Re: Help on Radius of Arc

[brian whatcott <inet@intellisys.net>]

At 17:39 11/17/97 -0500, you wrote:
> This is a good problem for numerical methods... plot a graph of y' = sin u
and y' = (y/s)u ...[on] the same piece of graph paper and locate
> the point where the two curves cross.
>
> Tom McCarthy

I find it confusing that Tom lauds 'numerical methods' but demonstrates a
graphical solution?

Talk of 'Numerical Methods' also reminds me of the somewhat analogous problem
of the pranksters who insert an extra one foot section into the all-welded 
rail under construction which is presently anchored at two points one mile
apart.
 The solver is tempted to take the very small difference of two large numbers
on a computer and evoke a large ensuing error due to the modest resolution
of the number representation.

Sincerely,

brian whatcott <inet@intellisys.net>
Altus OK