Study, Work, Study, Work...

Alright...the title basically covers what's happened between my last post and now. My life is a timeshare, owned by three entities: Retail Job #1, Retail Job #2, and The Praxis II: Math Content Knowledge Exam.

I've been studying about 1.5-3 hours every day for this blasted thing. Relearning the entire subject of math in 7 weeks is many things, not one of them "easy". At the end of the day though, it's thoroughly motivating, and I'm well aware that this is just a minor obstacle in the grand scheme of things. Just for fun...here are a couple questions from my practice exams:

1. Given the recursive function defined by
f(1) = 1,
f(2) = 2,
f(n) = 2f(n-1) + f(n-2) for n >= 3,

what is the value of f(5)?

A. 5
B. 12
C. 29
D. 70


2. What is the product of complex numbers 2 + 3i and 2 - 3i?

A. -5
B. 13
C. 13-12i
D. 13 + 12i


3. The equation of the line tangent to the graph of y=2x^3 - x + 3 at the point where x = 1 is given by

A. 6x -y = 2
B. 5x - y = 1
C. 5x - y = 5
D. 5x - y = -1


4. Find the area enclosed by the curves y = 2x - x^2 and y = 2x - 4

A. 16/3
B. 32/3
C. 16
D. 64/3



Some are easier than others, but that gives you a general idea of the ridiculous test I'm about to take. Also, keep in mind, I can't even show you 75% of the questions because they involve strange symbols and charts and graphs that this blog won't even let me post. Anyway, if you got 100%, I bow to you, sir.

I take the test on March 13th. That being said, here's a system of equations for you:

March 13th = The day my head explodes
March 13th = My dad's birthday

THEREFORE

The day my head explodes = my dad's birthday

Sorry, dad.

Other than studying, I've been listening to some blues and watching O Brother Where Art Thou in order to get into the Delta state of mind.

Hope all is well.


ANSWERS: (1. C, 2. B, 3. B, 4. B)