Algebra Operators


Uncertainty Calculator

X                                dX

Y                                dY

Z                                 dZ

Mem                               dMem

Background                                   What do I do with this?

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This is a device for performing calculations involving quantities with known or estimated uncertainties.  The calculations may involve algebraic operations
such as:
            Z = X + Y  ;   Z = X - Y  ;   Z = X x Y  ;   Z = X/Y  ;   Z = XY

or mathematical functions of the type:
                Z = 1/X  ;  Z = ln(X)  ;  Z = log10(X)  ;

                Z = 10X  ;  Z = eX  ;  Z = sqrt(X)  .

If uncertainties (dX, dY) are provided for the input quantities (X,Y), the program will perform the operation or function to calculate the answer (Z) and will also calculate the uncertainty in the answer (dZ).  The program will assume the value has no uncertainty if an uncertainty is not provided.


    Position the cursor on the blank under "X", click the mouse, and type a value.  Alternately, press the TAB key until the cursor appears in this blank, then type the number.  In case of an error, use normal text-editing procedures.  Enter values for X and dX, and possibly for Y and dY.  (The TAB key moves the cursor through the blanks in the order: X, dX, Y, dY).
    Click on the button for the desired operation or function.  The equation for the calculation appears in the central blank, and the values of Z and dZ appear in their respective blanks.

    There are buttons for transferring values from Z to a MEMory location, or to the blanks for X or Y; or from the MEMory to X or Y.