In my previous posts about the NM I think part of my problem is I do not understand the meaning of the word "SUBTENDED".
Explanation please.
Mike
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/subtend
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subtend
Sure, I'd be happy to explain the meaning of the word "subtended".
To begin, let's break down the word into its components. The prefix "sub-" commonly means "under" or "below," and the root word "tend" generally refers to "stretching" or "reaching." So, when combined, "subtend" essentially means "to stretch or reach under or below."
In mathematics and geometry, the term "subtend" is frequently used to describe the relationship between two points on a curve or arc and its center. More specifically, it refers to the angle that is formed by connecting the two endpoints of the arc or curve to the center point. This angle is known as the "subtended angle."
In simpler terms, when you have a curve or an arc, the concept of "subtending" involves drawing lines from the two endpoints of the curve to the center point and measuring the angle that forms between them.
To better understand this concept, consider visualizing a circle or an arc. If you draw two lines from the endpoints of the arc to the center of the circle, the angle formed by those lines is the subtended angle. It represents the extent or measure of the arc.
In summary, "subtended" is a mathematical term commonly used in geometry to describe the angle formed by connecting the endpoints of a curve or arc to its center. It involves the notion of stretching or reaching under or below, as implied by the prefix "sub-" in the word.