Comments on: Linear algebra assistants are the RIAA

By: Swizec

Swizec — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 21:42:35 +0000

Any one subject can be learned and understood in a week if you decide it’s important enough.

And I think that’s actually my problem, the classes aren’t narrow enough, I’d love for them to go in detail into one particular thing and teach me about it, not scrape the surface of twenty things and then whack me over the head when I try to _actually_ understand something.

This latter bit is wonderfully demonstrated by the fact that if you choose an unofficial technique of solving the problem and fuck-up getting a result (because of a trivial mistake for instance), you get exactly zero points.

Personally I don’t think that’s int he spirit of what university was supposed to teach me …

That’s what I liked about the programming classes, even though I got the final answer completely wrong, even though I didn’t finish the assignment in time etc. I got straight A’s.

We should be rated on understanding rather than solutions. Solutions are meaningless in this setting, nobody has a need for them.

(you can tell I get a lot of bad grades because I screw up basic addition and such huh? )

By: gasper_k

gasper_k — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 21:27:02 +0000

Depends on how you define “conquer” and where do you put the limit “this much knowledge is sufficient”, but for the most possible meanings, I disagree; you can’t learn it in a week. Also, its application far exceeds just graphics, it’s also important in physics simulators, for example. Understanding it very well is the key to write proper algorithms to deal with the computational overhead of truly precise calculations, that can’t be done sufficiently fast. Space partitioning, collision detection, and many more. And of course it doesn’t stop with games, it’s just that this is the most obvious application of the field. Text analysis is another example, where LA can be used as the base for the algorithms.
The reason they’re teaching the subject in such detail (it was even more detailed when I was a student there) is that it gives a broader perspective and enough base knowledge for someone who is interested in it. Not every subject is for everyone, but when a student finishes the university, he (she?) should have enough knowledge in every field, whether it fits his (her) personal interest, or not. It’s actually the whole point of studying on that level; getting a wider perspective and with that an option to choose what you like — and at the same time not lack knowledge in any of concerning fields that might cross your path one day. Who knows, maybe in three years time you’ll end up working on some research in a laboratory somewhere?

By: Swizec

Swizec — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 21:31:50 +0000

Oh the normal maths people are fucking amazingly awesome. It’s just the linear algebra guys who are crazy nazis.

And contrary to popular belief, I actually love maths even though I find it a difficult subject to sit exams on, and yes, I do know linear algebra is gravely important in graphics engines, but guess what, vectors and matrices aren’t that difficult to figure out how to use. You can have them conquered in a week.

It’s all that other crap, is this a vector space, is that a base kernel whatnot of that matrix, is that matrix a vector subspace of that equation system from mars breeding together with that venetian teacher of poetry … THAT’s the seriously fucked up shit I will never, ever, in my life understand nor need.

By: gasper_k

gasper_k — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 08:12:23 +0000

I’m quite surprised. In my experience, math tutors on FRI were the best there was. Always willing to help (to the extent of giving us their home phone numbers if we’d need help while learning).

I also think math is very important as a basis for advanced computer development. For example, 3D programming is actually applied linear algebra, without it, you seriously lack understanding of the basics.

I’m sorry you had this experience, you’ll get it done next time. Bear in mind that, even though this exam is rated only 4.5 points, it is important. Also bear in mind that I’m biased towards mathematics. It’s my sweet spot.

By: kitschmaster

kitschmaster — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 20:22:32 +0000

Now I understand. When I was taking that exam, the rules were simpler, there was alot of cheating.

Maybe just because they did not like it. Seems they still do not like it.

Anyway, I think exams are stupid in a general sense. They should be replaced with practical implementation tasks.

I think you will transcend this shit the second time anyway.

Great article. Thanks!