I'm taking a math class for the first time in 5.5 years. That's right, 5 1/2 years. 11/2 years. And I'm doing relatively okay with it. We have a test over the first section starting today, and I think I'll do okay with most of it. I just wish I knew the official formula for completing the square with a quadratic formula. We did a bunch of examples, but never actually got a straight formula. I'd like to have that formula. So I went to a study session that was announced in class, where the TA's would help get anybody interested ready for the test. I went tonight, expecting a small room with few or no people. I mean, come on, it's math. How many people want to spend their Wednesday night studying math instead of partying?
Well, turns out there are very very many people who lean that way. I got there at about 8:20ish, the announced hours being 7:00-9:00. Thought I'd just go get my formula and take my leave. Imagine then my surprise upon discovering not a quaint room with bored TA's waiting eagerly to meet me, but a stadium-seated room with students pouring out into the aisles, and the TA going crazy up front with all them symbols and numbers. So I walked to the back, out of the way, and figured I'd just watch and see if my question came up on its own.
About a minute went by. He was wrapping up one equation, and somebody asked a question about parentheses vs brackets. He answered, thanked the room, everybody clapped, and we all left. I didn't feel much more prepared after that minute than I did before, but hey. At least I was there. Now it's all up to karma.
songs, school, and growing
13 years ago
3 comments:
Didn't you have Miss O. playing that crazy song about the quadratic formula in 8th grade??? It's forever seared in my memory. I'll sing if for you next time we meet:)
Good luck on your test, dudeness!
Jared, I have an engineering degree, I spent three years of my college life trapped in math classes (yes I had to retake one or two)and to this day I cannot tell you how to complete the square. As many people as tried to explain it to me it NEVER clicked for me. Not only that but somehow all my classes prior to calculus 2 never addressed that so the first time I ever heard the term everyone else already seemed to know what it was. And you know what I have an engineering degree. Somehow I pulled it off without knowing how to complete the square.
As for the math review session I had to laugh. If you ever go to the math lab you will find it oft overflowing with knowledge seeking students who'd rather be doing something else with their Wednesday nights; not to mention their Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday nights. Mercifully the math lab closes at 4 on Friday's so you have a good excuse to get the heck out and go enjoy your life.
Good luck brother. Just know that I'm suffering through math right along with you ;)
You know, I have always wondered if people go to those study sessions that TA's offer. Guess I don't have to go to find out now! Thanks!
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