I didn't understand what this slide was saying. What do the greek letters represent are they the quantities of M,T,L or the power that they set to...
When trying to find a dimensionally correct formula for a quantity from aset of given quantities, an answer that is dimensionally correct will scale properly and is generally off by a constant of order unity
Since:
[desired quantity] = Mα Lβ Tγ where αβ, and γ are known
Combine the given quantities correctly so that:
[desired quantity] = Mα Lβ Tγ = (given1)X (given2)Y (given3)Z
-solve for X, Y, Z to match correct dimensions of desired quantity

Question

I didn't understand what this slide was saying. What do the greek letters represent are they the quantities of M,T,L or the power  that they set to...
When trying to find a dimensionally correct formula for a quantity from aset of given quantities, an answer that is dimensionally correct will scale properly and is generally off by a constant of order unity
Since:
[desired quantity] = Mα Lβ Tγ where αβ, and γ are known
Combine the given quantities correctly so that:
[desired quantity] = Mα Lβ Tγ = (given1)X (given2)Y (given3)Z
-solve for X, Y, Z to match correct dimensions of desired quantity

anonymous · Answer

They are unknown powers (you can't assume that your desired quantity would be equal to the first power), so they set up the relationship and find the powers by equating them to powers on the other side of the equation

anonymous · Answer

Thanks, I see how they have to be powers but when solving for an unknown it seems that you could just create a false but dimensionally correct answer. Would it be better to approach a problem through dimensional analysis or by connecting the desired and known quantities through mental manipulations?