Mathematica was my tool of choice. I could plot, Manipulate and visualize things. That was very powerful for learning quickly and getting a "feel" for things.
The ability to check if my work was equivalent to the initial and final equations meant I could catch mistakes when I was stumped and trace through my work. I could see where I messed up. When practicing for exams, I would make mental notes of common errors or properties I forgot, and write a portion of "misc idiot lapses" on part of my crib sheet.
The ability to check if my work was equivalent to the initial and final equations meant I could catch mistakes when I was stumped and trace through my work. I could see where I messed up. When practicing for exams, I would make mental notes of common errors or properties I forgot, and write a portion of "misc idiot lapses" on part of my crib sheet.