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I started physics this semester and our physics teacher told us to use calculators on our exams and HW assignments. First day of class we received 100 basic math problems for Homework.
I have always been a believer in knowing how to solve the math problem without a calculator, and once you master it, you can use a calculator. But I guess that is not the norm? I don't know... we are talking simple fractions, algebra etc and my class mates are plugging in the numbers , formulas into their scientific calculators. Many of them have no clue how to solve the problem on their own if they were asked.
Am I wasting my time here? This is a 2 year, very intense program and I really don't have time messing around with basic math right now but I also don't feel right about not knowing what the heck it is Im doing.
I also don't feel right about not knowing what the heck it is Im doing.
You say it's basic math and you say you don't know what you're doing. If you're taking a physics class as part of an "intense program" the teacher probably assumes you know basic math and lets you use a calculator to help with the mundane work.
If you don't feel comfortable using the calculator then don't use it so you can improve your skills. Or drop the class and get a refund if you think it's going to be over your head.
I started physics this semester and our physics teacher told us to use calculators on our exams and HW assignments. First day of class we received 100 basic math problems for Homework.
I have always been a believer in knowing how to solve the math problem without a calculator, and once you master it, you can use a calculator. But I guess that is not the norm? I don't know... we are talking simple fractions, algebra etc and my class mates are plugging in the numbers , formulas into their scientific calculators. Many of them have no clue how to solve the problem on their own if they were asked.
Am I wasting my time here? This is a 2 year, very intense program and I really don't have time messing around with basic math right now but I also don't feel right about not knowing what the heck it is Im doing.
Which should already have been mastered if you are in physics class.
So the calculator enables you to get those problems done sooner.
Now if you haven't mastered fractions and algebra then maybe this class is not right for you and you need some refresher math classes.
You are taking a physics class, not a math class so the teacher is assuming everyone knows their math.
Ok....let me explain.
I am in the Radiography program. We have to take many prerequisites before we get accepted. Math is one of them. I did math in college 5 years ago. I haven't done any math at all since then. I am not sure about you guys, but I forget if enough time pass by. Now, as far as the physics class goes. It's just one class, one day a week. It's part of the program. The teacher gave us math questions ,probably as a refresher. Even though it has been some time, I remembered most of it from a few years ago. But some of my class mates using scientific calculators so solve the math problems , because they don't remember how to do it with just a pen and a paper. But if the teacher is ok with that I guess I should just relax and go along with it.
Ok....let me explain.
I am in the Radiography program. We have to take many prerequisites before we get accepted. Math is one of them. I did math in college 5 years ago. I haven't done any math at all since then. I am not sure about you guys, but I forget if enough time pass by. Now, as far as the physics class goes. It's just one class, one day a week. It's part of the program. The teacher gave us math questions ,probably as a refresher. Even though it has been some time, I remembered most of it from a few years ago. But some of my class mates using scientific calculators so solve the math problems , because they don't remember how to do it with just a pen and a paper. But if the teacher is ok with that I guess I should just relax and go along with it.
Exactly. Worry about yourself, not your classmates.
I've used calculators for Physics when I was in school and it was the norm. In advanced courses, calculators are not really consider cheating instrument. Kids are taught with using calculators to solve problems. They are told when it's acceptable and when it's not. My son had to get a calculator in 7th grade that is supposed to last through his HS and possible college years. It's one of those that is accepted when taking the SAT.
You say it's basic math and you say you don't know what you're doing. If you're taking a physics class as part of an "intense program" the teacher probably assumes you know basic math and lets you use a calculator to help with the mundane work.
If you don't feel comfortable using the calculator then don't use it so you can improve your skills. Or drop the class and get a refund if you think it's going to be over your head.
I remember in my college physics classes you usually didn't have to do the calculations. Just show the correct formulas with the numbers. (Circa 1975)
Calculators are just tools to speed up the computation. They cannot set up the problem for you or help you understand the theory.
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