Ramblings

Who knew abstract algebra would be applicable? Okay, it really is applicable. I just don't really understand how in the real world...yet. And while I struggle with writing proofs (can't we just accept the fact that it's true?), I know in the long run it will help me. Especially if I plan on taking the second semester of abstract algebra *cringe*. I need challenge in my life. And I've been better this semester concentrating on my schoolwork than any other semester. But at the same time, I have a bigger load to deal with. But that's what defines college...besides the social part.

I'm getting off topic. What this post is really about is some of the facts I learned in my classes, whether they're applicable to the real world, my life, or just something fun:
ODEs: I can't sleep in class? Really?
Real World Math: I hate notation...
Abstract Algebra: I learned how a debit/credit card works. The numbers on your credit card actually have more numbers than you really need. The last two numbers are actually a checksum. A checksum is a number that "checks" the previous numbers using modular addition. So if you type in your credit card number for an online purchase, the checksum is helpful because if you mistype a number, or switch two of them, the checksum will actually correct it. Yay for error checking!
Data Structures: You know it's bad when you are one of five girls in a 30-seat class. You know it's even worse when you realize you have more of a social life than most of your classmates...and you hardly have one yourself. *bangs head on wall*
Intro to Applied Math: Graph Theory is confusing...and I hate the Brute Force Algorithm. Give me Nearest Neighbor ANYDAY!

So yeah...that pretty much sums up the first three weeks of school (has it really been that long?) excluding the actual subject material. And so far I'm not suffering from the mathiness. Each class is different from the other (one theory, one semi-theory...but more exploration, one real world, and one applicable, where I actually solve math problems). It makes for a nice balance. Computer science on the other hand...at least I only fell asleep once in that class so far. >_<

P.S. Can you solve the Million Dollar Math question? Or the other Million Dollar Math question? If you can do the second...our Internet will be shut down until a new encryption algorithm is created (and apparently my fellow applied math majors and I will make a lot of money because we will understand group theory that is used to create an encryption algorithm). This idea will be the plot to the sequel of Matrix Man*...and his sidekick** who has yet to acquire a name.

* We don't really have a title for the first one...and we still haven't worked much on it. But we still have the napkin with our ideas written on it. Maybe we'll work on something over Thanksgiving break. *shrug*

** A computer science professor

Bliss

Wow. I'll say it again. Wow! Who knew one would feel so deprived after a five-month summer break that they would actually enjoy going back to school? Well, besides my computer science class, and quite possibly my abstract algebra class, I'm really looking forward to this semester. The true measure of a math geek? Give up your "fun" class* in order to take a fourth math class. ^__^Yes, I think I have officially crossed the borderline between geek and insanity. I think I do this partly as punishment for myself, but also because I secretly enjoy it. Yes, I enjoy taking grueling courses and slamming my head on my desk everytime I spend more than an hour on a particular subject of math or three hours on a computer program. Okay, so I secretly like being a math major because I like the responses I get when I tell people (You like math? Really?). Yes, yes I like math. Obviously. Otherwise I wouldn't have a blog about it. (That's a duh.) But from the first two days of classes, I can tell that I'm going to be learning some interesting topics (death from overload not included).

So while I don't know if anyone actually reads my blog (I do this for my own enjoyment), I'll probably be putting up some of the cool ideas I learn. If the fancy to post them to my blog comes to me. And provided I haven't already suffered brain damage from overdose of mathiness...is such a thing possible? Don't answer that. So, wish me luck and that I will survive the homework load. And that I'll still have a social life (or at least a semblance of one).

P.S. My roommate has a pi locker. ^_____^








*Btw, this was a religion class where you read the Old Testament in Hebrew. Fun? YES!!! Tons of work in an already demanding schedule? *sigh* Yeah. So honestly, between the two classes, it's the same amount of work...but one actually helps me with my major. Hopefully this class will be offered again...taught by the same professor.