Wednesday, 22 June 2011

Calculus II (First Year Calculus, Part Two!)

Single Variable Calculus, Second Semester:
Text: Calculus of a Single Variable, 9th Ed.
Why did I divide calculus into two parts? Because, in my mind they are very different and this will help emphasize that point. The first semester is almost solely memorization of rules; meanwhile, second semester is predominately problem solving and learning strategies. In first semester you look at a question, see it wants you to differentiate/integrate, and then you try to decide which rule(s) to use. Example: Differentiate "blank" over "blank". "Oh, okay it's a quotient. Use the quotient rule." In second semester you learn a few rules and shortcuts; but for the most part, you're mostly using the strategies in second semester with the rules from first semester. The proecedure that seems correct may lead you to an unfortunate dead end. The questions usually result in a stronger problem solving and pre-calculus background than the first semester.

Some people find second semester ridiculously easier, while others find it much harder. I just found it different.

Although material and stylistically I found the two calculus' different, I still attacked them the same way.

How I Did
A

How to Do Well
Yet again 
PatrickJMT, and Maple (or Wolfram) were used. Yet again, lots of practice is encouraged for problem set style course. Math is always practice, practice, practice. Rinse. Repeat.
I guess what I'm getting at is although I didn't use a different strategy for this course from Calculus I, you may. You may find it easier or harder. As always: work hard, play hard and get plenty of rest.

While writing this post I was listening to the wind blowing cos its just darn to nice out and peaceful.


PS. I'm too lazy to proof read this one so good luck understanding me

No comments:

Post a Comment