Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

To: PatrickHenry
contriving to use the rest of the slide rule as a clumsy caliper for adding L scale lengths.

Colorful words also do not belie the actuality of adding two numbers with the same precision as "multiplying" on the same device. The multiplication is nothing but adding lengths calibrated to Logs. I merely use the Log scale to add numbers. A slide rule adds.

1,605 posted on 03/23/2002 4:28:57 PM PST by AndrewC
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1602 | View Replies ]


To: AndrewC
A slide rule adds.

I really hate to leave it here, because there may be some confused lurker who thinks you've accomplished something with this line of "argument." But I just can't waste any more lifespan on this elusive style of debate in which you specialize. It serves no useful purpose. Go in peace.

1,607 posted on 03/23/2002 4:43:54 PM PST by PatrickHenry
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1605 | View Replies ]

To: AndrewC
A slide rule adds.

And it can be used to drive nails if you are so inclined, but that doesn't make it a hammer.

Note that in the instruction manual of a slide rule, nowhere does it mention using the rule for addition and subtraction.

That one CAN use it for addition is a curious coincidence resulting from the fact that the log scales are linear. Thus, though one could add with it, a slide rule is NOT an "adding machine" in the normal meaning of the term.

1,608 posted on 03/23/2002 4:44:13 PM PST by longshadow
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1605 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson