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Impulse function

The gradient is infinitely steep at the points where there is a step in value. These arrows are called delta functions. They are thought of as infinitely high and thin, and have a notional area equal to the value of the step jump. Thus when you integrate this derivative, you get back to the original step function.

A system's (for example a car suspension) response to an impulse (you might think of it as a sudden "bang") is very useful, and can be used on a process called "convolution" to find a system's response to any input.

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Cushion Ball

The shortest path between any two points on a snooker table is the straight line between them but what if the ball must bounce off one wall, or 2 walls, or 3 walls?

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The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice.

NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.

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