Calculation Definition and 1000 Threads

A calculation is a deliberate process that transforms one or more inputs into one or more results. The term is used in a variety of senses, from the very definite arithmetical calculation of using an algorithm, to the vague heuristics of calculating a strategy in a competition, or calculating the chance of a successful relationship between two people.
For example, multiplying 7 by 6 is a simple algorithmic calculation. Estimating the fair price for financial instruments using the Black–Scholes model is a more complex algorithmic calculation.
Statistical estimations of the likely election results from opinion polls also involve algorithmic calculations, but produces ranges of possibilities rather than exact answers.
To calculate means to determine mathematically in the case of a number or amount, or in the case of an abstract problem to deduce the answer using logic, reason or common sense. The English word derives from the Latin calculus, which originally meant a small stone in the gall-bladder (from Latin calx). It also meant a pebble used for calculating, or a small stone used as a counter in an abacus (Latin abacus, Greek abax). The abacus was an instrument used by Greeks and Romans for arithmetic calculations, preceding the slide-rule and the electronic calculator, and consisted of perforated pebbles sliding on iron bars.

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  1. B

    How to think of an interesting and useful calculation to do

    I am wondering what the first steps are to finding an interesting calculation, and doing it. My adviser seems concerned only with me writing my thesis to hurry up and get me out of the program, rather than helping me develop my CV and involving me in other calculations he may be doing. It seems...
  2. M

    Measuring varied power per revolution of a bicycle crank/chainring

    A bicyclist applies varied force and velocity on their pedals as it goes around one revolution. The power distribution over one revolution is like two waves with the higher power being made on the downstrokes. The push through the bottom/top produces the lowest power. The question is does...
  3. D

    Ascorbic Acid Amount Calculation (stoichiometry/)

    1. Ascorbic acid in vitamin tablet Vitamin tablets with advertised contents including 750 mg ascorbic acid were analysed. A student took a whole tablet, crushed and dissolved all of it in water. He then diluted the tablet solution to a final volume of 250.0 mL. The student analysed 20.0 mL...
  4. K

    Redox titration end point calculation -- Help please

    Homework Statement A student weighs by difference 0.1956 g of sodium oxalate into a 100 ml Volumetric flask and dilutes to the mark 10 ml of HCl and 90 ml of distilled water. Approximately how many ml's of 0.02 M KMnO4 would be required to reach the equivalence point of the titration...
  5. K

    Heat transfer calculation problem

    I must be doing something wrong here but I cannot figure out what it is1. Homework Statement An insulated beaker with negligible mass contains a mass of 0.350kg of water at a temperature of 70.1∘C. How many kilograms of ice at a temperature of − 11.6∘C must be dropped in the water to make the...
  6. P

    Calculation of the mass springs system

    I want to simulate such a system in Simulink. It is a system of mass between two compression, spring preload. Springs are compressed length of 64 mm to 54 mm. Acts on mass shock 50G for 10ms. The coefficient of spring constant is changed depending on the position and direction of movement mass...
  7. R

    Building a fold down door with torsion gas spring calculation

    I'm building a wall mounted cabinet, with a fold down door. It is for my grandson's slot car track, in his bedroom. The door is 3x7 feet and weighs approximately 40 lbs. It is mounted length wise, on the wall. I think I need tension or torsion gas springs, which pull instead of push. I don't...
  8. ChrisVer

    How can the symmetry factor for a diagram be quickly determined and verified?

    Can someone check the symmetry factor I've found in the following diagram and verify it? Do you know if there is any way to determine the SF of a diagram fast? So I have \phi_x which can be contracted with 4 \phi_w : 4 Then \phi_y which can be contracted with 3 \phi_w : 3 Then I have 2 \phi_w...
  9. T

    Op amp integrator. design calculation not matching experiment.

    For the above op amp circuit: Vin= squarewave with 10Vpp and 1kHz. C=0.01uF. Vcc and -Vcc is 15V and -15V. Using the above specs, I calculate R using these equations: Requirement: Create a triangle wave with output voltage Vo to be 10Vpp. This is a gain of 1. Using the above, I find...
  10. avito009

    Calculation of gravity near a black hole.

