Solution of Equations Example Problem Desire to find the temperature (T) that corresponds to a desired pressure, P

Method 1 You do the algebra to rearrange the equation: Then substitute for A, B, C, & P (without units!)

Method 2 Let Mathcad do the algebra for you Put the “T” in the blue edit box, click Symbolic / Variable / Solve Copy / paste the solution to a variable

Method 3 Solve the problem “approximately” using the “root” function in Mathcad This function takes an initial guess at the solution and numerically finds a root. Good for finding a single root of a non-linear function

Method 3 A := B := C := Desire T where P = 760 mm Hg For acetone, with P in mm Hg and T in C, A, B, C are:

Method 3 A := B := C := P des := 760 Define the pressure function

Guessestimate a TTg := 76 Method 3 Use the root function T := root(P des -P(T g ),T g ))T = Root drives the first argument to zero by adjusting the second argument.

Method 4 “Solve” block or Given / find block Note: Given & Find are keywords in Mathcad! Define all variables, including guesses for the unknowns Start with “Given” keyword Type equations using = (ctrl =) sign. Close with find (list of unknowns)

A := B := C := P des := 760Tg := 76 Given T := find(T g ) T = Solve block

A := B := C := Method 5 Plot the data and solve graphically.

Method 4 Can have multiple unknowns in solve block: S1 := 1L S2 := 0.5L S3 := 1L S4 := 0.5 L Given

Method 4 := Find(S2,S3,S4) =          L