Basic Math Concepts
 

Do you understand? Just taking an informal poll.

Eh? It's Saturday night man! I've got a pint of ale in hand here...

Alright. I understand change, rate of change, and differences in rate of change...but as applied to what? Derivation? Maybe I don't understand after all.

I did at one point, when I earned my BSc. Years of rock and roll have eroded that knowledge, sadly. :D :P

I'd say you do. Well done. :)

i am pretty good at making change. does that count?

tom w

smooch... smooch

LOL..:D

Yep, but are you faster than the next guy?

usually. seven years as a paper boy made me a permanently impressive change figurer.

my specialty is figuring out how to make it work when neither party has the correct amounts to make change and you have to pay extra so as to return an amount that will make it all wash.

i am usually ahead of the cash register.

tom w

I've been on two Math search committees. The candidates had to explain, What is a limit?. That's two full days, 15 candidates lecturing on that topic.
It's amazing how many mathematicians can't explain rate of change.

As a paperboy, I had one of those metal change holders that attached to my belt and kicked out the change as I pushed a lever. Did you have one of those?

I can just about do Algebra. Such a drag why learn such a useless subject in school.

Warren Buffett doesn't put much stock in it. Some professions need it but mine certainly does not.

Algebra II is as far as I will find math to be useful :) I had a terrible time with Pre-Calculus. That's as far as I got in high school. I never found rate of change to be very hard of a concept though..

That's an interesting point. There are tens of thousands of students in the US struggling to pass College Algebra to meet a basic Math requirement. Most of them will never use those concepts again. But the will retain a basic resentment against Math and very likely pass it along to their children.

Is this a waste of valuable human resources?

no i just used one of those green cloth bags with the zipper on top. i always thought the change thingies looked pretty cool but i think i tried one once and found it too bulky.

my favorite thing was taking all the change to the bank and watching them run it through the change counter.

tom w

What the hell is rate of change?When I was 16 and dropped out of school I could measure and grind crank journals,C&C cylinders and calculate projected horsepower ratings,semi-size bottom end bearings and fit valve guides for engine rebuildings,also how to buy cheap and sell dear,so what is this rate of change and why would it affect me?