Re: [Phys-l] the mathmatics of physics

[Brian Whatcott <betwys1@sbcglobal.net>]

At 01:29 AM 8/5/2006, Jack,
you wrote this exceptionally thoughtful note:

> Hi Adrian-
>         If you are looking to "review" algebra at the beginning of a
> physics course,   /.../   read, or reread,
> Arons' book on the teaching of elementary physics.  One of his cardinal
> principles was: "Don't introduce a concept before you need it."
///
>         I have looked for substitutes for the currently used algebra
> texts.
///
>  The text titled "Algebra", by I.M. Gelfand
> (now at Rutgers) and A. Shen, is a paperback of 150 pages, published by
> Birkha(umlaut)user 1993 (Russian edition was 1958).
///
>  Here is an example, where the answers are not
> given (Problem 143, p.67)
> a. Divide x^3-1 by x-1
> b.  "     x^4-1 "  x-1
> c.  "     x^10 -1 by x-1
> d.  "     x^3+1  by  x+1
> e.  "     x^4*1  "   x+1
>         I don't think you'll find counterparts for d. and e. in any
> American text.
//
>                                         Regards,
>                                                 Jack


Jack,
I am wondering if a typo crept into example e.  ??
For me it reads: Divide the expression x to the fourth power times one
by the expression x plus one.



Brian Whatcott    Altus OK    Eureka!