Statics (intro)
A geometry textbook gives the equation of a parabola as y =x^2, where x
and y are measured in inches. How can this equation be dimensionally correct? how I will answer this thanks

Question

Statics (intro)
A geometry textbook gives the equation of a parabola as y =x^2, where x
and y are measured in inches. How can this equation be dimensionally correct? how I will answer this thanks

michele_laino · Answer

I think that if $x$ is measured with $inches$, then $y$ has to be measured with $inches^2$

mathmale · Answer

Here we're discussing the equation of a parabola in cartesian coordinates.  The graph of a parabola is the collection of points that satisfy the equation y=x^2.  The point (2,3) would be located 2 units to the right of the y-axis, and 3 units up from the x-axis.  There's no reason why the variable (distance) y should have units of "square inches."

mathmale · Answer

In other contexts, "square inches" would be appropriate.  For example, suppose that x is the length of a side of a square.  The area of the square would be A=x^2, measured in "square inches."

anonymous · Answer

ok I got it, some of my classmates said that I should plot the parabola to show that this is dimensionally correct .. thanks guys for helping me :))