Problem on daughter's calculus assignment: "f(x)=1/sqrt(tan(3x^2)), calculate f'(x)" <sarcasm>Wow, there are so many real-world applications where this might come up. I'm so glad she can spend her time on this!</sarcasm>
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I’m confused, are you lamenting Calculus in general or that specific problem?
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Replying to @jaredcatkinson
I’m actually a big believer in Calculus. But that problem is just endless symbolic manipulation that has no real value. It’s simply a time-waster.

Sep 20, 2021 · 11:57 AM UTC

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Replying to @hal_pomeranz
I think the point of problems like this is to provide repetitive reinforcement of the concepts being taught. Can you identify the rules that must be applied to this problem (chain rule and quotient rule for example) and apply them in the correct order.
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The kids are being taught to do this as a triple chain rule-- "(tan(3x^2))^(-1/2)". And the tangent requires them to remember their trig derivative identities. But there is no real-world case for any of this, so it's just abuse.
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