To Think of Elephants discussion

Every group I create and/or are a mod in has a homework help section... often instigated by me. Does that say something about me? ;)

So, homework, school, and, by extension, education are all stepping stones to success (hence the title of the folder). By achieving these little things, we move on the bigger, better things.

So... anyone need help with homework?

Asian math nerd in the house. ;D

I have an eighth grade student who is looking for a math tutor. I wonder if on-line tutoring works.

I'm an all-around boffin for anyone in need of homework help!

I've never tried tutoring on line, but I just started tutoring live. I wouldn't mind giving it a try, Jeanne, if the student is willing.

Ooo! Math nerd?! Sweet! Can you make non-linear functions make sense?

... Example? I don't know topics off the top of my head. :)

Hmm...well, let me put it this way. I can solve most problems concerning non-linear functions, but I don't quite follow what the point of a non-linear function is. What is the real world application for this?

In the real world, we use functions as a modelling tool. Most things can't be modelled linearly; in fact, we're lucky if something is linear because it means there's this nice constant relationship. But non-linear functions model things where the change isn't constant. Like, population? The exponential growth of bacteria is a really common example of where you'd use a non-linear function as a model.

Really, they serve the same purpose as linear functions; they're just usually not as nice.

I have been ousted. Just so you all know, Anilee is more of a math genius than I am. She always explains things wonderfully... And helps me with my math too.

A more visual example is the arc of a ball thrown in the air. When you throw a ball towards someone, the ball doesn't go at a straight line towards them. Depending on how you throw it, it will arch upwards and then fall down a ways before being caught. The position of the ball is modeled by a non-linear function, specifically a variation of the x^2 function

Ok, I get it. >.> Darn, so it does make sense. Thank you both! C=

I dislike math!!! I don't get it!!!!!!

I love math... Even thought I didn't do well this semester. >.<

Romeo and Juliet... I have a meme for how I feel about that.

Ha ha! Great meme!

What did you take this semester, Kly? Calc II?

@Claire: Define "always makes sense". High-school maths is pretty straightforward, but throughout the years, mathematicians have debated some of the more foundational aspects of maths.

I really hate Romeo and Juliet. It is no way the epitome of a tragic romance, since like, I don't know, you shouldn't get married after knowing one another a day? And the nurse and the friar should have been more responsible. It's really more a tragedy about human stupidity, and this is why you should just read Antony and Cleopatra. My favourite Shakespeare play is currently Twelfth Night. Largely because I adore Olivia. I read her from a very feminist perspective, but then, Shakespeare tends to write outstanding female characters.

But someone should also inform Taylor Swift that her allusion to The Scarlet Letter makes no sense.

Lol. I took calc two. I didn't do nearly as well in it as I had hoped. Where was the scarlet letter reference in taylor swifts song? I never noticed that

Love Story, fifth stanza

So I sneak out to the garden to see you
We keep quiet 'cause we're dead if they knew
So close your eyes, escape this town for a little while
'Cause you were Romeo, I was a scarlet letter
And my daddy said "Stay away from Juliet"
But you were everything to me, I was begging you, please, don't go


Er, can we say 'mixed nonsensical metaphor'? ;-)

Taylor swift keeps giving me mixed messages. On one hand, that's a very obvious incorrectly used allusion (I think I questioned that before). But on the other hand, you can't be stupid and run your own multimillion dollar corporation and music production business!