I just received the following email from Mystery Student, Alex:
Hi marty,
I’m currently taking Spec 3&4 and just had a couple of questions reading this post.
For testing linear dependence, you recommended using a ‘3×3 determinant’. I was just a bit confused, and I’m always looking for areas to improve my knowledge, blah blah blah.
Do you have any other areas that make questions more efficient that are glossed over by VCAA or textbooks?
Thanks a bunch 🙂
I answered Alex briefly on the determinant question, but there are obviously readers much better informed than me about helpful tips and tricks for Specialist. And, in any case, such questions are best replied to by the crowd.
So, please make your suggestions in the comments below, including answering Alex’s specific question.
If the post takes off then I’ll perhaps try to categorise and summarise the suggestions in updates to the post. Also, if people think a companion Methods Tips post is worthwhile I’m happy to do that (although the worth of that is less obvious to me).