MHB How can self-study lead to long-term learning compared to classroom instruction?

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Self-study in mathematics, particularly calculus, allows for deeper understanding and retention compared to traditional classroom instruction. The discussion highlights the importance of revisiting earlier concepts, such as related rates, while progressing through advanced topics like triple integrals. Participants emphasize that personal exploration and problem-solving lead to long-term retention of knowledge, whereas passive learning often results in quick forgetfulness. Testing oneself at the end of each chapter is suggested as a method to reinforce learning and identify areas needing review. Overall, self-directed learning is viewed as a more effective approach for mastering complex subjects.
harpazo
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As I study calculus 3, I often revisit calculus 1 and 2. The following application is from single variable calculus, partucularly calculus 1, called RELATED RATES. I have not seen a related rates problem since the 2015. I am a bit rusty with the set up. Can someone help me set it up? I can take it from there.

A balloon, initially of radius 1 cm, is being inflated in such a way that its radius at time t seconds is (1+2t) cm. What is the rate of increase of its volume when t = 2?
 
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Harpazo said:
As I study calculus 3, I often revisit calculus 1 and 2. The following application is from single variable calculus, partucularly calculus 1, called RELATED RATES. I have not seen a related rates problem since the 2015. I am a bit rusty with the set up. Can someone help me set it up? I can take it from there.

A balloon, initially of radius 1 cm, is being inflated in such a way that its radius at time t seconds is (1+2t) cm. What is the rate of increase of its volume when t = 2?

If we assume the balloon is spherical, then we can begin with the volume of a sphere:

$$V=\frac{4}{3}\pi r^3$$

Differentiating w.r.t time $t$, we obtain:

$$\d{V}{t}=4\pi r^2\d{r}{t}$$

We are told:

$$r=2t+1\implies \d{r}{t}=2$$

So, can you now express the time rate of change of volume as a function of $t$?
 
MarkFL said:
If we assume the balloon is spherical, then we can begin with the volume of a sphere:

$$V=\frac{4}{3}\pi r^3$$

Differentiating w.r.t time $t$, we obtain:

$$\d{V}{t}=4\pi r^2\d{r}{t}$$

We are told:

$$r=2t+1\implies \d{r}{t}=2$$

So, can you now express the time rate of change of volume as a function of $t$?

Are you saying to solve r = 2t + 1 for t?
 
Harpazo said:
Are you saying to solve r = 2t + 1 for t?

No, just plug in for $r$ and $$\d{r}{t}$$ in the expression for the time rate of change of volume. :D
 
r = 2t + 1

r = 2(2) = 1

r = 5

dv/dt = 4πr^2 (dr/dt)

dv/dtb= 4π(5)^2(2)

dv/dt = 4π50

dv/dt = 200π cm/second

Correct?
 
Plugging in, we obtain

$$\d{V}{t}=4\pi(2t+1)^2(2)=8\pi(2t+1)^2$$

Hence, in $$\frac{\text{cm}^3}{\text{s}}$$, we have:

$$\left.\d{V}{t}\right|_{t=2}=8\pi(2(2)+1)^2=200\pi\quad\checkmark$$
 
MarkFL said:
Plugging in, we obtain

$$\d{V}{t}=4\pi(2t+1)^2(2)=8\pi(2t+1)^2$$

Hence, in $$\frac{\text{cm}^3}{\text{s}}$$, we have:

$$\left.\d{V}{t}\right|_{t=2}=8\pi(2(2)+1)^2=200\pi\quad\checkmark$$

I got it right. Cool. I love related rates. I wish I had a total understanding of the set up. Back to calculus 3. I am in the triple integral chapter. By the way, I test myself at the end of each chapter. The passing grade is 70 percent per chapter. If my grade is less than 70, I must repeat the chapter. This is my method. What do you say?
 
Harpazo said:
...By the way, I test myself at the end of each chapter. The passing grade is 70 percent per chapter. If my grade is less than 70, I must repeat the chapter. This is my method. What do you say?

I say whatever works best for you is fine by me. :)

To save time, I would likely only review the sections pertaining to the problems I missed.
 
MarkFL said:
I say whatever works best for you is fine by me. :)

To save time, I would likely only review the sections pertaining to the problems I missed.

Most people do not remember what they had for breakfast this morning much less what they learned in calculus long ago. This is my problem. I am learning calculus 3 now. I am learning triple integrals. But, to be honest, I cannot recall most of calculus 2 not to mention related rates. I have not played with related rates since 2015.

- - - Updated - - -

How can I remember what I studied years ago? I am now learning triple integrals. Next month, double integrals will become a distant chapter. There are people in this website that can answer precalculus through calculus 3 like drinking water. How is that possible? The human mind can only remember so much.
 
  • #10
Harpazo said:
Most people do not remember what they had for breakfast this morning much less what they learned in calculus long ago. This is my problem. I am learning calculus 3 now. I am learning triple integrals. But, to be honest, I cannot recall most of calculus 2 not to mention related rates. I have not played with related rates since 2015.

- - - Updated - - -

How can I remember what I studied years ago? I am now learning triple integrals. Next month, double integrals will become a distant chapter. There are people in this website that can answer precalculus through calculus 3 like drinking water. How is that possible? The human mind can only remember so much.

When someone tells me something new, I have already forgotten pretty much what they're saying before they even finish their sentence.
If someone teaches me something and let's me practice with it, it'll stay for a couple of weeks or months.
If I figure something out for myself, preferably the 'hard' way, it's there for the rest of my life.
 
  • #11
I like Serena said:
When someone tells me something new, I have already forgotten pretty much what they're saying before they even finish their sentence.
If someone teaches me something and let's me practice with it, it'll stay for a couple of weeks or months.
If I figure something out for myself, preferably the 'hard' way, it's there for the rest of my life.

I am the same way. Through self-study and hard work, I learn so much. Through classroom instructions, I grasp very little.
 

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