    Newtons Universal law of gravity equations are an excellent approximation when dealing with low velocities (i.e., velocities whose magnitude is much smaller than the speed of light) and when dealing with weak gravity fields (such as those found on Earth or around low-mass stars). The...
  11. B

    Finding the Probability of Flipping 500 Heads and Tails

    Homework Statement Suppose you flip 1000 coins, what is the probability of flipping exactly 500 heads and 500 tails. (Hint: First write down the formula for the total number of possible outcomes. Then, to determine the "multiplicity" of the 500-500 macro state, use stirlings...
  12. M

    Change order between integral and differential calculation

    Please help look at this picture and give me the answer please: are those right or not? In general look, when we can change the order between integral and differential...
  13. avito009

    Calculation the orbital period of Moon.

    Newton showed that if gravity at a distance R was proportional to 1/R2, then indeed the acceleration g measured at the Earth's surface would correctly predict the orbital period T of the Moon. (Remember Earths gravity causes the moon to orbit the Earth.) We can find the answer using MKS system...
  14. M

    Rules for Multiplying and Adding in Modulo # Calculation

    Hi, Are there any rules against multiplying or adding first when using modulo #? The reason I ask is because I'm doing the dot product for two vectors: [10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1].[8, 0 ,3 ,7, 0, 9, 9, 0, 2, 6] By doing this, I get: 80 + 0 + 24 + 49 + 0 + 45 + 36+ 0 + 4 + 6 =...
  15. B

    Finding Constants for Normalization Condition in Exponential Function

    Homework Statement Using the normalization condition, find the constants λ and a of: f(t)=ae^(-λt) Homework Equations integrate from t=-∞ to t=∞ of the function and set it equal to one The Attempt at a Solution I used to be good at these but something is slipping my...
  16. squelch

    Help with Cylinder Volume Calculation: Part C

    This is from a physics course, but felt more appropriate to post here. I just want some sanity checking on my procedure, since I'm not this far in my calculus course yet but am having to work through it anyway for physics. I have no idea how to approach part c, not even an inkling of where...
  17. B

    Calculation of the Natural Linewidth

    Hi, I am trying to understand how one determines the natural linewidth. On my assignment, I am only given an energy (589.1 nm transition in sodium). I have two sources that I have found that seem to contradict each other: Source 1: Slides 5 and 6 Source 2: Hyperphysics If I plug in...
  18. H

    Torque Calc: 300 FTLBS@400rpm, 36/18 Gear Ratio

    If I have a motor with 300 FTLBS. of torque at 400 rpm with a 36 tooth gear and the driven gear is 18 teeth what is my torque. Thanks' Ray M.
  19. J

    Coefficient of friction calculation

    Need to know about coefficient of friction for my exam. http://easycalculation.com/physics/classical-physics/friction-table.php This site shows coefficient of friction of various materials to materials. But no calculations are given. Can somebody help me on how to calculate the...
  20. marellasunny

    10S4P with Lithium ion battery; Question on the calculation

    I am planning to use the Panasonic NCR-18650 cylindrical cells for a BEV (Battery Electrical Vehicle). As it would be easier to buy ready-made modules, I have found a supplier selling a Li-ion pack that delivers 417 Wh(or in other words 11.6 Ah) at 36 V (something like what this guy uses...
  21. R

    Calculation of sampling rate and its effect on an Image?

    I know that for a given signal, the sampling frequency Fs must be twice or more than maximum frequency of the signal Fm. It is easy to understand the concept for a 1D signal. But I don't know how to calculate sampling frequency or Nyquist rate for a 2D image. Also what is effect of...
  22. B

    Trying to find equations to use for calculation of initial speeds

    Homework Statement Hello all, I'll try to keep this as short as possible! :) I won't include the particular values we were given, just so I still have to do something for this part. It shouldn't matter too much, I believe. My team and I are acting "car crash investigators" for the purpose...
  23. S

    Why Does the Answer Key Give 188.1 for This Significant Figures Calculation?

