Expert: Paul Klarreich - 5/9/2008

Question
I'm having a hard time with this question, I think I'm over thinking it. Can you please help me? The question is, "Given the following values 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, x, and y, form:

o   A linear equation in one variable
o   A linear equation in two variables
o   A quadratic equation
o   A polynomial of three terms
o   An exponential function
o   A logarithmic function
Compare all the functions written by you and post a note on their differences

Answer
Questioner:   TC
Category:  Advanced Math
Private:  No
 
Subject:  Advanced Algebra
Question:  I'm having a hard time with this question, I think Questioner:   TC
Category:  Advanced Math
Private:  No
 
Subject:  Advanced Algebra
Question:  I'm having a hard time with this question, I think I'm over thinking it. Can you please help me? The question is, "Given the following values 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, x, and y, form:

o A linear equation in one variable
o A linear equation in two variables
o A quadratic equation
o A polynomial of three terms
o An exponential function
o A logarithmic function
Compare all the functions written by you and post a note on their differences

..........................................
Hi, TC,

Did you mean to write "I'm over-thinking it"?
Without the hyphen, it means "I have given up thinking about it."
With it, it means "I'm doing too much thinking."

I agree with both of them.

BASIC PRINCIPLE for learning mathematics.

Learn and use the vocabulary.  You have six vocabulary terms here.  Are you sure you know what their definitions are?  If not, you are under-studying.  [Without the hyphen, it means you are waiting for the star to get sick so you can take over the role.  With it, it means you are not doing enough studying.]

So, once you know the vocabulary, you will be able to write:

o A linear equation in one variable

2x + 5 = 10

o A linear equation in two variables

2x + 5y = 10

o A quadratic equation

y = 2x^2 + 5x + 10

o A polynomial of three terms

2x^2 + 5x + 10

o An exponential function

y = 2e^(5x)

o A logarithmic function

y = 2 ln (5x)

As to posting a note, you must send me an address.  The post office will not accept unaddressed mail.

But I really mean it about the vocabulary.  IF you don't know what the words mean, you won't understand the questions. (and you won't understand the teacher, either, because he uses the vocabulary)