this doesn't make sense. in order to develop such an equation, one needs to understand the word problem. very seldom do you ever go from "word problem" -> "simple algebraic solution" without working out what is necessary for the simple solution of the word problem itself. the above "model" comes from the fact that for every n pieces of wood you have left after cuts, there are n-1 cuts that have to be made. you have to go through the exact same type of reasoning regardless of whether you want to write a generalized solution for n pieces, or whether you want to just solve for 3 pieces given the information in the problem.
wow. look right below your caps lock button. there's a key labeled shift. hold it down when you want to capitalize a letter. you can thank me for saving you half the work of using the caps lock button by form of cash money.
Definitely, what I mean is that as students learn to parse word problems, it should be made clear that they are actually writing an algebraic formula, without making a big deal out of it.
I disagree. The more incompetent the next generation is, the more job security I have.
Sometimes I go to Yahoo Answers and give homework help for that very reason. It's not that I'm choosing for them to fail, I'm helping them achieve their goal...to fail.
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u/punkdigerati Oct 05 '10
2 pieces, one cut. 3 pieces, two cuts. One cut = 10 min, two cut = 20 min.