Re-learning math

[sathor]

I've been skimming lots of mathematics related stuff lately, and there's a lot I'm remembering and noticing.

For one, I think I would've been a lot happier had a teacher /always given us the final, simple equation for solving things like, say, polynomials)

In this case, the quadratic formula.

There's a million other ways to find your answers, but the quadratic formula solves for all, simple and complex polynomials. Why not give that at first?

I remember being incredibly -bored- with everything high school had to offer, including maths. I think maybe the classes moved too slowly and this is what turned me off in the first place.

If I go back for computer science, i'm going to try and hammer math as much as possible. Considering symbolic logic is very math based, it might be a good thing - I do plan on taking most of my electives in philosophy.

This means starting over. But I'm kinda glad about that - I think I need to do that. At 22, I'm still plenty young to start towards a B.S.

Comments

[mystic-waves.livejournal.com]

Quadratic formula is great if you cannot factor. In fact, it's the only way to go! But if you can factor, it just takes too much time. Too much pointless math. Factor, factor. factor...I know it might seem tediuios at first but it's sooo worth it in the end. And you start to eyeball it after a short time. (fuck factoring by completing the square, btw, I mean factor by grouping...completeing the square is usless...just use the fucking quad formula)

[sathor.livejournal.com]

I just love the quadratic formula.

I already have it memorized in my head, doubt I'll forget it any time in the near future.

The thing about all of it is that I imagine things like factoring (I learned it in HS but can't remember) can't stick with you as well as a concrete -method- like the quadratic formula. I mean, if you memorize the formula, which is incredibly easy i might add, you -don't need to know anything else- to get your answers.

Why even bother practicing factoring to get fast at it? I bet you if you practice using the quadratic formula enough, you'd probably be able to solve simple polys decently quick, but when you hit the ones where you -need- it, no need to switch modes, just keep pounding at them the same way.

I really wish I would've taken Calc. I can't find any good resources online for teaching yourself it - math.com can create random worksheets with answers for just about everything, which makes me re-learning algebra and geometry a hell of a lot easier (but they don't offer calc, blah)

[mystic-waves.livejournal.com]

Cal has little to do with factoring/quad formula. Or polynomials in general. It's all about derivatives and integrals. And was purely invented by Newman so that he could solve his complicated Physics. Anyways...

Factoring is amazingly more important than the quadratic formula. The quadratic formula is ONLY useful in polynomials where anything can be factored. In fact, you can factor something down TO a polynomial where you have to use the quad formula to get to the other half of the answer. Because usually in these types of problems there is more than one answer. Really that is why you should practice factoring. Because a polynomial is only one kind of equation. And does not work on exponential equations, which by the *very* limited knowledge I have of computer science you work with more. And base math...which Scott can explain incredibly well and my pea brain cannot hold very well. But confuses the hell out of me. Anyways...learn binary math. Learn factoring. You will be a step ahead.

[sathor.livejournal.com]

I'll keep that in mind :)

I had a some good stuff waiting for me when I got to Pittsburgh. How's that for service? Ahahah.

[mystic-waves.livejournal.com]

=D Awesome! Good luck with the Math shit. Even if you never get to apply it for college it's good exercise for the brain!