to x; it is read as "dee-
zee dee-ex." In simplest terms, a derivative expresses the rate of change of one quantity with
respect to another. Thus, ds/dt is the rate of change of distance with respect to time. Referring
to figure 3, the derivative ds/dt is the instantaneous velocity at any chosen point along the curve.
This value of instantaneous velocity is numerically equal to the slope of the curve at that chosen
point.
While the equation for instantaneous velocity, V = ds/dt, may seem like a complicated
expression, it is a familiar relationship. Instantaneous velocity is precisely the value given by
the speedometer of a moving car. Thus, the speedometer gives the value of the rate of change
of distance with respect to time; it gives the derivative of s with respect to t; i.e. it gives the
value of ds/dt.
The ideas of differentials and derivatives are fundamental to the application of mathematics to
dynamic systems. They are used not only to express relationships among distance traveled,
elapsed time and velocity, but also to express relationships among many different physical
quantities. One of the most important parts of understanding these ideas is having a physical
interpretation of their meaning. For example, when a relationship is written using a differential
or a derivative, the physical meaning in terms of incremental changes or rates of change should
be readily understood.
When expressions are written using deltas, they can be understood in terms of changes. Thus,
the expression AT, where T is the symbol for temperature, represents a change in temperature.
As previously discussed, a lower case delta, d, is used to represent very small changes. Thus,
dT represents a very small change in temperature. The fractional change in a physical quantity
is the change divided by the value of the quantity. Thus, dT is an incremental change in
temperature, and dT/T is a fractional change in temperature. When expressions are written as
derivatives, they can be understood in terms of rates of change. Thus, dT/dt is the rate of
change of temperature with respect to time.
Examples:
1. Interpret the expression AV/V, and write it in terms of a
differential. AV/V expresses the fractional change of velocity. It
is the change in velocity divided by the velocity. It can be written
as a differential when A Vis taken as an incremental change.
AV . .,, dV
— may be wntten as —
dW = Fdx
t = m—
dt
dv
dt
A function expresses a relationship between two or more variables. For example, the distance
traveled by a moving body is a function of the body's velocity and the elapsed time. When a
functional relationship is presented in graphical form, an important understanding of the meaning
of derivatives can be developed.
Figure 4 is a graph of the distance traveled by an object as a function of the elapsed time. The
functional relationship shown is given by the following equation:
s = AOt (5-4)
The instantaneous velocity v, which is the velocity at a given instant of time, equals the
derivative of the distance traveled with respect to time, ds/dt. It is the rate of change of s with
respect to t.
AJ _ (5 + A5) - s 0) 160
/
A7 (t + At) - t
0 120
C
The values of (s + As) and s in terms of (t +
At) and t, using Equation 5-4 can now be CO
Q : /
80
substituted into this expression. At time t, s
= 40t; at time t + At, s + As = 40(t + At).
40 - /
As ^ 40(t + At) - 40^
0 / 1 1 1 1 1 1
A? (t + At) - t 1 2 3 4 5 6
At t + At - t
Figure 4 Graph of Distance vs. Time
A£ ^ 40(AO
A7 At
^ =40
At
The value of the derivative ds/dt in the case plotted in Figure 4 is a constant. It equals 40 ft/s.
In the discussion of graphing, the slope of a straight line on a graph was defined as the change
in y, Ay, divided by the change in x. Ax. The slope of the line in Figure 4 is As/At which, in
this case, is the value of the derivative ds/dt. Thus, derivatives of functions can be interpreted
in terms of the slope of the graphical plot of the function. Since the velocity equals the
derivative of the distance s with respect to time t, ds/dt, and since this derivative equals the
slope of the plot of distance versus time, the velocity can be visualized as the slope of the
graphical plot of distance versus time.
For the case shown in Figure 4, the velocity is constant. Figure 5 is another graph of the
distance traveled by an object as a function of the elapsed time. In this case the velocity is not
constant. The functional relationship shown is given by the following equation:
s = mi" (5-5)
A£ (s + As) - s
At it + Af) - f
^ =20t
At
-Y
Ax
ft/s, and so on.
The tangent line has the slope of the curve dy/dx, where, 6 is the angle between the tangent line
AB and a line parallel to the x-axis. But, tan 6 also equals AylAx for the tangent line AB, and
Ay/Ax is the slope of the line. Thus, the slope of a curve at any point equals the slope of the
line drawn tangent to the curve at that point. This slope, in turn, equals the derivative of y with
respect to x, dy/dx, evaluated at the same point.
These applications suggest that a derivative can be visualized as the slope of a graphical plot.
A derivative represents the rate of change of one quantity with respect to another. When the
relationship between these two quantities is presented in graphical form, this rate of change
equals the slope of the resulting plot.
