Available online
Description
This programme is concerned with the mathematical technique for determining a best fit straight line through a number of experimental points.
This programme is concerned with the mathematical technique for determining a best fit straight line through a number of experimental points.
| Module code and title: | M101, Mathematics: a foundation course |
|---|---|
| Item code: | M101; 08; 1983 |
| First transmission date: | 17-04-1983 |
| Published: | 1983 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:24:20 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Ted Smith |
| Contributors: | Mike Crampin; Norman Gowar |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Data Points; Elastic band extension; Hookes Law; Load |
| Footage description: | Prior to viewing this programme, Open University students will have attempted to draw, graphically, a straight line through a set of data points. The concepts covered form an integral part of the associated text. Initially, our story motivates the need to extract precise mathematical information from a set of data points. The example chosen is "Hookes Law" for an elastic band - this involves plotting extension against applied load to obtain a straight line. The programme shows that it is necessary to introduce an error between a possible straight line and the actual observed experimental points. The sum of the squares of these errors is minimised, to generate the best possible straight line. The central part of the story is encapsulated in two animation sequences, which demonstrate the technique of minimisation in visual terms. The programme will be of interest to those confronted with the problem of interpreting data as objectively as possible. |
| Master spool number: | HOU4221 |
| Production number: | FOUM167F |
| Videofinder number: | 2460 |
| Available to public: | no |
