In the last section we found that the results obtained using the approximate piecewise-linear equivalent model were quite close, if not equal, to the response obtained using the full characteristics. In fact, if one considers all the variations possible due to tolerances, temperature, and so on, one could certainly consider one solution to be “as accurate” as the other. Since the use of the approximate model normally results in a reduced expenditure of time and effort to obtain the desired results, it is the approach that will be employed in this book unless otherwise specified. Recall the following: