Typographical Miss
As you might imagine, this is definitely based on a true story. I mean come on, the problem was identical to the previous, save one number.
Author: jeremy
Question Period
“You just told me I had to give the students a chance to ask questions, not that they actually needed to!â€
Usual Approximations
“Basically, I know you mathematicians enjoy solving the more general case, so I figured you would like the challenge!â€
Data Generators
“I don’t think that’s the correct term to use-“ “Okay fine, the data farmers are slow. Happy now?â€
Temporary Amnesia
The difficultly with proofs at first is that you’re required to show things that feel obvious. A good proof should provide an explanation for something which isn’t clear. Unfortunately, when you start proving divisibility rules, there’s a limit to how much insight you get from the proof.
Something Deeply
When I was an undergraduate, I learned all there was about physics and mathematics.1 I learned how to wield the tools of calculus, how to wrestle with differential equations, how to employ the machinery of quantum theory, and how to zip through classical physics problems using Lagrangian mechanics. In essence, I learned the tools of the game. This was a key part of my education. It gave me the bedrock for graduate studies. I became…
Semester Cycle
This is something I worry about a lot when learning. It’s why I try to teach and write about the topics I’m learning in order to push away that cliff.
Toy Theory
I understand the need for basic research, but I sometimes wonder how many different toy theories and models we really need.
Rogue
The eternal struggle: teacher finds new problems, and students react by combing every centimetre of the web for the solutions.
Simple Result
As one of my professors used to say, “When you’re solving a problem, it doesn’t matter if your proof is messy, convoluted, or entirely unnecessary. If you’re using logic correctly, then it’s fine.â€
