I am an electrical engineer with M. Sc. I studied calculas, engineering analysis numerical methods, probability and statistics, operation research and many math topics at engineering college. then i joined math department for three years. the new subjects where finite math ,foundations, linear algebra, abstract algebra, real analysis.
I was brilliant in all those subjects
I couldint continue my formalstudy. the remaining subject where topology, differential eqn theory, functional analysis and complex analysis.
Now I am trying to study the remaining subjects my selfwithout a professor. I have difficulity in constructing proofs or solving exercises. In fact i never liked proofs. should i continue my effort or stop to do somthing else.
2006-11-10 13:16:50 · 9 answers · asked by an ugly mind 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
No matter what you choose for a career, you will need to do things you don't like to do. It's a fact of life. If you did well in those subjects, you shouldn't have any trouble with proofs. It's just a way of enforced, documented, systematic thinking. If you don't like proofs, it's more likely a bad experience with a class or a teacher than with the discipline itself. Talk about it with some of your academic friends, either in math or engineering. Work through some examples with them, and they may help you figure out something in your thought process that's throwing you off track.
2006-11-10 13:33:29 · answer #1 · answered by Frank N 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was in a similar situation. I have engineering degrees, including an MS in mechanical engineering and am now in the graduate math program. It's different from the engineering math that I studied. It takes some getting used to. There are some books out that show how to do proofs and are interesting to read. I'm using a book by Paul Halmos to help me with one of my classes now. I think that he may have written something that would help you with proofs.
You can do it, it just takes some readjustment. Once you get the hang of proofs, you'll probably enjoy doing them.
2006-11-10 13:31:17 · answer #2 · answered by modulo_function 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are different ways to explain the same thing. Maybe you should try to rent a math book written by a different author and see if you feel more comfortable with his/her explanation. Since you are doing your best to learn it, it's just about time and you're mastering it. Don't get too anxious ; ) Good luck!!!
2016-05-22 04:05:06 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
We once thought the world was square and we would laugh at anyone who said it was round. You realize what yuo are doing could have no meaning at all in the future. So do something you like in the present. P.S I'm The reverse. Proofs are easy but I hate everything else. It must be just the way a brain works. Bummer.
2006-11-10 14:37:36 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
let me give u a synopsis
there are several methods of proving statements
1. direct proof assume the premises to be. construct a logicallly adequete set of statements which lead to the conclusion being true
2. proof by contadicion assume the premise to be true then derive a series of logical staements which lead to a contradiction of the premise
3. proof by induction show a premise to be true for beginning value then show premise to be true for kth value implies premise to be true for k+1 st value thus premise is true for all values
these are just a few types of proof i suggest examining a 1st semester logic text for an algebraic presentation of what ive said
as an electrical engineer topology shouldt be a neccessity e mail me with any specific questions and i'll send u an answer
2006-11-10 14:23:58 · answer #5 · answered by ivblackward 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you don't like "proofs", you're not a mathematician. I refuse to believe that you were "brilliant" in you math classes (except perhaps in your own mind) if you couldn't produce proofs of any of several standard theorems in abstract algebra, and real analysis.
Stick to engineering... the prostitutes of the scientific world.
2006-11-10 13:27:07 · answer #6 · answered by willismg1959 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you don't like proofs, you can't enjoy pure maths (doesn't mean you can't use it). But you might have a look at George Polya's books "How to solve it", "How to prove it" and "Mathematical discovery" if you want to learn some general strategy of solving/proving.
For studying maths on your own, you might try Schaum's Outlines series.
2006-11-10 13:38:28 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you actually use proofs in the real world? well im in hi skool and we are doing proofs in geometry. I HATE IT. its soo hard (depending on the problem)
so yeah..
I think you should get w/a porfessor (not try urself) and learn it that way. it will help.
2006-11-10 13:25:24 · answer #8 · answered by some1 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