Verified Document

Algebra Like Many Other Languages And Sciences, Term Paper

Related Topics:

Algebra

Like many other languages and sciences, Algebra can be useful in the explanation of real-world experiences. Linear algebra, in particular, holds a high level of relevancy in the solution of real world problems like physics equations. Since the key point of physics is to explain the world in proven observations, linear algebra is an ideal mode for discussion. Many real-world situations can be explained by algebra; for example, how does GPS work? The satellite-based Global Positioning System works by locking onto the system of three satellites and calculating a two-dimensional position from latitude and longitude, thus tracking movement. The location of objects can be determined by using linear equations to morph the data into identifiable locations, and with four or more satellites in view, altitude combines with latitude and longitude to determine the 3-D position.

A far more generic (but equally important) use of linear algebra in real world discussions is used to explain the law of motions as described by Keplar. Keplar's laws relate to the orbit of an object moving around another in space as elliptical, with the stationary object located at one of the focal points of the ellipse. Simply put, the Earth travels around the sun in an ellipse, and the sun is a focal point in that ellipse; likewise for a satellite traveling around the earth.

Using Algebra, Keplar understood:

Ra=a (1+e) and Rp=a (1-e)

Where a = semi-major axis of the ellipse e= eccentricity of the ellipse

So that the elliptical shape of the orbit is the result of the inverse square force of gravity.

For instance, the eccentricity for a circle is zero. Earth's eccentricity is only 0.0167, while Pluto, the planet with the largest eccentricity, is .25.

Visually, this is what Keplar sought to explain:

Mathematically, however, linear algebra makes the picture an easily understood, computable function.

Cite this Document:
Copy Bibliography Citation

Related Documents

Science and Non-Western Cultures While
Words: 1324 Length: 3 Document Type: Essay

Due to religious prejudice, most of the non-stone Mayan materials were burned by the Spanish. The Mayan civilization did not leave a mathematical legacy to the West, it simply beat the process by hundreds of years. However, in the modern age, as scholars look more and more into the Mayan calculations, they are able to deduce astromical records prior to recorded Western observations, as well as some of the predictions

Algebra Lesson Plans and Curriculum for the
Words: 2991 Length: 10 Document Type: Term Paper

Algebra Lesson Plans and Curriculum for the 7th Grade Classroom The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) provides a comprehensive set of principles and standards for developing curriculum for grades K. through 12th. Chapter two of their text Principles and Standards for School Mathematics specifies the six principles considered vital for the development of a coherent math plan. The principles are general enough to apply across a wide variety

Green . The Science - Literature
Words: 6746 Length: 17 Document Type: Essay

Aristotelian influence predominated together with the wisdom and learning of other ancient writers, while the former was often used as a framework for intellectual debates which readily expanded both philosophy and other areas of knowledge (Grant 127-131). The European university system was established alongside monasteries as centres for the propagation of knowledge. Scholars like Robert Grosseteste, Albertus Magnus, and Roger Bacon wrote about natural science to a growing audience.

Framework for Implementing the Z. Mathematical Model to a Six Grade...
Words: 12060 Length: 30 Document Type: Term Paper

positive outcome in the educational progress for the students resulting from applying the Z. Model framework. In Mr. Zander's classroom, the average improvement in test scores is 16.75 points. The is the rise in test scores resulting from the students taking the same standardize test, once at the beginning of the school year, and a second time after 6-7 months Z. Model application. The baseline group data was taken form

Application of a Pedagogic Model to the Teaching of Technology to...
Words: 60754 Length: 230 Document Type: Dissertation

Pedagogic Model for Teaching of Technology to Special Education Students Almost thirty years ago, the American federal government passed an act mandating the availability of a free and appropriate public education for all handicapped children. In 1990, this act was updated and reformed as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which itself was reformed in 1997. At each step, the goal was to make education more equitable and more accessible to

Bics/Cals Linguistic Theories Bics/Cals Theory
Words: 1018 Length: 3 Document Type: Essay

In "model sheltered instruction courses, language and content objectives are systematically woven into the curriculum of one particular subject area, such as 4th grade language arts, U.S. history, algebra, or life science" (Echevarria & Short 5). Students receive academic support in abstract-level reasoning as well as instruction in ESL. SIOP classrooms are extremely individuated, to take advantage of different levels of academic as well as linguistic proficiency. Perhaps the most

Sign Up for Unlimited Study Help

Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.

Get Started Now