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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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.
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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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Replying to @hal_pomeranz @jaredcatkinson
You want kids to not hate math? Stop making it about pointless symbolic manipulation and actually show them why calculus matters in the real world. Because it's really, really important.

Sep 20, 2021 · 5:07 PM UTC

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Replying to @hal_pomeranz
I think this is a false dichotomy. You can demonstrate both the real world application AND provide conceptually rigorous problems to practice the application of theory. If the real world aspect isn't happening then I agree that's a problem, but both perspectives are appropriate.
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Right now our daughter's take-away is that math sucks and she's bad at it. But I keep battling through it with her.
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