IntMath Newsletter: Applets, losing it, integration by parts

17 Nov 2010

In this Newsletter:

1. Resource: Math, physics and engineering applets
2. Use it or lose it
3. Math tip: Integration by parts twice
4. Friday math movies
5. Resource: Free graph paper PDFs
6. Latest Feedback on IntMath
7. Final thought: Never too old to learn

1. Resource: Math, physics and engineering applets

Suitable for: Everyone.

Here is an extensive range of interesting interactive java applets, including investigations into waves and acoustics (by Paul Falstad). Math, physics and engineering applets The page has links to other great interactive resources, including one of my favorites: Secret Worlds: The Universe Within, which allows you to zoom in step-by-step from the outer universe right into the nucleus of an atom.

2. Use it or lose it

Suitable for: Everyone.

It can be a good idea for the health of our brains to keep working as late as possible. Use it or lose it

3. Math tip: Integration by parts twice

Suitable for: Those who are currently studying about integration, a key topic in calculus.

Sometimes integration by parts can end up in an infinite loop. But there is a solution. And a reader suggests an even better approach. Integration by parts twice

4. Friday math movies

Suitable for: Everyone.

	(a) Fractals without a computer You don't need a computer program to produce fractals. It can all be done with mirrors! Friday math movie: Fractals without a computer
	(b) India's contribution to math The Indian mathematicians of the 6th century changed the way the world thinks about numbers. Friday math movie: India's contribution to math

5. Resource: Graph paper PDFs

Very useful for hand-drawn graphing tasks. Includes rectangular (for ordinary x-y graphs), polar, semi-log and log-log graph paper). Ready to print and use. Download graph paper

6. Latest Feedback on IntMath

Here is some feedback on IntMath.com I received recently from Jeremy Springston:

I'm sure you guys hear this often, but this site is absolutely amazing. I'm active duty Navy and have been in Afghanistan for a while now and, thanks in part to your site, teaching myself Calculus has become bearable.  When I get stuck somewhere, I know your website will have the "key" to my problem.  I made an A in my Pre-calc class, and am currently making an A in Calc I and, the best part, I fully understand what I've learned!  Again, I'm deeply thankful for all your efforts and keep up the fantastic work.

Thanks, Jeremy! I'm glad you found the site useful and it helped in your success.

Please help keep IntMath free - recommend it to your friends!

7. Final thought – never too old to learn

Continuing the theme of lifetime learning, here is a quote from the founder of the Ford motor company.

Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.

Henry Ford

Until next time, enjoy whatever you learn.

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