Given Upcoming Math test..
I know I have to show all work and support answers. But how detailed do we have to explain?
Like For example:
E^(ax)/(2-E^(ax))
I would look at this and think.. ok..
negative exponent first.
E^(ax) (2-E^ax)^-1
Then product rule, on the whole expression, exponent with constant multiple on the left, with chain rule on the right, then a constant with difference rule, and exponent with constant multiple again.. Then applying product rule, after getting d/dx Left and right, I then need add up f[x]g'[x]+g[x]f'[x], then simplify. thats a lot so is the algebra enough?

Question

Given Upcoming Math test..
I know I have to show all work and support answers. But how detailed do we have to explain?
Like For example:
E^(ax)/(2-E^(ax))
I would look at this and think.. ok..
negative exponent first.
E^(ax) (2-E^ax)^-1
Then product rule, on the whole expression, exponent with constant multiple on the left, with chain rule on the right, then a constant with difference rule, and exponent with constant multiple again.. Then applying product rule, after getting d/dx Left and right, I then need add up f[x]g'[x]+g[x]f'[x], then simplify. thats a lot so is the algebra enough?

anonymous · Answer

or do I need to state what Im thinking at every turn?
Or would you think it's enought to jsut say, Im going to use product rule on the expression, and chain on the right term. then just show the algebra and move on.

anonymous · Answer

and when you actually give an answer, how do you identify the actual final answer given all the scribble all over the page? Is there a formal method? Do you think they allow colored pens?

anonymous · Answer

just need general advice on how you approach tests, cant find anything about this on google or youtube.

welshfella · Answer

This is what I do
add a short description of what you are doing
like start by saying
'Applying the Produce/Chain Rule'
then do the algebra

Finally write  'Answer '  as the last word.

welshfella · Answer

There's certainly no need to write what you are thinking at every turn

usukidoll · Answer

Unless it's a proof or your questions is in the format of

Prove or disprove
Show that
Prove/ Disprove the Converse/ Contrapositive

you just have to do computation. Writing too much in computation can waste your time and you won't be able to finish the test.

welshfella · Answer

Yes

anonymous · Answer

Thanks guys, yes, thats what I was looking for. I'm inherently slow and cautious and take 4 times longer than I should on every problem, and 3rd guess every step. I've tried some mock 20 question tests, and been trying to finish them in under 90 minutes, but I barely get half way. so looking for shortcuts to speed things up.

anonymous · Answer

you dont have to write stuff like f[x]g'[x]+g[x]f'[x] then... just using ..product rule..

usukidoll · Answer

nooooooooooooo

usukidoll · Answer

don't have to... just solve... solve solve quickly, yet accurately as possible.

anonymous · Answer

cool

welshfella · Answer

writing too much stuff like the formulas takes too much time

usukidoll · Answer

OH YEAH!  ^