Online with Integers

Integers are sometimes used in physics problems to simplify the mathematics so the arithmetic does not distract students from the physics concepts. This is particularly important in exams where students should not have to spend a lot of time using their calculators. Common uses of integers in physics problems include integer solutions to $a2+b2=c2$ for right triangles,¹ and integer solutions to $1/z=1/x+1/y$⁠. The latter equation is relevant for resistors in parallel, capacitors in series, and geometrical optics.² In this article we point out another way in which integers can enhance a physics course: integers in online problems. We first describe what we mean by integer online problems and how we set them up. Then we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of their use.