Mathématiques

On my first day of school, after accidentally being brought to the wrong class, I walked into math. I had heard that Europeans were far better at mathematics and sciences than Americans, so I expected the lessons to be impossible to follow with my level of french. Fortunately, I am in the literature (L) section, and the math enthusiasts are in the science or economics divisions. I also only have 3 hours a week.

<- Here is a random page from my textbook!
In France math isn't divided into algebra, geometry, etc, but so far the course material seems similar to trigonometry, which I took last year. Therefore, I usually have a pretty good idea what's going on even though the lesson's in french. It's the only class where I can explain to other people rather than vice versa.

My professor assured me I can ask him if I don't understand something, and the atmosphere is relaxed enough that I can ask the people next to me too. Math might be my most casual class, which is useful because we can figure out the problems together if needed. 

Still, that doesn't mean it's easy. On our first test I misinterpreted the directions and received a 3.5/10, with the remark, "Attention, vous ne répondez pas à la question posée." Whoops.

Obviously, the most difficult type of question is a word problem. Word problems are much more common here than in American high school. For example, yesterday we were tested on percentage of augmentation and reductions. One question, although I understood all the words, bewildered me. It seemed to be asking this: "If 5% of L are boys and if 8% of boys are in L, there is necessarily more boys than students in L."

Well there can't be more boys than students, can there? I raised my hand. " Pardon, Monsieur, je crois que je comprends pas la neuvième question." He tried to explain, I got it wrong anyway. Ah well. 

In class we work out of the textbook (which is developed for ES and L students), take notes (thankfully from the board), and complete problems on the chalkboard. There's not too much homework, but the few tests given are important. 

I realize my notes may look OCD to Americans… I'll explain that tomorrow. I haven't had a lot of time to post lately but I'll try to keep up better than I have. :)