Too Many Variables

M

mikexz

New member
Joined
Feb 21, 2006
Messages
46
Hi,

I was wondering if there was any tips for simplifying extremely long derivatives (when you get the derivatives and there are 10-25 terms)?

I often accidentally forget a variable or term or forget to simplify something extremely simple (e.g. e^ln 2x). My writing is quite neat but I loose track easily when there are lots of variables or terms.

Is there anything I can do to improve?

thanks
 
First, I apologize for the reply you received earlier. This particular poster is not always terrifically helpful. :?

mikexz said:
I was wondering if there was any tips for simplifying extremely long derivatives (when you get the derivatives and there are 10-25 terms)?
Click to expand...
About the only thing you can do is return to the methods you used when you were just starting: Write out every term in every step!

When a process is complicated, this is not the time to keep doing "in your head" the stuff with which you've become comfortable. Take the time (and the scratch-paper) to write out every last little bit. When simplifying, don't go straight from the "messy" terms to the "combined 'like' terms"; do the line in-between, where you group the "like" terms together; then take the time to make sure (by counting) that you've got the same number of terms. Only then should you combine. And so forth.

Then cross your fingers and hope for the best! :wink:

Eliz.
 
thanks for your help :)

Do you have any tips for working math problems faster and working with "thinking type questions" (unfamiliar questions, e.g. proofs) ? because I often feel that there isn't enough time to finish math tests while other students finish them well within the time limit.
 
mikexz said:
Do you have any tips for working math problems faster and working with "thinking type questions" (unfamiliar questions, e.g. proofs) ? because I often feel that there isn't enough time to finish math tests while other students finish them well within the time limit.
Click to expand...
Practice.

Don't quit when you're done with the homework, and don't just review your homework before the test. Do every exercise of the troublesome sort for which you have the answer (so you can check that you did it right). If that means doing every odd-numbered exercise in the chapter, then do 'em all.

It can be surprising, what a difference that extra practice can make! :D

Eliz.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top