Lab for Week 20 (February 16)

This week you and your partner may choose between two lab exercises:

• Applied max/min problems with Maple. These instructions are left over from last semester, so please note the following common-sense modifications:
  • The week is 20, not 17.
  • Since you now know how to differentiate the inverse tangent function, you do not need to obey the hint in the CalcLabs book (Problem 4); however, you may nevertheless still find that it is easier to work with the tangent of the angle instead of the angle itself. (Try it both ways.)
• Logarithmic distribution of empirical data. Remarks:
  • The more data points the better. The instructions call for 20, but 50 or 100 would be better. It's up to you to find suitable data in the library, road atlas, almanac, chemistry book, or wherever.
  • In addition to plotting individual points on the axes and noting their density, you might plot histograms. The details of graphical presentation are up to you.
  • You are not required to use Maple in this exercise. You may find it easier to plot the points by hand on graph paper.
  • Friendly suggestions on how to improve this lab, or the instructions for it, will be gratefully received! fulling@math.tamu.edu

Please note:

• Some advance preparation is advisable for each of these labs. Read the instructions.
• There will be no printed instructions for this week. If you wish, you can print out the Web page describing the exercise you choose to do.