The mathematics of dynamic systems involves many different operations with the derivatives of
functions. In practice, derivatives of functions are not determined by plotting the functions and
finding the slopes of tangent lines. Although this approach could be used, techniques have been
developed that permit derivatives of functions to be determined directly based on the form of the
functions. For example, the derivative of the function/(A:) = c, where c is a constant, is zero.
The graph of a constant function is a horizontal line, and the slope of a horizontal line is zero.
Ax) = c
dm\ = 0 (5-6)
dx
The derivative of the function/(x) = ax + c (compare to slope m from general form of linear
equation, y = mx •¥ b), where a and c are constants, is a. The graph of such a function is a
straight line having a slope equal to a.
fix) = ax + c
^M^ - a (5-7)
dx
The derivative of the function/(J:) = ax", where a and n are constants, is «ar°"'.
fix) = ar"
fix) = ae""
dx
These general techniques for finding the derivatives of functions are important for those who
perform detailed mathematical calculations for dynamic systems. For example, the designers
of nuclear facility systems need an understanding of these techniques, because these techniques
are not encountered in the day-to-day operation of a nuclear facility. As a result, the operators
of these facilities should understand what derivatives are in terms of a rate of change and a slope
of a graph, but they will not normally be required to find the derivatives of functions.
The notation d[fix)ydx is the common way to indicate the derivative of a function. In some
applications, the notation f(x) is used. In other applications, the so-called dot notation is used
to indicate the derivative of a function with respect to time. For example, the derivative of the
amount of heat transferred, Q, with respect to time, dQ/dt, is often written as Q.
It is also of interest to note that many detailed calculations for dynamic systems involve not only
one derivative of a function, but several successive derivatives. The second derivative of a
function is the derivative of its derivative; the third derivative is the derivative of the second
derivative, and so on. For example, velocity is the first derivative of distance traveled with
respect to time, v = ds/dt; acceleration is the derivative of velocity with respect to time, a =
dv/dt. Thus, acceleration is the second derivative of distance traveled with respect to time. This
is written as d^sldf^. The notation d^\fix)'\ldi^ is the common way to indicate the second
derivative of a function. In some applications, the notation f\x) is used. The notation for
third, fourth, and higher order derivatives follows this same format. Dot notation can also be
used for higher order derivatives with respect to time. Two dots indicates the second derivative,
three dots the third derivative, and so on.
There are many different problems involving dynamic physical systems that are most readily
solved using derivatives. One of the best illustrations of the application of derivatives are
problems involving related rates of change. When two quantities are related by some known
physical relationship, their rates of change with respect to a third quantity are also related. For
example, the area of a circle is related to its radius by the formula A = xr^. If for some reason
the size of a circle is changing in time, the rate of change of its area, with respect to time for
example, is also related to the rate of change of its radius with respect to time. Although these
applications involve finding the derivative of function, they illustrate why derivatives are needed
to solve certain problems involving dynamic systems.
Example 1:
A stone is dropped into a quiet lake, and waves move in circles outward from the
location of the splash at a constant velocity of 0.5 feet per second. Determine the
rate at which the area of the circle is increasing when the radius is 4 feet.
Solution:
take the derivative of both sides of this equation with respect to time t.
^ = 2xr^
dt dt
But, dr/dt is the velocity of the circle moving outward which equals 0.5 ft/s and
dA/dt is the rate at which the area is increasing, which is the quantity to be
determined. Set r equal to 4 feet, substitute the known values into the equation,
and solve for dA/dt.
dA ^ dr
dt dt
dA 12.6 ftVs
dt
Thus, at a radius of 4 feet, the area is increasing at a rate of 12.6 square feet per
second.
Example 2:
A ladder 26 feet long is leaning against a wall. The ladder starts to move such
that the bottom end moves away from the wall at a constant velocity of 2 feet per
second. What is the downward velocity of the top end of the ladder when the
bottom end is 10 feet from the wall?
Solution:
2a:^ = -2b^
dt dt
^da ,db
a— = -b —
dt dt
But, db/dt is the velocity at which the bottom end of the ladder is
moving away from the wall, equal to 2 ft/s, and da/dt is the
downward velocity of the top end of the ladder along the wall,
which is the quantity to be determined. Set b equal to 10 feet,
substitute the known values into the equation, and solve for a.
a^ --c" -h"
a = ^d - b'
a = v'576 ft^
a = 24 ft
dc
I - - b ^
""-di dt
da bdb
dt a dt
da 10 ft
(2 ft/s)
dt 24 ft
da
= -0.833 ft/s
dt
Thus, when the bottom of the ladder is 10 feet from the wall and moving at
2ft/sec., the top of the ladder is moving downward at 0.833 ft/s. (The negative
sign indicates the downward direction.)
Differentials and derivatives arose in physical systems when small changes in one quantity were
considered. For example, the relationship between position and time for a moving object led
to the definition of the instantaneous velocity, as the derivative of the distance traveled with
respect to time, ds/dt. In many physical systems, rates of change are measured direcdy.
