Browsing by Author "Yurtsever, HA"

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    Estimating roots of polynomials using perturbation theory
    Pakdemirli, M; Yurtsever, HA
    Perturbation theory and the order of magnitude of terms are employed to develop two theorems. The theorems may be useful to estimate the order of magnitude of the roots of a polynomial a priori before solving the equation. The theorems are developed for two special types of polynomials of arbitrary order with their coefficients satisfying certain conditions. Numerical applications of the theorems are presented as examples. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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    An application of calculus: optimum parabolic path problem
    Atasever, M; Pakdemirli, M; Yurtsever, HA
    A practical and technological application of calculus problem is posed to motivate freshman students or juniory high school students. Avariable coefficient of friction is used in modelling air friction. The case in which the coefficient of friction is a decreasing function of altitude is considered. The optimum parabolic path for a flying object for which the work done by variable coefficient air friction force is minimum is determined. If a flying object follows the determined path, energy requirement would be less compared with other parabolic or linear paths.