Re: if using Mathematica to solve an algebraic problem
- To: mathgroup at smc.vnet.net
- Subject: [mg109134] Re: if using Mathematica to solve an algebraic problem
- From: Helen Read <hpr at together.net>
- Date: Mon, 19 Apr 2010 04:09:15 -0400 (EDT)
- References: <hq0mpn$k0c$1@smc.vnet.net>
- Reply-to: read at cems.uvm.edu
On 4/12/2010 11:01 PM, Murray Eisenberg wrote: > My anecdotal experience has been that there is a high correlation > between using Mathematica well and being able to do the corresponding > paper-and-pencil calculations. (Perhaps some third, underlying variable > explaining the correlation?) I have observed this as well. Sometimes students will tell me "I could do it on paper, but I can't figure out how to get Mathematica to do it." When I ask them, OK, tell me how you would do it on paper, it turns out they *don't* know how to do the problem at all. The problem for these students isn't Mathematica, it's a lack of understanding the mathematics. -- Helen Read University of Vermont