Reading Questions: Chap 5 Functions
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Reading Question 5. 1 In the context of modeling systems, what is the difference between endogenous and exogenous quantities? Give an example of each from the solar panel system diagram in the chapter. Think of a different system, and identify an endogenous and exogenous quantity.
Reading Question 5. 2 The chapter discusses the distinction between understanding the steps of an algorithm in detail, and understanding enough about the algorithm to be able to operate it. What do you need to understand in order to operate an algorithm?
Reading Question 5. 3 Consider the function monthly_payment(principal, interest_rate, years). If you wanted to find out how the monthly payment changes when you vary the loan duration, what would you do?
Reading Question 5. 4 Look at Figure 5.5 showing the relationship between a mortgage’s monthly payment and loan duration in years. What story does this figure tell? What do you think the author means when he says “the homeowner suffers from “diminishing marginal returns” as the loan duration increases?”
Reading Question 5. 5 What’s the distinction between an “argument” and an “input”?