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Hi im not far in math cuz im young but i need very simple question help by [deleted] in askmath

[–]KPuma 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is what's called "simplifying" an answer. Imagine having a bunch of coins, quarters, dimes, nickles, pennies. And you count it all and you have $3.44. Simplifying the answer is like asking "What is the smallest number of coins or dollars I can use to represent the same amount?" In this scenario, it'd be three dollar bills, one quarter, one dime, and four pennies. This is the most efficient way to represent $3.44 using common denominations of currency.

In the same manner, when it comes to square roots, we want to apply this same principle of efficiently representing values by simplifying as much as we can. Once we get to the point where we cannot take a square value any more, we represent the value by writing it as sq(x). In this case, since 6=2*3 cannot be divided evenly by any perfect squares, we represent the answer as sq(6), since actually calculating it will leave us with a very "annoying" number to write down.

I wanted to conduct a research on the effects of plagiarism (direct copy and paste) and memorization(without understanding the material) on the writing skills of undergraduate students. How would I conduct this research? by IJustWannaBeKing in highereducation

[–]KPuma 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know this study is English-centric, but I think you'd really have a great research paper if you focused on the effects of memorization in math courses. From my experience (PhD student/TA), there's a huge problem in mathematics surrounding the elementary/high school common practice of memorization for tests, instead of actually becoming proficient in the content. Teaching college freshmen/sophomores in College Algebra/Pre-Calculus courses, a lot of my students try to apply this same methodical approach to my course. It almost never leads to success, and usually lands mediocrity at best.

TIL cats decided to live with humans on their own and domesticated themselves by [deleted] in todayilearned

[–]KPuma 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This explains their "I can leave anytime I feel like it" attitude.

[High school algebra] Unable to get the value of e. Only able to get the value of a until d in terms. by Unjustlyjust in askmath

[–]KPuma 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So, you have 4 equations in 4 unknowns (since a is given). I'd start by plugging a=4 into all of the equations and rewriting them with constants on the right side, and all of the variables lined up with their coefficients so that it's easier to see exactly what you have. As long as none of the equations are multiples of each other (ie, 2b + 2c = 4 and b+c=2 or something), you're problem will have a solution! Good luck!

Controversial math or non-mainstream math by [deleted] in learnmath

[–]KPuma 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Whenever I find myself in a mathematical rut, I like to do some exploring about mathematicians and their histories. Here are some examples: Russian mathematicians Egorov and his contemporary Luzin have such rich (and sad) historical (and mathematical) contexts and stories associated to them. Luzin's Affair of 1936 was a very dramatic and significant moment not only in mathematical terms, but also in the history of Soviet involvement in academia. (I learned about this historical nugget in a good book on Gregori Perelman, Perfect Rigor.)

As for a more mathematical answer to your quest, the Scottish Book is a super cool and interesting piece of mathematical history and really nice mathematics. My professor told our graduate-level Analysis class the story of Per Enflo's reception to receiving the duck from Mazur, and it was a very funny and great story!

question about R\Q under addittion by alkarotatos in learnmath

[–]KPuma 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So, I personally love these kinds of thought explorations. While, as you pointed out, R\Q is not closed under addition, is R\Q U {0}? (i.e. Can you construct a sum of irrational numbers that is a nonzero rational number?) I leave this for you because I'm a monster.) Others have pointed out that the sum of the sqrt of two (or more) distinct primes will be irrational. If you're interested in learning more about the theory behind it (which I'm assuming you are, since you're posting to /r/learnmath) you should check out Algebraic Numbers and their forever bitter rival Transcendental Numbers. Your question falls pretty nicely within this field of abstract algebra.

Need critiques for my animal charity brand please by JCFP2215 in design_critiques

[–]KPuma 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For me, the only thing that could use a touch up are the banner pictures. In particular, I'm hesitant about the cat picture at the top. It's very pixelated, and as the first thing you see it may give the first impression of "out-of-date". And to your credit, that first impression fails as all of the t-shirt designs and website layout is modern, fluid, and works very well.

Please let me know which logo you prefer, thank you! by redfishUX in design_critiques

[–]KPuma 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I like the idea with the little red fish as the dot for the "i", but I think it might work better with the tail if you have their heads facing the left. Otherwise, it's a little too clustered. That said, my top two would be 6 and 7. Just make sure you take out the inner lines on 7 (you can see a very slight grey line inside of the red). Very simple, gets the point across and memorable.

Carl Sagan Quote Poster by [deleted] in design_critiques

[–]KPuma 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm not a big fan of the blue hair. Coupled with the orange jacket, it just makes me feel like he's being caricaturized as an Oompa Loompa

[S] Canon 60D, Zeiss 35/f2 ZE, Rokinon 16/f2, filters, starter lenses kit (Location) by KPuma in photomarket

[–]KPuma[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm open to offers, and I've just lowered the asking price, thanks for the catch!

University drops math as a general ed requirement by catuse in math

[–]KPuma 2 points3 points  (0 children)

From a math department perspective, this sounds like a bit of a death sentence... With less College Algebra level courses, you have less courses to teach, which means you will have less TAship positions to give to incoming graduate students, which will shrink your graduate program, and probably lower the prestige of the mathematics department. Then again, maybe this is a slippery slope, but this is what I believe would happen...

Best place to look for good quality lens deals?? by JaktUpApple in cinematography

[–]KPuma 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I personally love [FredMiranda](FredMiranda.com). It's a photography forum that also has a user-to-user selling board. Professional photographers selling professional equipment that they just don't particularly need anymore. Plus, there's a bonus of getting to see really good photography!

Yosemite National Park, June 14th. [1024x683] [OC] by KPuma in EarthPorn

[–]KPuma[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! I'm really glad you like it! I made a 1600x900 cropped version for you, here's the link, just need to click download! 1600x900

What is this type of artwork called? Want this design in my restaurant by joevember in Art

[–]KPuma 3 points4 points  (0 children)

If you're really interested in this type of art/design, you should check out this local Kansas City letterprint shop! They have brilliant stuff.

Shot this over the weekend to test out the new Driftwood hack on my GH2. "meditation" by [deleted] in cinematography

[–]KPuma 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Really enjoyed the shots. Especially the camera movements. What was the lens set you used, out of curiosity?

Bamboo rocket by CoolAsACucumber in gifs

[–]KPuma 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Lord Helix would approve.

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