1. It is probably worth looking at the two revision pages on vectors (1.1.1) and matrices (1.1.2) first for some general background. Do not follow up the `more material' links on the matrix page yet though.
2. Read:
This will involve you looking at links to More about matrices (section 1.1.2.2) which you can also get to through the `revision material' on vectors and matrices, which you should already have looked at.The illustrative example uses a vapour-liquid phase equilibrium problem so you may wish to look at the material on this under assumed knowledge/revision (section 1.2.2) ,though you can just treat the example as a set of equations at this point and not worry about where they come from.
There are some simple examples to try (section 3.2.1). Do these for practice. They are just about ordering, you are not expected to determine solutions.
3. Now to the Process Systems lab. and read the material from on philosophy of modelling (section L2.1) and programming languages. This re-illustrates a simple `directly solvable' set of equations and also introduces the modelling `front end' which we want you to use in the subsequent exercises.
4. Now go to Iterative solution of single equations (section 3.3) Look at this and the linked notes, and try the examples using the online JavaScript solver.(L1.1.1)
You may also like try out the more general solver (L1.1.2) for the same problems. This tool can also solve more than one equation.
5. Before reading the more formal treatment look at Iterative solution of `several' algebraic equations (Section 3.4) which illustrates the objectives of extending the use of solution methods for single variable equations.
Go now to Ordered sets of equation and iteration. (Section 3.5)
Read this main page, the next section (3.5.1) and the attached notes (3.5.2) and then try the examples(3.5.3). Again, these are just about rearranging and reordering sets of equations, not about solving them.
6.1 If you are going to attempt the Reactor handin, read this material.
6.2.1 If you are going to attempt the Flash calculation handin and haven't already looked at the material on phase equilibrium (1.2.2), you should do so now. You should then be able to attempt examples 1. to 4. given on that page. You should now be able to carry out the assignment(3.7.1.4).
7. If you have problems or questions then email the Course Organiser.