What is a nomogram?
Q: What is a nomogram?
A: A nomogram is a graph used for calculation, which gives a computation of a mathematical function.
Q: Who invented the field of nomography?
A: The field of nomography was invented by Philbert Maurice d’Ocagne, a French engineer, in 1884.
Q: What was the purpose of nomograms?
A: Nomograms were used for many years to provide engineers with fast graphical calculations of complicated formulas.
Q: How many scales does a nomogram consist of?
A: A nomogram consists of a set of n scales, one for each variable in an equation.
Q: How can the value of an unknown variable be found using a nomogram?
A: Knowing the values of n-1 variables, the value of the unknown variable can be found by laying a straightedge across the known values on the scales and reading the unknown value from where it crosses the scale for that variable.
Q: What is the virtual or drawn line created by the straightedge called?
A: The virtual or drawn line created by the straightedge is called an index line or isopleth.
Q: What kind of coordinate system is used in nomograms?
A: Nomograms use a parallel coordinate system invented by d'Ocagne rather than standard Cartesian coordinates.
