Vectors can be multiplied by scalars, added to other vectors, or subtracted from other vectors. The vector sum of two (or more) vectors is called the resultant vector or, for short, the resultant.
We use the laws of geometry to construct resultant vectors, followed by trigonometry to find vector magnitudes and directions. For a geometric construction of the sum of two vectors in a plane, we follow the parallelogram rule. Suppose two vectors are at arbitrary positions. Translate either one of...

Graphs of functions provide a visual representation of how output values change in response to varying inputs. Each point on the graph corresponds to an ordered pair, where the x-coordinate (independent variable) determines the horizontal position and the y-coordinate (dependent variable) determines the vertical position. Linear functions like y = x give a straight line, indicating a constant rate of change.Nonlinear functions display more complex behaviors. Even power functions generate...

The graph of the equation where y equals x squared forms a curve known as a parabola. This curve acts as a boundary in the coordinate plane, dividing it into distinct regions based on the relative position of points.When the equality sign in the equation is replaced with an inequality—such as greater than, less than, greater than or equal to, or less than or equal to—the graphical representation changes from a single curve into a broader shaded area that signifies the set of all...

The pV diagram, which is a graph of pressure versus volume of the gas under study, is helpful in describing certain aspects of the substance. When the substance behaves like an ideal gas, the ideal gas equation describes the relationship between its pressure and volume. On a pV diagram, it is common to plot an isotherm, which is a curve showing p as a function of V with the number of molecules and the temperature fixed. Then, for an ideal gas, the product of the pressure of the gas and its...

An equation with two variables, typically written in the form y = f(x) or Ax + By = C, describes a relationship between quantities represented by x and y. Each solution to such an equation is an ordered pair (x, y) that satisfies the equation when substituted. These pairs can be represented graphically to understand the variables' relationship visually.A common technique for constructing the graph of a two-variable equation is to create a value table. Begin by choosing several values for the...

The process of deriving the transfer function of a control system often involves reducing its block diagram to a single block. This simplification can be achieved through a series of strategic operations, including relocating branch points and comparators. These operations preserve the overall function of the system while allowing for easier manipulation and combination of blocks.
The first step in this process is the identification and relocation of a branch point. A branch point, where a...