Drawing Tools

Define the coordinate system by using the Axis Tool

to draw axes. Click on the tool and drag out the x-axis at the desired angle. The default axis labels x and y will be displayed; hit "Enter".

Define bodies (objects) with either the Ellipse

or Rectangle

Tool. Click on the tool, drag out the shape, and define a body.

Define scalar variables using the Text Tool

. Click on the tool, drag out a box, and define a scalar variable.

Define vector variables using the Vector Tool

. Click on the tool, drag out a vector at the appropriate angle, if known, and define the vector. Variables for the magnitude, components, and angle are defined automatically. So, for vector F, the magnitude F, components F_x F_y, and angle θF (type \thetaF) are defined.

If you want to draw a z-axis vector (perpendicular to the screen), click on the button before drawing the vector.

Write equations using the Equation Tool

. Click on the tool, drag out an equation box, and write an equation.

Define lines and rays using the Line Tool

. Click on the tool, drag out a line in the appropriate direction, if known, and define the line. Variables for the length and angle are defined automatically. So, for line R, the length R and angle θR (type \thetaR) are defined.

Math notation

If you want to use a Greek letter, type a backslash, \, and the name of the letter. For instance, if you type \alpha, the Greek letter α will appear when you enter the equation or definition.

Subscripts are written using the underscore, like F_x, and exponents are expressed with the carat, x^2. Scientific notation for numbers can be written as 3.06E-6 or as 3.06*10^-6.

Defining Quantities

When you draw an object, you can use the text entry box to define that object. (Or use the Text Tool to define a scalar quantity.) If you wish to define a variable for that object or quantity, possible forms include:

m is the mass of the ball
m: mass of the ball
Let m be the mass of the ball

After defining a quantity, the text box will turn orange. You can now place the box anywhere on the drawing area. To make a correction, click twice on the text box, edit the text, then re-enter.

Andes does not understand possessive apostrophes, for example: the ball's velocity. Rather, use something like: the velocity of the ball.

You can create an object that is not evaluated by the Andes help system by entering text that starts with punctuation character like: , ? ! # % : ;.

Entering equations

Equations are entered with the Equation Tool.

To find the numerical value of a quantity:
- Enter all equations required to solve for variable V.
- In an equation box enter: V=?
Enter the final answer in a text box in the form like answer: 1.23 m/s or answer: v1=1.23 m/s. Andes expects three siginificant digits of precision for final answers.
All variables used must be previously defined.

Getting Help

If you are stuck or confused, click on the hint button at the bottom of the Tutor pane.
If you have a comment or complaint, type it in the text box at the bottom of the Tutor pane. These are logged and will be read by us later.

Editing

To change some text, click twice on a text box.
To delete an object, click on the object to select it and then hit the delete or backspace button to delete it.