I cannot agree with that. They represent even greater abstractions in your head. You may as well learn to write them down and make them more concrete.mmm4444bot said:
There's no need for variables, if you've memorized your multiplication table.
Smith54 said:The sum of two numbers is ten. The product of two numbers is twenty-one. Find the two numbers.
This is an idea that I just don't understand - never have. If abstraction is the problem, and it usually is for beginners, this clearly is a greater level of abstraction than simply using two variables. One must create "10-x" by some internal process far more abstract than simply defining the second variable.masters said:\(\displaystyle \text{Let } x = \text{ the first number}\)
\(\displaystyle \text{Let } 10 - x = \text{ the second number}\)
"heresay" is sufficient cause for da Pope to excommunicate you;tkhunny said:My heretical views.
tkhunny said:This is an idea that I just don't understand - never have. If abstraction is the problem, and it usually is for beginners, this clearly is a greater level of abstraction than simply using two variables. One must create "10-x" by some internal process far more abstract than simply defining the second variable.masters said:\(\displaystyle \text{Let } x = \text{ the first number}\)
\(\displaystyle \text{Let } 10 - x = \text{ the second number}\)
Nothing against the method. Obviously it is equivalent. Obviously it works for many, as it continues to appear in algebra text books. I just don't get it. It shouldn't exist.
My heretical views. I welcome others'.
Okay, that's enought of that. Back to work.
Well gee whizz et al, after seeing what Smitty tried up there,Smith54 said:The sum of two numbers is ten. The product of two numbers is twenty-one. Find the two numbers.
Let n = first number and n+1 = 10
Let n(n+1) = the product of the other numbwe.
n+1-10=0
n-9=0
n=9
9(9+1)=0
90
You will call on us "emotionally disturbs" to solve math problems?Smith54 said:You all are emotionally disturbed, but I will continue to work with you all.
Smith54 said:You all are emotionally disturbed, but I will continue to work with you all.