Invisible wrote:
> 
> Surely that's all just arithmetic though? Once you know the mathematical 
> formulas involved, it's a simple case of plugging the numbers in and 
> getting the answers out. It's not like you're trying to derive an 
> approximation to the Gamma function or anything...
> 

Yes, but you have to find the formulas first. Suppose you need to 
account for a non-linearity in the system you're controlling to get 
precise positioning. Say, for the sake of example there's no way to get 
around the non-linearity. Also, for arguments sake, lets say the 
designer doesn't have a fancy cad application available, so can't just 
give you a formula.

> 
> That's just because sometimes a pocket calculator is the fastest way to 
> quickly test something. ;-)
> 

Actually, because it's readily available in the field.

>>> Mathematica is a wonderful toy, but I can't think of a single serious 
>>> "use" for it.
>>
>> Nonsense. It's a tool, just like a ruler, or a calculator.
> 
> In other news... when's the last time anybody used a ruler in their day 
> job?

I've used a tape measure on numerous occasions. I've also used a small 
ruler clamped to a bar of a known length to find scaling factors for a 
machine.

-- 
~Mike

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