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February 20th, 2009

cjsmith: (Default)
Friday, February 20th, 2009 05:23 pm
How does one solve a quadratic equation quickly? (Without sacrificing accuracy, of course, and without making it more likely that an arithmetic goof will creep in.)

I know how to use the quadratic formula, but I'm slow and methodical. On a test, minutes count. I've been warned that on the upcoming chemistry exam, seconds may count. This one has been announced as "hard" and "if you haven't done all the practice problems three times over, you won't have time to complete the test". It's going to be FULL of this stuff (for equilibrium calculations). I don't have time between now and the test to do all the practice problems three times over, not if I want sleep too.

How do you solve these dang things FAST?

Oooo. Are there calculators that just do this for you, once you've set up the equation? If so, I'd better go get one. If that's what other students have, I'd be a fool to handicap myself.
cjsmith: (Default)
Friday, February 20th, 2009 06:05 pm
I would love to borrow a calculator capable of solving quadratic equations automatically. Do you have one you wouldn't mind going without for six to eight weeks? Are you anywhere near Sunnyvale, CA?

Pleeeeeeeez?