LaTeX and Calculator programming

Complete all of the problems and questions below. See submission information below.

Crossed ladder problem

Practice using LaTeX by posting a solution to the following problem.

A narrow street is lined with tall buildings. The base of a 20 foot long ladder is resting at the base of the building on the right side of the street and leans on the building on the left side. The base of the 30 foot long ladder is resting at the base of the building on the left side of the street and leans on the building on the right side. The point where the two ladders cross is exactly 8 feet from the ground.

Approximately, how wide is the street (to the nearest tenth)? Justify your answer.

• Similar triangles are your friends. Of course, you need to justify that similar triangles exist.
• The Pythagorean theorem might also be helpful.
• A possible goal may be to create an equation with only a single variable.
• If using Maple 14, fsolve() only seems to work if there are no variables in the numerator. Wolfram Alpha seems to work more consistently.

Riemann sums

Create a calculator program to estimate the area under a curve.

1. Provide the code for a calculator program that could be used to calculate the Riemann sum:

   Inputs	Function of x
   	Lower bound of x
   	Upper bound of x
   Output	Estimated net area based on 3 equally spaced rectangles using "midpoints"

2. Annotate your code by explaining how the mathematical code works. This does not mean restating the command in words, but interpreting what the command does. Programming code (e.g., DISP) does not require explanation.
3. Run your program for the instructor on the due date.

• See Programming help for important commands on different calculators.
• Check accuracy at Riemann Sum calculator
• The actual area can be computed with: Math → fnInt()
• Radian is a good command to start with to make sure your calculator will be in radians for the program
• ClrHome is a good command to start with to clear the screen

Discussion questions

Please answer the following.

1. Provide at least two advantages of calculator programming.
2. Provide at least two disadvantages of calculator programming.

Challenge (+2 MTP bonus)

Extend the "Riemann sums" program to also compute Riemann sums for left endpoints and right endpoints.

Run your program for the instructor.

Submission

Submit the URL for your assignment to the correct Canvas discussion board. Recall that the discussion board is used as a way to share ideas between (preservice) teachers.

Please print relevant pages if you want more detailed feedback.

For group assignments, only one submission is needed per group, but please make sure all group members have included their names on the submission.

Note: calculator programs will be run for the instructor on the due date.

Scoring guide 20 MTP