r/learnmath • u/kelistef New User • 3d ago

Link Post [College: Math] AI reliance when solving homework

/r/HomeworkHelp/comments/1w1k62z/college_math_ai_reliance_when_solving_homework/
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u/AutoModerator 3d ago

ChatGPT and other large language models are not designed for calculation and will frequently be /r/confidentlyincorrect in answering questions about mathematics; even if you subscribe to ChatGPT Plus and use its Wolfram|Alpha plugin, it's much better to go to Wolfram|Alpha directly.

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u/mpaw976 University Math Prof 3d ago

One of the most productive spaces for learning is when you're right at the edge of what you know and the unknown.

But it's also the most uncomfortable spaces to be in. It's very normal to feel frustrated or stupid while being in this liminal space. But work on sitting with this discomfort, and getting more comfortable being at the edge of the unknown.

Whenever you feel adrift, come back to something you know.  Simplify the problem you're working on until you know how to solve it (then slowly add back the complexity). Look for related problems or ideas that you can solve.

Making productive steps forward in the unknown on your own (even very small steps) is so important for learning. Once you get comfortable and experienced enough to take small steps, you start to build up your own map of how things work.