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The Datafile PD-CD 1 Issue 2
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utilities
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!Numeric
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1994-09-21
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!Numeric (v1.02) -- ⌐ Graham Hick, 1994
-----------------------------------------
This program is a combination of my previous programs !Integrate (v1.03)
and !Diff (v1.01), which, as you might expect, allow you to calculate
integrals of functions on bounded intervals, and also derivatives of
functions, at a point. It also contains modules for solution of equations
(Newton-Raphson method) and now summation of series.
To use the program, click Menu on the icon-bar icon, and select the part
of the program you want to use. Type the function and relevant value(s)
into the boxes, and then click the "Calculate" button to do the
calculation.
Because the program uses BASICs EVAL function, the function and values
must be in a form that BASIC can understand, e.g.
3*x rather than 3x
1/(cos x) rather than sec x
(sin x)^2 rather than sin▓x
The constants 'Pi' and 'e' can be used in the function or values - just
type 'pi' or 'e' respectively. All answers are given to 5 significant
figures. Upper or lower case can be used throughout.
3D templates
------------
A new exciting (?) feature of this release is the addition of 3D-style
templates for RISC OS 3.10 users. This feature should be automatically
invoked if you have RISC OS 3.10 or later. If for some strange reason this
doesn't work, please let me know.
Hi-res sprites
--------------
If you are in a high-res mode (i.e. 1:1 pixel aspect ratio) when the
program starts, it will load high-resolution versions of the sprites which
it uses. As I can't use all screen modes (I only have a VGA monitor) and I
haven't tested it with third-party screen modes (such as those provided by
whizzy graphics cards) I can't guarantee that this works with your set-up.
If it doesn't, then please let me know, and tell me what screen mode(s)
you are using, so I can figure something out.
Changes
-------
1.00:
First release version.
1.01:
Added Newton-Raphson solver, and summation.
Changed window layouts slightly.
Wrote better(?) documentation.
Added 3D templates and new sprites.
1.02:
Revised the templates (thanks Colin!)
Nicer icon-bar menu
Fixed cursor up/down bugs
Future changes
--------------
* I'd like to be able to do integration over unbounded intervals, and
infinite series. This should be possible, by testing for convergence with
repeated approximations - but there are some problems which I need to iron
out before it goes into a release version...
* Do a pre-parser, to take into account mathematical notation (as opposed
to BASIC's more limited format). Alternatively I may abandon EVAL
altogether, and write a completely new parser (It's a bit of a kludge at
the moment, as you might notice...). But then again, I might not bother...
* Add choice of precision (may need to change to C, or try BASIC64)
Copyright?
----------
Well, this program is "Freeware". As far as I am concerned, this means
that you can distribute it to anyone and everyone, PROVIDING that all
files within the !Numeric directory are included, and they are in their
original form.
If you feel that you could do better, then your modifications, hacks,
patches and insults will be gratefully received (see below). Please don't
pass modified versions around to anyone else, as this can lead to large
amounts of confusion.
Contact
-------
If you find this program remotely useful, or even if you don't (and want
to shout at me for wasting your time), or if you have any suggestions,
questions, or bugs to report, please please please contact me - either at
home:
33 Ashley Piece
Ramsbury
Marlborough
Wiltshire
SN8 2QE
Tel: Marlborough (0672) 20564
or at college (until July 1995)
Keble College OR: 22 Ridgefield Road
Oxford Oxford
OX1 3PG OX4 3BT
Tel: Oxford (0865) 272727 (polite, brief messages only)
Oxford (0865) 798151 (say anything you want, any time)
Fax: Oxford (0865) 272705 (be reasonably polite, but verbose)
E-mail: m92gjh@ecs.ox.ac.uk
graham.hick@keble.oxford.ac.uk
Thank you for your attention :-)
⌐ Graham Hick, 1994
-------------------