Tutoring math, you encounter grade. The tutor discusses its definition and why it might be surprising. Grade is defined as 100%*(vertical/horizontal). In the above diagram, it would be as follows: grade=100%*(rise/run). By itself, rise/run is called slope. Therefore, grade=100%*slope What …

Math, engineering, trades: steepness measurement: definition of grade Read more »

Tutoring math, calculator features are always topical. The tutor mentions the ENG function on the Casio fx-991ES PLUS C. Back in my Halloween, 2015 post, I explain the general idea of the ENG function – that engineers and technicians often …

Calculator usage: the ENG feature on the Casio fx-991ES PLUS C Read more »

The tutor tells how to access the built-in εο constant on the Sharp el-520w. The Sharp el-520w has 52 built-in constants relating to physics, chemistry, etc. Here’s how to call up εο, which has value 8.85×10-12: Press the CNST key, …

Calculator usage, physics: εο: permittivity of free space constant on the Sharp el-520w Read more »

The tutor examines the idea that internal combustion engines are more efficient in cold weather. An upper limit for efficiency of an internal combustion engine is eff = (Tcombust – Tsurrounding)/Tcombust where Tcombust is the temp of the combustion cylinder …

Physical chemistry: efficiency of internal combustion engine in hot vs cold weather Read more »

The tutor continues about a toy repair, with some reinforcement ideas. While we were repairing the toy a few nights ago (see my previous post), my father-in-law suggested that, after the first repair cured, a second application should be considered …

Lifestyle: toy repair with J-B Weld, part II Read more »

The tutor explains his recent understanding of a function he’s wondered about. I’ve noticed the ENG function on more than one calculator, but have never used it. I’ve always assumed it means “engineering”; since I’m not one, it makes sense …

Calculator usage: The ENG function on the Casio fx-260solar Read more »