Why do problem sets take me so long?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges and time consumption associated with completing problem sets in a Multivariable Calculus course. Participants share their experiences and concerns regarding the time it takes to solve problems, the pressure of upcoming exams, and strategies for improving efficiency and focus.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about the lengthy time required to complete problem sets, noting that their last set took around 7 hours, despite feeling they have decent intuition for solving problems.
  • Another participant suggests that long problem sets are typical, citing their own experience in undergraduate physics courses where homework required significant time investment.
  • Some participants mention that they have heard of others completing similar problem sets in 1-2 hours, raising concerns about the implications for timed exams.
  • A participant questions the original poster's organization and focus, suggesting that distractions or a lack of concentration may contribute to the lengthy completion times.
  • There is a suggestion that exam questions may be easier than homework questions, which could alleviate some concerns about time management during exams.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that problem sets can take a long time, but there is disagreement about what constitutes a "normal" amount of time. Some believe that longer times are expected, while others suggest that quicker completion is possible for some students. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best strategies for improving efficiency.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of concern about time management and focus, with some attributing longer completion times to the non-credit nature of the course. There are also references to personal experiences that may not be universally applicable.

wishyouwell
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I'm taking Multivariable Calculus at Rice. This is for fun, I'm not required to take it and I'm not a science major.
Problem sets take me a really long time, I wonder if it's normal. We are using Vector Calculus by Marsden. The problems sets are like about 15 problems due every week. They take me so long. The last set I did took me something like 7 hours. I feel like I have decent intuition as far as how to solve a problem. But then it takes me for ever to compute stuff and I get off the track and have to start again, get lost (like I can't remember what term I last developed), etc...
I have been getting like 80-90s on set (there is always a 2-3 exercises I don't have time to do). I guess I just worry about how I can get an OK grade on a timed mid-term. How can I be faster and more focused? I mean I just want to pass, I'm taking it P/F.
Thanks
 
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Anyone who takes Multivariable Calculus for "fun" is a very sick individual. :)
 
Aren't problem sets supposed to take long? That's how it was for me. The homework for some of my undergrad physics courses required at least 10 hours to finish. Anyway, time shouldn't be your primary concern. Understanding the material is the most important thing.
 
Oh OK. I don't know I feel like I read that some people do them in 1-2 hours. Well you only have 90 minutes at the exam so it would be a problem.
 
wishyouwell said:
Oh OK. I don't know I feel like I read that some people do them in 1-2 hours. Well you only have 90 minutes at the exam so it would be a problem.
Exam questions are actually easier than homework questions from my experience, mostly because of the time constraint.
 
wishyouwell said:
Oh OK. I don't know I feel like I read that some people do them in 1-2 hours. Well you only have 90 minutes at the exam so it would be a problem.

That would be for the very few people who find multivariable calculus to be easy. Most normal people must spend more time.
 
wishyouwell said:
But then it takes me for ever to compute stuff and I get off the track and have to start again, get lost (like I can't remember what term I last developed), etc...
What sort of computations are you talking about?

Why are you getting off track so much?

Why can't you remember what term you last developed? Aren't you writing your work down?

If you are not concentrating, getting easily distracted, or are sloppy about writing down your work, I can see why it's taking you so long to do the HW for this course. Get better organized, concentrate, and eliminate the distractions. I suspect because this is a non-credit course, you have allowed these faults to slip into your study of this subject, because there are few consequences for not staying focused.
 

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