Solving problems, when this is the case, involves another aspect of the mathematics of dynamic
systems; namely integral and summations.
Figure 7 is a graph of the instantaneous velocity of an object as a function of elapsed time. This
is the type of graph which could be generated if the reading of the speedometer of a car were
recorded as a function of time.
This type of expression is called a summation. A summation indicates the sum of a series of
similar quantities. The upper case Greek letter Sigma, J), is used to indicate a summation.
Generalized subscripts are used to simplify writing summations. For example, the summation
given in Equation 5-10 would be written in the following manner:
3
S = Y. v,Ar, (5-11)
/=1
The number below the summation sign indicates the value of / in the first term of the
summation; the number above the summation sign indicates the value of / in the last term of the
summation.
The summation that results from dividing the time interval into three smaller intervals, as shown
in Figure 7, only approximates the distance traveled. However, if the time interval is divided
into incremental intervals, an exact answer can be obtained. When this is done, the distance
traveled would be written as a summation with an indefinite number of terms.
S = Y, v,A/, (5-12)
This expression defines an integral. The symbol for an integral is an elongated "s" J . Using
an integral. Equation 5-12 would be written in the following manner:
S = \ V dt (5-13)
This expression is read as S equals the integral of v dt from t = t/^io t = t^. The numbers
below and above the integral sign are the limits of the integral. The limits of an integral indicate
the values at which the summation process, indicated by the integral, begins and ends.
As with differentials and derivatives, one of the most important parts of understanding integrals
is having a physical interpretation of their meaning. For example, when a relationship is written
as an integral, the physical meaning, in terms of a summation, should be readily understood.
In the previous example, the distance traveled between t^ and t^ was approximated by equation
5-10. Equation 5-13 represents the exact distance traveled and also represents the exact area
under the curve on figure 7 between t^ and tg.
Examples:
W = \ F dx
i
dN
= -\t
N
The physical meaning of this equation can be stated in terms of a
summation. The negative of the product of the decay constant, X,
and the elapsed time, t, equals the integral of dN/N from N = NQ
to n = «,. This integral can be visualized as taking the quotient
of the incremental change in N, divided by the value of N at each
point between A^o and A'l, and summing all of these quotients.
V = 6t (5-14)
The distance traveled, s, between times t^ and t^ equals the integral of the velocity, v, with
respect to time between the limits t/^ and rg.
s = { V dt (5-15)
S = V^yAt
Equation 5-16 is also the value of the integral of the velocity, v, with respect to time, t, between
the limits tj^ -tjt for the case plotted in Figure 8.
t.
I vdr = 3(t^ + tg)(tg - t,)
t.
The cross-hatched area in Figure 8 is the area under the velocity curve between t = t,, and t =
^B. The value of this area can be computed by adding the area of the rectangle whose sides are
^B - ^A and the velocity at tj^, which equals 6tf, - tj^, and the area of the triangle whose base is ^B -
/A and whose height is the difference between the velocity at ^B and the velocity at t^, which
equals Gt^ -1^.
This is exactly equal to the value of the integral of the velocity with respect to time between the
limits ^A and ^B- Since the distance traveled equals the integral of the velocity with respect to
time, f vdt, and since this integral equals the area under the curve of velocity versus time, the
distance traveled can be visualized as the area under the curve of velocity versus time.
For the case shown in Figure 8, the velocity is increasing at a constant rate. When the plot of
a function is not a straight line, the area under the curve is more difficult to determine.
However, it can be shown that the integral of a function equals the area between the x-axis and
the graphical plot of the function.
X2
fix)dx = Area between fix) and x-axis from x^ to X2
I
The mathematics of dynamic systems involves many different operations with the integral of
functions. As with derivatives, in practice, the integral of functions are not determined by
plotting the functions and measuring the area under the curves. Although this approach could
be used, techniques have been developed which permit integral of functions to be determined
directly based on the form of the functions. Actually, the technique for taking an integral is the
reverse of taking a derivative. For example, the derivative of the functiony(x) = ax + c, where
a and c are constants, is a. The integral of the functiony(A:) = a, where a is a constant, is ax
+ c, where a and c are constants.
fix) = «
[ fix)dx = ax + c (5-17)
The integral of the function/(x) = ax", where a and n are constants, is jc"*' + c, where
n + 1
c is another constant.
fix) = ar"
fix) = ac'"'
As with the techniques for finding the derivatives of functions, these general techniques for
finding the integral of functions are primarily important only to those who perform detailed
mathematical osculations for dynamic systems. These techniques are not encountered in the
day-to-day operation of a nuclear facility. However, it is worthwhile to understand that taking
an integral is the reverse of taking a derivative. It is important to understand what integral and
derivatives are in terms of summations and areas under graphical plot, rates of change, and
slopes of graphical plots.
Summary
The derivative of a function is defined as the rate of change of one quantity with
respect to another, which is the slope of the function.
end of text.
CONCLUDING MATERIAL
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