Numerical Calculations with Units
Mathematica's unit system utilizes various numerical methods, facilitating calculations using Quantity expressions within Mathematica's numerical functions.
| N[quantity] | numerical approximation of the specified quantity |
| FindRoot[lhs=rhs,{x,x0}] | search for a numerical solution to an equation, starting with  |
| FindMaximum[f,{x,x0}] | search for a maximum of f, starting with  |
Numerical functions that operate on Quantity expressions.
N[quantity] gives you a numerical approximation of
quantity.
| Out[1]= |  |
For numerical functions like FindRoot and FindMaximum, if a variable is specified within a Quantity expression, then that variable is assumed to be a dimensionless value (representing the magnitude of its Quantity). If no unit is specifically associated with a variable, these functions will attempt to automatically determine the units associated with the variable, based on the expression and any specified start values.
Specifying
within a
Quantity indicates that
is a dimensionless value.
| Out[2]= |  |
Find the time it takes for a falling body to hit the ground.
| Out[3]= |  |
Find a local maximum, starting the search at
x=2.
| Out[4]= |  |
Find the peak height of a bullet fired from a rifle vertically, without dampening.
| Out[6]= |  |
Find how long it takes the bullet to return to Earth.
| Out[7]= |  |
Find the maximum height of a body shot vertically upward, with dampening.
| Out[9]= |  |
