Student Questions 8-26-14
Can you picture (x − 44)2 + xyz − 37y = 9 in your head?
No, can you?
How do we know if two vectors are parallel?
Two vectors ~v1 and ~v2 are parallel if and only if they are scalar multiples of eachother.
So there exists a real number k such that ~v1 = k · ~v2 .
How many sections of a chapter does Dr. Wilson usually go over each
lecture?
I would estimate approximately 1 to 1.5 sections per lecture.
Do you have a ’trick’ shape for cubic 2D functions?
I assume you are asking if there is a fast way to graph cubic functions. I would say no
but there are small details that help get an overall picture of the graph.
Are you going for Ph.D? If so what is your thesis?
I am currently in the Master’s program but I plan to switch to Ph.D soon. I do not
know exactly what I like to research but I do have research experience in combinatorial
matrix theory. See my webpage.
Are you allowed to help with homework?
If you have a question over a general type of problem feel free to ask in class. I will not
specifically do an entire homework problem for everyone but we can be slightly more
detailed in office hours. So come to office hours.
Why do you enjoy Calc 3 so much?
It is the most advanced of the undergraduate calculus courses and it allows for
interesting tangent discussions. For example we may talk about things like ghosts, 4D
space whales, cirlces being rectangles, and lines being circles and it is all related to the
material.
Will you accept hat notation for unit vectors?
Yes if I am grading it. If I didn’t understand what you meant you can always come
clarify in office hours.
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Should I minor in math?
Actually you should major in it. But if you want a minor that is fine too.
Why are you against the vector form a~i + b~j + c~k?
I just think instead of spelling out the ~i, ~j, and ~k components like that it is just as easy
to read them off as ha, b, ci. Plus the latter notation is faster to write by hand.
Will we recap old methods before applying them to 3D?
I will often do so if I think the old concepts are critically important.
What is the most difficult section in this class?
I will say that the hardest chapter is chapter 16 on vector calculus. The hardest section
is probably the one on Stoke’s Theorem. I challenge you to read it now.
How do you recommend we study?
First off read the book. Reading math books is a skill that can be developed. Then look
at the examples and see if you understand the authors logic. After that do a lot of
practice problems.
Any question about My Labs Plus:
Students who have problems signing up for MLP can visit the representative in person
at these locations this week. This person can help with codes that dont work, etc.:
Tuesday Aug. 26, Carver 385, 9 am - 4 pm
Wednesday Aug. 27, Bessey 119, 9 am - 4 pm
Thursday Aug. 28, Gilman 1761, 9 am - 3:30 pm.
The TA who manages the MLP webpages can be contacted here, for instructor and
student questions:
mathmlp@iastate.edu
How are you doing?
Fine thank you, how are you doing?
Why do we normalize vectors?
One example of the importance of this is that we could not write vectors as a~i + b~j + c~k
if ~i, ~j, and ~k were not unit vectors. There are many more you will encounter.
What is the highest level of math you have taken?
It is a tie between graduate abstract algebra and graduate real analysis.
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Have you studied abroad?
Yes, in Florence, Italy.
What do we do if we cannot email you or come to office hours and we have
an urgent question?
The math help room is open 9-5 every weekday I believe.
Will there be homework for recitation?
I may assign a problem or two throughout the semester.
How are ellipses created in 3D space?
x2 y 2
+
= 1 but then also restrict this by saying
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something like z = 5. There is a 3D version of an ellipse which is an ellipsoid. (Its an
x2 y 2 z 2
egg.) They have equation 2 + 2 + 2 = 1.
a
b
c
Where is your dream place to work?
One way is to say a typical ellipse like
At a university.
Do you have a hobby outside of school?
I like acrobatics and tricking. I can do a standing backflip, an aerial, and a lot more.
Can we do more interactive group problems?
The goal is to do this more often than not.
What do you think the US should do involving ISIS in Iraq?
More math.
What was your favorite math course?
Abstract algebra.
What is your advice regarding the professor’s teaching style?
If you really study hard on your own it exceptionally compliments lectures from any
professor. Maybe try to read through and understand a particular section before coming
to lecture. It will help a lot.
What other colleges did you consider?
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It was pretty much the other state schools in Iowa. I did not want to pay out of state
tuition.
Did Schrodinger’s cat die?
That depend on whether or not you opened the box.
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