    Homework Statement Add the following: (2.526/3.1) + (0.470/0.623) + (80.705/0.4326) 2. The attempt at a solution = (2.526/3.1) + (0.470/0.623) + (80.705/0.4326) = (0.81) + (0.754) + (186.6) = 188.2 I have calculated the answer (using sig figs) to be 188.2, however, the answer...
  24. M

    Power Loss Calculation in Distribution Systems

    what is the best software to calculate power losses in a distribution system?
  25. M

    MHB Probability calculation involving very large numbers

    Hi, I'm trying to figure out how to compute probability related to a problem I am tackling for work, and I think I have a handle on how to do it with smaller numbers, but no idea how to approach it for larger numbers. (And I need to explain the answers to a judge in simple terms). So here is...
  26. B

    Wind Turbine Reynolds number calculation verification

    Homework Statement Hi guys, I just wanted to verify my calculation of a reynolds number of a wind turbine. I understand that the reynolds number will vary in a spanwise direction along the blade due to changes in the characteristic length(chord width) and velocity(due to the tip speed...
  27. B

    Reynolds number calculation verification

    Hi guys, I just wanted to verify my calculation of a reynolds number of a wind turbine. I understand that the reynolds number will vary in a spanwise direction along the blade due to changes in the characteristic length(chord width) and velocity(due to the tip speed ratio). As a way to...
  28. A

    Calculation, design and prototype wheel hub drive

    Hello All ! Above is the title of the topic and am looking for inputs. Right now I am working on this as my thesis. And I am looking for some one how have already worked in the similar field for a better guidance for me. Thank you in advance. Regards,
  29. L

    How Much P4S10 Can Be Made from 10g P4 and 30g S8?

    Homework Statement Under appropriate conditions, the reaction of elemental phosphorus and elemental sulfur produces the compound P4S10. How much P4S10 can be prepared starting with 10.0 g of P4 and 30.0 g of S8? Answer 35.9g 2. Step Sources I'm following the steps from "General...
  30. S

    Calculation of volume after phase change

    Folks, It's been a while since I've done calculations like this so I was wondering if someone can help me calculate the volume of a gas at a specific temperature as compared to its liquid volume when measured below its boiling point. I can't seem to find a phase diagram for this material, is...
  31. ShayanJ

    Calculation of reflection coefficient

    I've got a problem asking for the reflection coefficient of a system consisting of a ideal conductor covered with a thin layer of lossless dielectric. I just don't know what to do.How can I do it? Thanks
  32. I

    MHB Is this correct? (Final grade calculation)

    my instructor has everything in percentages not points. the final was 20% of the overall grade. up until the final (80% of the course) i had a 92%. and i received an 88% on the final exam. so what i did was 0.8*92=73.6 and then i did 0.2*88=17.6. i then added the two and i got 91.something. did...
  33. S

    Compressed gas flow rate calculation

    Folks, I'm new to this thread. I'm a mechanical engineer, but I haven't done much fluids work since I graduated, 20 years ago. I have a question about calculating gas flow rate, so any help would be greatly appreciated. I have a design that I'm working on that will use a compressed gas...
  34. A

    MHB Power Flow Calculation for Generator Node: Understanding Different Results

    Hello. This is a power flow calculation of the generator node. I tried calculating several times but I still do not get the same values as this one. This one is the answer, by the way. Can someone explain to me why I got a different answer? I got...
  35. M

    Understanding Power Flow Calculation: Exploring Generator Node Results

    Hello. This is a power flow calculation of the generator node. I tried calculating several times but I still do not get the same values as this one. This one is the answer, by the way. Can someone explain to me why I got a different answer? I got...
  36. R

    Reynolds number calculation for undergraduate

    Calculate the Reynolds number at a location χ= 0.3m along the chord length of an aircraft wing at each of the following velocities;u= 20,40,60,80 and 100 knots. Assume International Standard Atmosphere (ISA) conditions for pressure and temperature. Take; R =287 J/KG;μ= 18 X10 -6 Kg/m s; 1 knot =...
  37. R

    Wind Turbine Power Calculation Equations

    Glad it's Friday? I will be if you can help me with this :D : I'm trying to understand an equation about calculating the power extracted by the blades of a wind turbine. I have spent a couple of hours going over it but still not making much more sense. I'm trying to find out why P =...
  38. T

    MHB Calculation of angles in normal anatomical curved bones that are fractured.

