My son-in-law (remember Michael, the ChemE?) and I were discussing this just last week before he left for yet-another trip to China. We agreed that it's almost always easier to just iterate a solution using a programmable calculator than it is to solve an equation. That was the reason, back in the 70s, that I lusted for an HP35. Even at half-a-month's pay. I have no idea how to solve the problems of teaching math in the schools but they seemed to do it better in the 60s. But Michael is damned good at it, so go figure. Craig Jungers Moses Lake, WA www.nwkayaking.net On Wed, Dec 2, 2009 at 10:05 AM, Dave Kruger <kdruger_at_pacifier.com> wrote: > Craig Jungers wrote: > >> On Wed, Dec 2, 2009 at 4:25 AM, Rich Kulawiec <rsk_at_rockandwater.net> >> wrote: >> >> ...and solve a partial differential equation... >>> >>> >> I'm guessing that getting half-way through a differential equation does >> not >> qualify as "partial". >> > > Sheesh! Here in Oregon we test out kids with A's and B's in high school > algebra as needing remedial 8th grade arithmetic! > > Sign me: The dumb pot-boiling chemist who did some equations partially > differently at one point in his life. Seriously: DiffEq done right is an > amazingly insightful part of mathematics. Dashpots, flow regimes, > oscillating chemical reactions, etc. A world opened up. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Wed Dec 02 2009 - 10:28:21 PST
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