TABLE OF CONTENTS In situations where you have numerical data, you will want to enter the data into the computer to study it. How is this most easily accomplished with Mathematica? Here is an example. These data specify the temperature of a cup of coffee as it cools over time. The first column shows the number of minutes that have elapsed, while the second column indicates the temperature of the coffee, measured in degrees Fahrenheit:
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When recording data a spreadsheet-type interface is desirable. To enter these data into Mathematica, first type data = (any name will do, but data seems convenient), then select Table/Matrix ? New from the Insert menu. A dialog box will appear. In the top left portion select Table. To the right specify the number of rows (in this case 16) and columns (in this case 2). It is possible to add and delete more rows and columns later, so these numbers need not be exact. Ignore the remaining settings and hit the OK button. A rectangular array, a sort of mini-spreadsheet of the dimensions you specified, will appear in your notebook, and a very long, vertical, blinking cursor will appear to its right. Type ; so that when you eventually enter this cell the output will be suppressed. Now click on the placeholder in the upper left corner of your table (or...
