Equation 3 · Part 1 · The Machine Before Electronics
Symbol A_n
What this part means
the while.
Its job in the formula
is a part of this expression. Its role is fixed by the surrounding article and by the operations shown in the formula.
Full expression→Symbol A_n→Article meaning
Where the article explains it
Here is a known astronomical angular frequency, while and are constituents determined by fitting the expression to a record of observed water levels at that specific place.
The passage around this formula
Here is a known astronomical angular frequency, while and are constituents determined by fitting the expression to a record of observed water levels at that specific place. The division of labour is the whole trick. The frequencies are universal and can be built into gearing once. The amplitudes and phases are local and must be adjustable.
Learn the underlying idea
A subscript is a label attached below a symbol. It often selects a time step, component, category, or member of a sequence.
Open the illustrated subscripts: which member of a family? guide →
See this notation across published equations →
Sources cited in the article section
- [3] William Thomson's Tide Predicting Machine, 1872 ↗
- [2] Tide Predicting Machines ↗
- [1] Lord Kelvin and His Analog Computer ↗
These citations provide research context; check each source for the exact claim it supports.