Mathematical Methods

Dear Students,

Many of you have told me that you are struggling with question five. Encouragingly however, the people who have written to me have written descriptions of sharp and shallow peaks. That shows me that you are thinking about surfaces and their shapes.

But you're not answering the question of why the standard error is smaller when the surface comes to a sharp peak.

Here are two things to think about.

First, notice that the standard errors came from the second-order conditions. So think about what the second-order conditions tell you about the shape of a surface.

Second, replace words with numbers. Instead of using words to describe the shape, use numbers to describe the shape. Why do low values of the standard error reflect a sharp peak? Why do high values reflect a gradual peak?

Hope this helps,
- Eric Doviak

I distributed a copy of the final exam questions in class yesterday. As discussed in class, this is a standard blue book exam. The only difference is that you have received the questions ahead of time. You may write your exam at any of the times listed in the post below.

As always, I encourage you all to work together, form study groups and help each other master the material.

Good Luck!,
- Eric Doviak

According to the Brooklyn College final exam schedule, these are the dates and times when I am supposed to administer final exams:

It is not important to me when you take your final exam, so long as you take it. To that end, please feel free to write your exam at any one of the exam sessions listed above. I will also inquire about the availability of Thurs. 24 May from 8:30 to 10:30 pm. (The calendar shows an empty space).

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