robdotcalm wrote:
USnavy wrote:
robdotcalm wrote:
USnavy wrote:
That’s why ropes tested at 55 kg hold
exponentially more falls then when tested at 80 kg.
Since there are two only data points 55 kg and 80 kg, how do you know an exponential function is involved?
r.c.
SBBW (Society for Banning Big Words).
edit: to correct SBBW as suggested by careful readers.
ex·po·nen·tial
Function: adjective
Date: 1704
1: of or relating to an exponent
2: involving a variable in an exponent <10x is an exponential expression>
3: expressible or approximately expressible by an exponential function ; especially :
characterized by or being an extremely rapid increase (as in size or extent) <an exponential growth rate>
For example, the Beal Joker holds 5 UIAA falls at 80 kg and 20 at 55 kg.
With only two data points, it makes no sense to say anything more than the rope holds many more falls at 55 kg than at 80 kg since there is no way one can determine the underlying distribution. You may have been misled by the definition from Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. Here’s the definition from the Unabridged Merriam Webster
Main Entry: ex•po•nen•tial Pronunciation Guide
Pronunciation: |eksp |nench l, -p |-
Function: adjective
Etymology: 2exponent + -i- + -al
1 : of or relating to an exponent : involving a variable exponent <an exponential expression>
2 :
approximately expressible by an exponential equation <exponential distribution> -- used especially in indicating variation in which one variable factor depends upon another variable factor <culture is said to grow in an exponential manner; and the number of inventions is a function of the size of the cultural base -- F.H.Hankins>
- ex•po•nen•tial•ly \-ch l \ adverb
Citation format for this entry:
"exponential." Webster's Third New International Dictionary, Unabridged. Merriam-Webster, 2002. http://unabridged.merriam-webster.com (24 Feb. 2009).
I was supposed to go climbing today, but it didn’t work out so I’m not letting go on this. My frustration has grown
exponentially a lot
Gratias et valete bene!
RobertusPunctumPacificus SBBW
Well damm it anyways.
I always use the word exponentially to express an extreme. So now I need to find another technical sounding word and "a lot" or "greatly" simply won’t cut it. It needs to be at least 10 characters and understood only by the educated.