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Re: [Phys-l] C & C Trajectories



nothing missed at all

you transformed the one traveler - two journeys problem into a two traveler, one journey each, problem.
you transformed the two day problem into a one day problem.
you seem to be quite capable of intuitively finding equivalent problems that solve the given problem

are you aware that not everyone IS capable of this level of abstraction??
(students are often not able or willing to do this level of abstraction)
are you aware that SOME people require a 'Let epsilon greater than zero be given' proof of such a problem?
Mathematicians have 'rigorously' proven the 'Mean (intermediate? in more modern lingo?) Value Theorem
and we abstract thinkers are encouraged to find its application to everyday phenomena.

i.e. stir a cup of coffee and you are assured that at least one point is at rest in the x-y plane of the coffee's surface.

epsilon-delta proofs have their place but a whale of a lot of cool stuff awaits those who can accept the results and move on to the real world.
one doesn't even need to be AWARE that an epsilon-delta proof is involved.

go with your intuitive reaction and simplify, transform, whatever works.


On Jun 24, 2008, at Jun 24(Tue) 1:59 , Stuart Leinoff wrote:

Greetings,

..if it is not too late to comment on this thread.

I envision the going and returning travelers traveling on the same day.

With the distance and times given, wouldn't they have to pass each other at some
point, meaning that they were at the same place at the same time?

..or am I missing something?

SL
--
Stuart Leinoff
Professor of Physics
Adirondack Community College
(518) 743-2256






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