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Scales (Slide Rule): Difference between revisions
Added photo showing a typical scale layout.
(Set first of pictures to illustrate operation. (linear scales)) |
(Added photo showing a typical scale layout.) |
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[[File:FC 67-87 Rb Rietz.jpg|thumb|The Faber-Castell 57/87 Rb Rietz rule, showing both scale names (on the left side) and self documenting descriptions (on the right side).]] | |||
The primary means of calculation on all slide rules, a '''scale''' is a number line arranged in a way that facilitates certain operations when measured against other scales. Most scales are meant to multiply numbers together, accomplished by arranging the marks in a logarithmic layout, with further adjustments based on the particular operation desired. The oldest calculating tool to use such scales is the "Gunter rule" which had a single logarithmic scale from 1 to 10, which could be measured by calipers for the multiplication process. Almost all slide rules have at least four scales in common: A (B C) D, which will be explained below. | The primary means of calculation on all slide rules, a '''scale''' is a number line arranged in a way that facilitates certain operations when measured against other scales. Most scales are meant to multiply numbers together, accomplished by arranging the marks in a logarithmic layout, with further adjustments based on the particular operation desired. The oldest calculating tool to use such scales is the "Gunter rule" which had a single logarithmic scale from 1 to 10, which could be measured by calipers for the multiplication process. Almost all slide rules have at least four scales in common: A (B C) D, which will be explained below. | ||