OVERVIEW

This chapter reviews the standard mathematics references and measurement system conversions that are useful for many applications in the engineering disciplines. Not included are tables of logarithms, trigonometric functions, powers of numbers, involute functions, and other standard tables, the values of which are readily obtainable with the use of the pocket calculator in six or more decimal places. Also, the basic algebraic operations are not reviewed because it is assumed that the reader is thoroughly familiar with these operations and procedures.

Textbooks covering the different branches of mathematics are listed in the bibliography at the end of this chapter. Some of these texts are written in a style which facilitates self-teaching and provide a comprehensive review of difficult subject matter.

The examples contained in the sections on differential and integral calculus, including the partial derivative shown in Sec. 1.10.7, are designed to show in simplified form the computational power afforded by the use of these branches of mathematics. Most of the design equations listed in other chapters of the handbook were derived by mathematicians using the calculus and other branches and procedures of advanced mathematics.

The section on measurement system conversions includes all units that are most common to general engineering applications, taken from both the U.S. Customary and SI (Systeme International d'Unites) metric measuring systems.

The sections devoted to engineering applications of percentage operations and compound-interest procedures will be useful and practical in many applications. Applications of logarithmic procedures to solve otherwise difficult problems are also included.

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