Why do people answer math qeustions on here that they don't know how to do?

Question

I've been looking at some math problems posted by people for help on their homework, but half the people that answer give the wrong answer & steps to do it. If you don't know how to do it just don't even try to help them because you'll only screw them up more & embarass yourself for not knowing how to do a simple algebra problem.

:)

Answer 1

Some people feel a need to help without the ability to do so.
There is a need to be recognized in all of us.

I agree with you 100%.

I always answer the questions that I can tackle.

Otherwise, it is committing a disservice to the students.

Guido

Answer 2

Because you get 2 points for submitting an answer, even if it is only "I haven't a clue".

I know that I have provided a wrong answer or two on a Math question because of sloppiness on my part - I'm not being marked on it, so I'm not too worried about getting the numbers to work out properly. I am more concerned about giving the asker the proper steps on how to do it themselves. To my mind, even if someone provides them with a worked-out answer, they should still work it out themselves or they won't learn anything. If they catch a mistake in the arithmetic, good for them; if they just blindly copy down a faulty answer, then it's their lookout.

Answer 3

I guess everybody makes mistakes.

I remember a professor I had once. The first day we entered class. He was sitting on one of those high, four-legged stools. After we had all taken our seats he smiled and said, "I;m sure you've had Ph.D.s before you who never make mistakes. Well one of 'em isn't before you today." One of the tougher professor's I've had.

I worry that I have made mistakes. But I guess I still make them. First, this site doesn't seem geared for math and science. It doesn't allow graphics, and common symbols have to be cut and pasted. I guess I may misunderstand questions. Second, often it takes me a long time to work out a problem to my satisfaction. The longer it takes, the more opportunity I have to screw up. If I make them, I'm sorry.

That's why I allow people to contact me. Nobody's asked, "Where did you ever come up with that stupid answer?" But one questioner did say he thought my answer was correct and wondered why it disagreed with the book. I told him that I might have made a mistake. But I also said that professors write textbooks, and rely on undergraduate students or TAs to figure out the answers to their sample problems. Proofreaders know English, but they don't usually know math, so some mistakes get by. His decision was to go with my answer since it seem to agree with the majority of answers. Besides, he couldn't get the book answer either... which was why he asked the question here.

I read a book when I was a kid of about 12. In one of the chapters it dealt with complex variables. In one example they multiplied by i incorrectly. So I sent the publisher a note that it was incorrect. I recently saw the book again... with the error. Guess they didn't want to listen to a kid correcting a Ph.D. Since then I've taken courses in complex variables. That dumb kid was correct, and their Ph.D. was wrong.

Answer 4

Well thats bound to happen, even to those who can do math very well. Fortunately, many math problems can be checked and verified.

Answer 5

Because answering gives you 2 points (*Nerd Alert!*)

Answer 6

because x = 4

Answer 7

Probably because they think it's the right way of doing it.

Answer 8

well thats easy...they just want the Y!A points HAHA...like the one im answering right now

Answer 9

Mainly because they think they know more than they really do.

Answer 10

i feel you girl if you are not sure don't answer.....