17 lutego 2006

 

Calculus Class

cal-cu-lus (kal’kyə ləs), n. pl. –li (-li’), -lus-es. 1. Math. a method of calculation, esp. one of several highly systematic methods of treating problems by a special system of algebraic notations, as differential or integral calculus. 2. Pathol. a stone, or concretion, formed in the gallbladder, kidneys or other parts of the body. 3. Also called tartar. Dentistry. a hard, yellowish to brownish-black deposit on teeth formed largely through the mineralization of dead bacteria in dental plaques by the calcium salts in salivary secretions and subgingival transudates [1610-20; -l: pebble, small stone (used in reckoning), equiv. to calc- (s. of calx stone) + ulus -ULE

The instructor was showing us how to use integrals to calculate areas. To demonstrate this, she would show us how to find the areas of shapes we already knew the area formulae of, so they we could easilly check our answers.

So, she gave us a right triangle. Then gave us a rather complicated way of setting up the integral using similar triangles. It seemed that there was a much easier way of doing it.

"Couldn't you just calculate the slope of the hypotenuse?"

She said yes, but she wanted to be consistent with the book.

So, the book gave a long, drawn out method to figure out triangles, a method that would be useless to apply to any other shape, when there is a much easier way to do it. What good does that do me?


The instructor is from Ukraine. Earlier in the class, I tried to do an integral using triginometric substitution, when it turned out there was a much simpler substitution. She said, "I used to call that the 'Soviet way,' but not when anyone could hear me."


Hasta la proxima. Do zobaczenia.

# posted by Tedski @ 5:43 AM
Comments:
I am so glad I am away from all things Physics related. Except of course Physics:1 on Yahoo!

Those bastards spent all night discussing the uses for gravity last night! With formulas and everything! Argh!
# posted by Blogger Elizabeth Rogers : piątek, lutego 17, 2006 10:48:00 AM
 
If you really think about it, the formula to calculate the area of a triangle is the same as that used to calculate the area of a trapezoid or even a rectangle, if you think about one side having a legnth of zero.
# posted by Anonymous Anonimowy : piątek, lutego 17, 2006 2:53:00 PM
 
Who invited THAT guy?
# posted by Blogger Tedski : piątek, lutego 17, 2006 3:59:00 PM
 
How many think about it though Tom?
# posted by Blogger Elizabeth Rogers : piątek, lutego 17, 2006 6:58:00 PM
 
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