Mathematics & Science Learning Center
Computer Laboratory

Applications of Differential Equations

A Suspended Wire

(continued from last page...)

In your problems, you'll investigate the affect of tension on the shape of the wire, (so far we have kept it at a constant 40 lbs.) This time let's keep the linear density fixed at 1 lb/ft, and vary the tension.

Instructions

Produce two new graphs:

• one with horizontal tension of 10 lbs., and
• the other with horizontal tension of 100 lbs.

Again, use the interval [-5,5], and assume that the graphs pass through the origin with slope zero. Name them wire3plot and wire4plot, and make them different colors. Finish up your comparison by making a combined plot using the Show command. Go to Mathematica now and try all of this.

Welcome back. Let's take a peek at what your picture should have looked like...

If you're lost, impatient, want an overview of this laboratory assignment, or maybe even all three, you can click on the compass button on the left to go to the table of contents for this laboratory assignment.