Megatron | Transformers: Shattered GlasssolveforfutureApril 14 2011, 04:09:44 UTC
[Who's this mild-mannered professor? Famous (and a little infamous for some of his more out-there theories about sociological trends) in his field, Megatron is teaching all the math. All of it. Usually he handles the advanced mathematics classes, but occasionally he'll pick up a basic course to get a look at the incoming class and show them math isn't the tedious, grueling, pointless subject they had in high school.
He's easily approachable, and if you've got a problem, he's more than willing to help. Even if it's not directly related to his department, he'll do his best.
/uses robot icons. dealwifit =pdaggersinsmileApril 14 2011, 04:30:19 UTC
[Aaand enter William Shakespeare Dirk Dinobot, extremely moody and entirely too bitchy Theatre major, who everyone calls 'Dinobot' because hey, it's a freaking -awesome- last name.
And he's going to enter your office in an angry huff and snarl at you some. He tosses a graded test at you. He got a 'B' on it.]
robots are a-ok XDsolveforfutureApril 14 2011, 04:37:19 UTC
[He looks right back up at you, Dinobot, completely unintimidated. His tone isn't exactly sarcastic, but it's that clipped and matter-of-fact tone that gets the message across.]
It's a B. Under a standard grading system, it represents a grade ranging from 80 to 89%. What seems to be the problem?
[He takes a look at that sheet of paper. Hmmm....yes.]
You used the incorrect equation. Though the calculations check out, it's only coincidence that the answer you arrived at happened to be the correct one. Had the x and y values been any different, your answer would have been wrong.
Theatre, of course. And spare me your impressive speech about how mathematics effects the course of life in all its various forms and functions. I've no desire to hear it.
All right. Suppose you're doing a play that calls for an actor swinging down onto the stage from cables in the ceiling, but there are pillars you need to ensure the actor doesn't hit on the way down. The pillars are, unfortunately, already in place, as is the platform the actor is leaping from. There is a failsafe machine in place that will allow the actor to descend at a fixed rate. Could you tell me how to calculate the rate the cable should be set to extend, given the height of the platform, the actor's weight, and the position of the pillars?
Or would you need to resort to trial and error, possibly risking injury to the actor?
[The mathematics department isn't Watanuki's usual hangout, but the wiles of Yuuko carry him far and wide (seriously, does she know everyone on campus?). He's on his way back from a delivery, walking at a surprisingly normal pace, for him-- he had to sprint to make it here on time, she can damn well wait ten minutes for him to get back!
...Oh, hey. He knows that office. Watanuki hasn't had a class with Megatron since he took his statistics prerequisite with him last semester; but he slows a little as he passes his office door, just to see if he's there. He liked the class and the professor a lot; he wouldn't mind saying hello, if he's not busy...]
He's easily approachable, and if you've got a problem, he's more than willing to help. Even if it's not directly related to his department, he'll do his best.
The door to his office is open. Stop in?]
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And he's going to enter your office in an angry huff and snarl at you some. He tosses a graded test at you. He got a 'B' on it.]
What is the meaning of this?!
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It's a B. Under a standard grading system, it represents a grade ranging from 80 to 89%. What seems to be the problem?
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[He makes a horrible face, and points to question number 30.] I achieved the correct answer. My work is clearly shown. Why was it marked 'incorrect'?
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You used the incorrect equation. Though the calculations check out, it's only coincidence that the answer you arrived at happened to be the correct one. Had the x and y values been any different, your answer would have been wrong.
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He frowns at the paper and gets very dramatic]
Alas, that it should come to this! But two points away: nay, not so much, not two....
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Would you like me to explain what you should have done?
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Siiiigh]
Obviously, use the correct equation, I suppose.
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Hrah! Mathematics is useless!
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Is it?
Dinobot, what's your major?
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Theatre, of course. And spare me your impressive speech about how mathematics effects the course of life in all its various forms and functions. I've no desire to hear it.
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[Grumbles forever]
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Or would you need to resort to trial and error, possibly risking injury to the actor?
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...Oh, hey. He knows that office. Watanuki hasn't had a class with Megatron since he took his statistics prerequisite with him last semester; but he slows a little as he passes his office door, just to see if he's there. He liked the class and the professor a lot; he wouldn't mind saying hello, if he's not busy...]
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