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Re: if using Mathematica to solve an algebraic problem

• To: mathgroup at smc.vnet.net
• Subject: [mg109135] Re: if using Mathematica to solve an algebraic problem
• From: "David Park" <djmpark at comcast.net>
• Date: Mon, 19 Apr 2010 04:09:26 -0400 (EDT)

You didn't initially tell us that these students were never again going to
take any math or I suppose any technical subject that requires math. So
what's the point of your posting? It's a waste of time.

And for those are going to study mathematical topics in college it is a
reasonable suggestion that they learn Mathematica rather than calculus in
secondary school. It is something that could at least be discussed.


David Park
djmpark at comcast.net
http://home.comcast.net/~djmpark/  




From: Richard Fateman [mailto:fateman at cs.berkeley.edu] 

David Park wrote:
> So why don't they consider learning how to use Mathematica in high school,
> instead of calculus? Then when they got to college they could concentrate
> more on the math.
>   
For many students, if  they take and pass calculus AP exam with a 3 or 
higher then then don't have to "concentrate" on ANY math in college.
They are done with it forever, and can die without ever seeing another 
cosine.

I think the educational establishment is not ready to endorse the idea 
that one should learn reading, 'riting, and uh, mathematica.

RJF