[GreenKeys] slide rule rules??

[WB6BLV]

Craig you are correct about estimation being a lost skill!  When
I teach advanced physics and get the 'cream of the crop' students
I usually find with the first quiz they have turned to yogurt culture!
(even with the BelchFire 4200 graphing/printing/GPSing/cooking diner
pocket calculator that doubles as an MP3 player, PDA, and BC pill
reminder)

As far as just locating the decimal point goes, if one needs to find

(2100)  x  (12500)  /  (250)   the decimal point can be located with
ease by simply switching to scientific notation:

2.1 x 10^3   x   1.25 x 10^4   /  2.5 x 10^2  =  2.625 x 10^7  /  2.5 x 10^2

          =  1.05 x 10^5  =  105000

Warning, the test will be on Friday (when else??), no books or calculators;
 you MAY use your notes and your SLIDERULES


(Those wishing to earn extra credit in this class may do so by explaining
why
letter grades are given when the following algebraic analysis appears to be
true:



Let A be the number of points for a grade of "A"
Let D be the number of points for a grade of "D"

 1.     A + D = Q                                                any two
numbers have a sum and difference

 2.  (A + D)  (A - D) = Q(A - D)                       multiplying both
sides of equation by same

number does not invalidate the equation

 3.  A^2 - D^2  =  QA - QD                               expand the
multiplication

 4.  A^2 - QA  =  D^2 - QD                                collect like terms

 5.  A^2 -QA +Q^2/4  =  D^2 - QD + Q^2/4     adding Q^2/4 to both sides of
equation

does not invalidate the equation
 6.  (A - Q/2)^2  =  (D - Q/2)^2                           factor both sides
of equation

 7.   A - Q/2       =    D - Q/2                                take square
root of both sides of

equation
 8.   A                =        D
adding Q/2 to both sides of equation

does not invalidate equation

Q  E  D


so, a grade of A, and a grade of D, have the same value!

Hmmmmm,   then why even give grades?)



I'll shut up now, go to my room, and play with my wang

(wang 2200 MVP)