Subscripts

Mathcad has two types of subscripts.

Literal subscripts
CE 445/545 Part of the variable name
Mathcad: entered with a period - e.g., K.r
Mathcad Prime: entered with ctrl+-
Lecture 6 Array subscripts
Matrix Operations in Mathcad Designate a particular element in an array, i.e., in a
vector or matrix.
Entered by typing the left bracket [ - e.g., K[1,1

Distinguishing Subscripts Array Origin

Mathcad:
Literal subscripts (the periods) are displayed
when you click on the equation.
The cursor groups literal subscripts with the
entire variable name.
The cursor steps down into array subscripts,
and groups the array subscript as a separate
variable.
Mathcad Prime displays the bracket for
array subscripts
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In the text, the rows and columns are
numbered beginning with 1
By default, Mathcad numbers rows and
columns beginning with 0
The Mathcad default can be changed in the
Tools, Worksheet Options, menu.
Built-in variables tab
Array Origin (ORIGIN)
Mathcad Prime: select the Calculation menu.

Units Units (cont.)

Mathcad can include units in the calculations.
Including units catches many an error, and
It allows flexibility in units (e.g., mixing feet and
inches)
However, Mathcad requires consistent units for
all elements in a vector or matrix, which is a
problem for bending elements.
In that case, the displacement vector contains
translations (in inches) and rotations (in radians,
which are dimensionless).
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We can:
Eliminate units from the Mathcad variables, and
assume consistent units for every quantity in the
calculations.
E.g., kips and inches for U.S. units, or
kN and m for S.I.
Or, we can force consistent units by defining a
consistent length unit and:
Multiplying the moments by the length unit, and
Dividing the rotations by the length unit.

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 Equals Equals
Assignment or definition Boolean equal
Assigns a value to a variable, e.g., E := 30000ksi Equates two symbolic quantities or checks for
Typed : colon equality between two quantities.
Assignment is valid to the right or below that point. Useful in symbolic manipulations and logical tests.
Global assignment or definition (not in Mcad Prime) F = KU
Assigns a value to a variable, e.g., ORIGIN 1
Typed ctrl-=
Typed ~ tilde
Assignment is valid throughout the sheet. Evaluation
Evaluation Evaluates an expression symbolically.
Evaluates a previously defined expression: E = 30000ksi F = KU solve, U K-1F
Typed = equals sign Typed ctrl-. or (not Prime) ctrl+shift-.
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