Revolutions problem y=-x^2+12x-35

[danerape]

Urgent! Advice Needed

I am currently taking calculus II, and didn't do so hot on the midterm yesterday. I had to take the test on webassign(proctored). The instructor says partial credit will be given, but my webassign score was a 50%. I did not have a problem with the calculus involved, but the problems given were very computaionally intensive. For example::

I had a solid of revolutions problem y=-x^2+12x-35, so I made a mistake somewhere squaring that, I also had a partial fractions problem with a denominator of (x-1)^2(x^2+1), and somewhere in the 4 equation 4 variable system I made a mistake, and the list goes on.

I guess my question is, has anyone bombed a test solely due to computational errors. My mechanics in solving these problems were 100% correct, I guess I just had a bad day. I got an A in precalc and cal I, so this is my first bad expeiriance. I know some did pretty well on the test, now I am just wondering if I should rethink my major?

 

[CheckMate]

You're panicking for no reason. If you like the technology involved with electrical engineering, and you're comfortable with EE courses than stay.

If not, change.

 

[micromass]

If your methods and mechanics were 100% correct, then there's nothing to worry about. Computational errors are silly, they shouldn't be the reason for you to change your major

Just be more careful with the computations next time

 

[Dembadon]

I am currently taking calculus II, and didn't do so hot on the midterm yesterday. I had to take the test on webassign(proctored). The instructor says partial credit will be given, but my webassign score was a 50%. I did not have a problem with the calculus involved, but the problems given were very computaionally intensive. For example::

I had a solid of revolutions problem y=-x^2+12x-35, so I made a mistake somewhere squaring that, I also had a partial fractions problem with a denominator of (x-1)^2(x^2+1), and somewhere in the 4 equation 4 variable system I made a mistake, and the list goes on.

I guess my question is, has anyone bombed a test solely due to computational errors. My mechanics in solving these problems were 100% correct, I guess I just had a bad day. I got an A in precalc and cal I, so this is my first bad expeiriance. I know some did pretty well on the test, now I am just wondering if I should rethink my major?

Everyone has bad tests. Still, you must have made a lot of computational errors to receive a 50%. Were you rushing through the problems? If so, why?

I usually attribute computational errors to not being careful and organized. In this sense, I don't think your question about whether you should change your major follows from the the issues you're having. Choosing another major would only be a reasonable solution if you no longer have any interest in electrical engineering.

 

[Nano-Passion]

Next time just make sure to double check everything as you do the problem. I personally don't like to double check after I've finished the test, I found it much easier to force myself to double-check while I'm doing the problem.

 

[johng23]

If you like what you are studying, you should stick with it. But as you continue taking exams in engineering courses there will probably be many opportunities for computational errors. I might suggest that, whenever you are reading your textbooks or lecture notes, you work through all the steps of the math yourself as a way to continuously practice. You will probably become faster and more accurate.

 

[danerape]

Ended up with a 96% after partial credit. Maybe I should relax. Thanks!

 

[danerape]

WEBASSIGN SUCKS, does not give partial credit whatsoever