    Hi, I am an orthopedic surgeon. Many of our long bones are anatomically curved. When they fracture they sometimes heal in a none perfect/anatomic position. How do one calculate the angle/curve or changed angle/curve of a fractured bone healed or fixed none anatomically Please see my drawn...
  39. 9

    Need digital root calculation for large numbers

    for about first 429407636 pi digits where can i get such software or how can i calculate it? (i have 1b pi digits)
  40. A

    MHB How Can I Simplify Real Integration Calculations?

    Hi. Is there a short way to calculate real integration? I tried it but it looks so tedious. I attached the question so please refer to that. I am stuck with no.1, by the way. Here is my attempt: ∫_0^(2π) dx/(13 - 5*sin(x)) let u = tan(x/2) which means x/2 = arctan(u) which means x =...
  41. M

    Impact of trolley - hand calculation method

    Hello, Been a while since I posted on here, nice to be back :) . I just want some pointers as to the methodology for an impact load case that I'm looking at. I've attached a very basic sketch of a trolley which is traveling at a known velocity and impacts a rigid structure at it's base. What...
  42. C

    Kronecker delta symbol in calculation question

    As part of a physics calculation, I have the following integral $$\int d \bar x a^{\sigma} \left[-\partial_{\mu}\left(\frac{\delta x^{\nu}}{\delta a^{\sigma}}\right) (\partial_{\nu}\Phi )\frac{\partial L}{\partial (\partial_{\mu}\Phi)} + \partial_{\mu}\left(\frac{\delta x^{\mu}}{\delta...
  43. W

    Classical physics Time dependent vector calculation

    Homework Statement If A is a time dependent vector, calculate [itex] \int_{t1}^{t2} dtA(t) \times \frac{d^2A}{dt^2} [\itex] Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I think we should somehow relate it with something's derivative. \int_{t1}^{t2}A(t)\frac{d^2A(t)}{dt^2}dt=...
  44. P

    NPT monte carlo simulation pressure calculation

    Hello all, I have been working on an NPT monte carlo simulation. I would like to know how I can measure the instantaneous pressure of the system at each monte carlo step?
  45. R

    A calculation about coherent state

    Hi, there. The following is copied from a book " atom-photon interaction " by Prof. Claude Cohen-Tannoudji, Page 415. I do not understand it at all. I do know some thing about the coherent state. such as ##a |\alpha\rangle = \alpha |\alpha\rangle## and ##|\alpha\rangle =...
  46. D

    Hall-Petch Relation Calculation?

    Using the Hall-Petch relation, estimate the yield strength, σy, of a Cu-Zn alloy (brass) when the average grain diameter is 30 μm. where: σy = is the yield strength σ0 = 25 MPa is the internal friction stress ky = 12.5 MPa·mm1/2 is a material constant d = is the average grain size...
  47. J

    Magnetic Field Calculation for Spherically Shaped Coil

    Hello, I'm attempting to calculate the magnetic field \mathbf{B} outside of a coil with current density, \mathbf{J}, and whose volume is a section of a sphere. Here is a diagram of the cross-section of the coil: (The wire ridges are aesthetic and aren't considered in the calculations - I'm...
  48. J

    Calculation -- Torque to slow down heavy spinning reel

    I am designing a brake system for big reel that weighs about 2500lb, spinning down on a truck that is moving at 15mph, the shaft is 2.5inch in diameter. It is rotating at 53RPM and it comes to a stop at about 45 seconds. How do i start performing calculations and the design parameters...
  49. A

    Calculation of power absorbed at agitator shaft

    I have with me an existing Agitator details of which are as below Motor= 2.2KW/ 3 HP, 1440 Rpm Gear Reducer = ratio 40/1 Agitator Shaft RPM= 36 Agitator Shaft dimension Length = 2500mm round bar , SS 304 Blades = 5 nos, 100 mm wide, 5 mm thick, dia = 2200 mm, at a distance of 400mm...
  50. T

    AC generator calculation question

    1. Calculate the emf induced in ONE side of a coil of length 0.4m and width 0.3m, when there are 50 turns in the coil and the flux density is 96.8 mT, and the coil is rotated 30 degrees from the vertical. Frequency is 50 Hz and the long sides are the ones facing the magnets.
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