Expert: Paul Klarreich - 12/30/2007

Question
When I study calculus, I can solve all the initial problems in the given exercises of topics. When I get to the more complicated problems sometimes I have to turn to the back of the book for the answer and then work till I arrive at that. Am I learning anything ?
Thanks for your input.

Answer
Questioner:   Mark
Category:  Calculus
Private:  No
 
Subject:  Studying Habits
Question:  When I study calculus, I can solve all the initial problems in the given exercises of topics. When I get to the more complicated problems sometimes I have to turn to the back of the book for the answer and then work till I arrive at that. Am I learning anything ?
Thanks for your input.
...........................................
Hi, Mark,

Nothing wrong with doing that, and, yes, you are learning something.  As long as you are the one working through the example you will be learning it.  

And, you will not have the usual terror that students develop when they see a problem that starts with the dreaded words 'SHOW THAT...'.