Understanding Numbers in Engineering
Learn about different number systems and their applications in engineering.
Learning Objectives
- •Understand different types of numbers in real-world context
- •Learn how numbers are used in engineering
- •Practice working with numbers in familiar scenarios
Numbers in Your Daily Life
Every time you check your phone's battery percentage, you're already using numbers to make decisions! Let's explore how numbers are everywhere in our daily lives and in engineering.
Think about these everyday situations:
- Checking your phone battery (0-100%)
- Looking at your car's speed (0-60 mph)
- Setting your room temperature (68°F/20°C)
- Measuring your phone screen (6.1 inches)
Let's explore these numbers interactively!
Key Points:
- Numbers are part of everyday life
- We use numbers to make decisions
- Engineering uses familiar numbers
Types of Numbers We Use
Let's look at different types of numbers we encounter:
Whole Numbers (Integers)
These are numbers without decimal points. You use them when counting things:
- Floor numbers in a building (1st floor, 2nd floor)
- Number of devices in your room
- Count of batteries needed
Decimal Numbers
These numbers have points and are used for precise measurements:
- Your height (5.9 feet)
- Phone screen size (6.1 inches)
- Battery voltage (3.7 volts)
Negative Numbers
These numbers go below zero:
- Temperature below freezing (-5°C)
- Depth below sea level (-100 feet)
- Electron charge (-1)
Let's explore these different types with real examples!
Key Points:
- Different types for different uses
- Each type has specific applications
- All types are important in engineering
Numbers in Action
Let's see how these numbers work together in a real situation:
Imagine you're designing a smart home system:
- Room temperature: 72.5°F (decimal)
- Number of rooms: 4 (integer)
- Basement temperature: -2°C (negative)
Engineers use all these types of numbers together to solve problems!
Key Points:
- Numbers work together in real situations
- Different types serve different purposes
- Engineering combines various number types
Smart Home Design
Breaking Down Number Fears
Many people think:
- "Math is too abstract" - But we just saw numbers in real life!
- "I'm not good with numbers" - You already use numbers every day
- "Engineering is too complicated" - It starts with simple numbers we all know
Remember: Numbers are tools to help us understand and build things. They're not meant to be scary!
Key Points:
- Numbers are practical tools
- You already use numbers successfully
- Start simple and build confidence
Step 1: Whole Numbers
Number Types in Engineering
Rooms
5 rooms
Key Takeaways
- •Confidence in working with numbers
- •Understanding of number types
- •Real-world number applications