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→An "analog computer" for the arithmetic mean
==An "analog computer" for the arithmetic mean==
==An "analog computer" for the arithmetic mean==
[[Image:Ruler.jpg]]
[[Image:Ruler.jpg|right]]
If equal weights are hung from a ruler, and the weight of the ruler itself is small enough to be neglected, the distance marking at which the ruler will balance can be shown to be the arithmetic mean of the distance markings at which the weights are hung. In this picture, the ruler balances when hung at the 7 inch mark; 7 is the arithmetic mean of 1, 9, and 11. This can be considered as an example of an "analog computer" for the arithmetic mean.
If equal weights are hung from a ruler, and the weight of the ruler itself is small enough to be neglected, the distance marking at which the ruler will balance can be shown to be the arithmetic mean of the distance markings at which the weights are hung. In this picture, the ruler balances when hung at the 7 inch mark; 7 is the arithmetic mean of 1, 9, and 11. This can be considered as an example of an "analog computer" for the arithmetic mean.
[[category:Mathematics]]
[[category:Mathematics]]