<p>I think it's fine to ask these questions, just be clear about what you're doing.  You should include the <code>[self-study]</code> tag, and show your work, state what you understand thus far, etc. Despite the fact that this isn't actually for a university course, people may choose to provide hints only.  </p>

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<p><em>Update:</em>  I had missed your comment.  Just so you know, another option is to answer your own question with your answer.  That is completely acceptable here.  Whether it will better suit your purposes, I don't know, but you could try it if you like.  </p>
