Am I doing folks homework for them?

Question

As a chemist I had to check out the 'chemistry' section of Yahoo questions. I figured I would tackle a few questions as a way to repay the folks that have been answering my 'lawn and garden' questions. I do believe that we chemists are doing the homework for the next batch of chem graduates. I hope they are thinking about their questions critically and not blindly posting them.

This is really an inappropriate post, but this seemed to be the place to hit the right audience.

Be well all,
-B

Answer 1

Well, actually I agree, but sometimes people are just curious. It's nice to pass on useful information, but when students provide a really difficult equation, or ask someone to solve a very specific science or math question for them, it's natural to wonder if that person's just using you (and others) to do their homework.

And I also hope people are thinking critically, because some of the questions on this site are absolutely ridiculous, and the answers are even worse at times.

Answer 2

Absolutely true!
(And I resent it...)
I do all the science and maths questions, for fun (I am a Polytechnic Engineer, PhD, teacher, and 40 years experience in the fields.)
Questions are asked by different people, for different reasons:
I ask some because I am curious, or I have forgotten something.
But when I see a question like:
"3. What is..."
I know that it is a student doing a cut and paste for his homework!
We, with the knowledge and a duty to TUITION, should NOT give the answer, but GUIDANCE toward the solution.
Maybe the age of the asker should be displayed.
If the asker is 15, no answer, just guidance.

But, well...

Answer 3

What i realized is that a function is largely a function it really is contained in the type of a line. The function is y=mx+b. The x fee is the autonomous variable, and the y fee is the depending variable. One y fee received't address 2 x values. An get mutually is that y=2x+5 is a function, and in case you gave in a random wide type for x, like 5, then the y will be 15. so that you'll plot that on the graph: 5 for x, 15 for y. Inversely you'll locate the x when you're given y=15 and in no way x=5. on your get mutually: 4x-7y+15=10, THE NUMBERS that you flow TO the alternative aspects will be higher through -a million. so 4x-7y+15=10 enable's keep the y's on the left, x's and others on the right. -7y=10-4x-15 you flow the 4x and the 15, they're both higher and develop into detrimental numbers. y=(10-4x-15)/(-7) the rule of thumb is in case you divide one facet through a wide determination, you should divide the different facet too. similar rule in case you want to multiply both facet. the following we divide both facet through -7. 2. the intercepts are the values which will contact the graph on the x and y lines. so for x+y=5 to locate the cost that y is even as the line touches the graph, you supply x=0. so 0+y=5 y=5 coordinates (0.5) to locate the cost that x is even as the line touches the graph, you supply y=0 so x+0.5 y=5 coordinates (5,0)

Answer 4

I think we should strive to explain how to get the answer, and not give the actual answer if it's obviously a homework question. At least if it doesn't show the poster has put some thought into it first. I'm sure some do just paste the question in without trying.

Answer 5

You can sometimes tell the homework questions from the others by the phrasing. On the scripted questions just lead them a little.

Answer 6

Yes, lol. Have definitely noticed this as some of the questions sound suspiciously familiar (high school/university?). Now, if some NASA engineer were to post questions here I would be really worried, lol!

Answer 7

I've noticed that too... not specifically in the "Chemistry" section, but all over... particularly in the Education sections. I wish people would do their own homework.

Answer 8

I do that for math sometimes..but only when I really can't figure it out...so yes, you may end up being the reason some people graduate.

Answer 9

i get a feeling if i think it's homework and generally try to encourage them along the right path without giving them the answers..

i have no problem HELPING with homework.. but DOING it? nah.. not my style.

Answer 10

i think that you are helping people a little too much. perhaps you should give them a web address that could help them, don't just give them the answers.