re: #333 Mich-again

I know what you mean. There is checking the math and there is the “sniff test” that doesn’t require a calculator. Like when you figure out the static load on a bridge and its a negative number. Forget partial credit for just getting the sign incorrect.. How could you write down that the net load was in an upward direction? Same for writing down the speed of light is 27 mph. Hello!

Oh yeah. Just pause and think! Sometimes it’s just shocking. In general, any time you get a negative mass, it’s an issue. If you get a speed over C, it’s an issue. If you get that energy is not conserved, it’s an issue.

I can forgive missing a factor of “i” in a non-intuitive calculation. I can forgive missing a factor of 2. I can not forgive handing in an answer that should be obviously wrong if thought about for 2 minutes - unless they write a note that goes, “I know this can’t be right, but I’ve checked my work three times and I don’t see where I messed up.” Then OK. I’ll give them more partial credit than otherwise.