Argh, why can't I ever figure out plot2d/find_root/etc

Sheldon,

You should not have to do any of the things you mention in your email
(temporary variables etc.).

Instead of vaguely alluding to execution time and makelist (neither of
which, I suspect, is the root of the problem), why don't you share
your specific problem with the list and we can try to find the
problem, whether it is in your code or in Maxima?

The basic principle in reporting problems is to include enough
information to *reproduce* the problem (not just describe its
symptoms).  Please see
http://www.math.psu.edu/glasner/Max_doc/faq.html#Bugs%20and%20other%20problems0
for fuller guidance on bug reporting.

             -s