In integration how much marks i will loose for not writing +c

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential loss of marks in an exam for not including the constant of integration (+c) in integration problems, as well as the acceptability of expressing answers in different forms, specifically comparing √50 and 5√2. The scope includes exam grading practices and the nuances of mathematical notation in the context of calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about losing marks for not writing +c in integration problems, asking how much might be deducted.
  • Another participant argues that the decision on mark deduction is subjective and varies by teacher.
  • Some participants suggest that teachers with more mathematical knowledge are less likely to deduct points for minor notation issues.
  • There is a discussion about whether √50 can be considered equivalent to 5√2, with differing opinions on whether points would be deducted for using one form over the other.
  • A participant shares their experience, suggesting that they might expect to lose 1 to 2 points for missing +c, depending on the teacher's grading style.
  • Another participant notes that the context of the problem may influence the significance of including +c and how marks are assigned.
  • One participant claims they did not lose any marks for missing +c, indicating a positive outcome despite the initial concerns.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the grading for missing +c and the acceptability of different forms of answers is subjective and varies by teacher. Multiple competing views remain regarding the significance of these issues in different contexts.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the variability in grading practices and the subjective nature of marking in mathematics, particularly in calculus. There are unresolved considerations regarding the importance of notation and expression forms in different mathematical contexts.

sachin_naik04
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1) in my exams there were 3 simple questions on integration carrying 5 marks each, i solved them correctly but the only mistake i did was at the end of each step i didnt write "+c"

like for example the final step of an integration problem is suppose say:
x2+9x2+c

so how much marks i will loose out of 5 for not writing that +c

2) and for another question i wrote √50 instead of writing 5√2 as the answer, is that ok or i will loose marks for the same, meaning can 5√2 be also written as √50
 
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Do you not understand that each teacher has to decide that for him or herself? No one can tell how many marks another person might take off for a specific mistake.
 
oh thanks

but what about my second query i.e. can 5√2 be also written as √50, are both the things correct as far as an answer is concerned
 
sachin_naik04 said:
oh thanks

but what about my second query i.e. can 5√2 be also written as √50, are both the things correct as far as an answer is concerned

The more math a teacher knows, the less likely you are to get points off for this stuff. I could picture a middle school teacher taking points off for writing 3/2 instead of 1.5 or 1 1/2, or a high school algebra 1 teacher deducting points for your answer, but hopefully a calculus teacher will recognize that your answer is fine.

You'd have a valid complaint if any points are deducted.
 
Tobias Funke said:
The more math a teacher knows, the less likely you are to get points off for this stuff. I could picture a middle school teacher taking points off for writing 3/2 instead of 1.5 or 1 1/2, or a high school algebra 1 teacher deducting points for your answer, but hopefully a calculus teacher will recognize that your answer is fine.

You'd have a valid complaint if any points are deducted.

Agree. It's a calculus course, not a course in simplifying radicals.
 
HallsofIvy said:
Do you not understand that each teacher has to decide that for him or herself? No one can tell how many marks another person might take off for a specific mistake.

sachin_naik04 said:
oh thanks

but what about my second query i.e. can 5√2 be also written as √50, are both the things correct as far as an answer is concerned

HallsofIvy's response was directed at both questions. The same reasoning applies.

From my experience with forgetting +c is that you can hope to get 4/5. Depending on the teacher, either 1 point deducted for the first +c missing and then ignoring all others as "carry on" errors, or taking 1/2 off for each question. You can argue for more points if the teacher chooses this second approach. Something along the lines of "Of course, if I put +c in anyone of them, I would've remembered to do that for all of them".
 
Great. Will this site become a place to get ammunition to argue for partial credit with your instructor?
[URL]http://www.cartoonstock.com/newscartoons/cartoonists/aba/lowres/aban76l.jpg[/URL]
 
Last edited by a moderator:
X^2 + 9x^2 = 10x^2
 
Long answer:*
I think the simplification is more a matter of taste.
Personally, I would say that √50 is at least just as good as 5√2 and would not deduct points for that, just like for writing ln(1/2). However, this is a thin line: when a student wrote down √49 or ln(1/e) I would definitely not give them full credit.

In integration problems, also the context of the problem plays a part. Does the question ask for the or a primitive function? Is the integration the end goal of the exercise, or part of a larger question? Are there integration boundaries (like in: calculate the area under the graph)?


*) Short answer: What Halls said[/size]
 
  • #10
I'd say that it depends on the problem.. If it was a more theoretical problem, the + C part has enough significance to lose some marks.. If it was more computational, I wouldn't deduct too many marks -- you did to most of the work. But anyway, I once lost enough marks for forgetting a '=' sign in a '<=' sign.. And I think that forgetting + C is worse.
 
  • #11
If the limits aren't there, you should add the plus C...
 
  • #12
not lost a single mark

wow i have not lost a single mark for not writing that +c i got exactly 70 marks as i wanted, can't believe

just reveled from the stress
 

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