Quote:
Originally Posted by island911
Exactly, zak. .... Zakly ? --oh wait, that wouldn't be perfect grammar, and none would understand. 
I've been a student, and a teacher(engineering). When doing, or grading math problems sloppy syntax is no biggie, as long as people get to where they need to go. --Using math is not the same as publishing math, except for the math geeks, whose heads explode if every little step isn't perfect. (because they are so committed to the structure) |
So English teachers should say syntax "is no biggie" as long as the student gets where they need to go?
Yes, it is important to understand the whats and the whys....but understanding the importance of syntax and using it properly are equally important in a mathematics class. In Shop class, for example, the math syntax is far less important than "getting where they need to go". In most people's every day lives math syntax is far less important than "getting where they need to go". In math class? Syntax is important.