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A slide rule scale is a line with graduated markings inscribed along the length of a slide rule used for mathematical calculations. The earliest such device had a single logarithmic scale for performing multiplication and division, but soon an improved technique was developed which involved two such scales sliding alongside each other.
All slide rules consist of logarithmic scales that can be moved in relation to each other in order to do basic mathematical calculations. The simplest slide rule would have two log scales that you could use to do multiplication and division (see my Slide Rule Introduction page for more info).
The Scales of the Slide Rule - Doing the Math Note: The following was written in 1999 by Jason Waskiewicz. It is a very good example on how the divisions of the slide rule scales are calculated. You can use these to create any length of slide rule - Mike. In the first column is the scale name. In the second column is the formula used for that ...
This slide rule is positioned to yield several values: From C scale to D scale (multiply by 2), from D scale to C scale (divide by 2), A and B scales (multiply and divide by 4), A and D scales (squares and square roots). In addition to the logarithmic scales, some slide rules have other mathematical functions encoded
Additionally, The slide rule does not tell you where the decimal point is located in the answer. To do a calculation with a slide rule you reduce all numbers to scientific notation with 2-4 digits then use the slide rule to perform the basic operations. In a separate calculation you find the order of magnitude by combining the powers of 10.
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Chapter One - What is a Slide Rule? 1 Definition of a Slide Rule ... and What It Can and Can’t Do A slide rule is a simple looking mechanical device based on logarithms that performs a wide range of mathematical operations. Visually, it just looks likean assembly of sliding and stationary scales, but hidden in the design of the scales
Slide rules are analog computing devices marked with linear or logarithmic scales, some on a moving slide and some stationary on the base of the instrument, so that two numbers may be added or multiplied by aligning the slide.
