An amazing thing happened. I just turned 28 and was bored at the bookstore browsing the math section. I picked up a book promising clear explanations and to demystify mathematics. In college I took upto Multivariate Calculus and admit that all of it was a mystery-I basically memorized paterns to finish out the problems (about C level performance). I didn't really understand what it all was or how it could be used. In my older years I am starting to develope a strong interest in hard sciences. Topics that are tangible and quantitaive are increasingly catching my interest. I'm really interested in time and physics and math seems to be the tool of the trade. Not wanting to fork out the cash or spending the time to do college all over again, how can I best pursue a personal study of mathematics? There seem to be many topics and paths in the field-which path (from bottom to top so to speak) is best? Would someone with more experience make an outilne for this along with some suggestions?
2006-12-12 06:06:58 · 5 answers · asked by jennifer_weisz 5 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
I recommend you the first link which is an unconventional on-line self-study course of Calculus. It is funny and the explanations are very clear and thorough. It has a lot of worked-out exercises and it highly increased my interest in mathematics. Its most important message is that you shouldn't be scared of math.
For Linear Algebra, I recommend you the second link, which is an excellent series of video lectures by professor Gilbert W. Strang at MIT. He is an excellent didact and it radiates from the video material that he loves the subject. It is not too fast and very comprehensible, and very interesting, as well.
After studying Calculus and Linear Algebra, you can move on to other topics like Probability or Differential Equations (if you're interested in Physics).
Good luck and enjoy doing mathematics! It is the best when you do it for yourself and find joy in it without any obligations.
2006-12-12 06:22:17 · answer #1 · answered by ted 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've run into some good books. Isaac Asimov wrote a book titled something like 'Numbers'... I found it interesting.
Look at some of the books on the shelf at the library. There's one by a guy whose name starts with C, he talks about the history and does have some serious math.
2006-12-12 06:13:58 · answer #2 · answered by modulo_function 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello you can go online at purplemath.com This would be thw least expenses Or do like I did just buy some cheap books and start reading and working the examples that are in the book And like it did me it will eventully come to you
2006-12-12 06:24:57 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Online math courses?
2006-12-12 06:22:50 · answer #4 · answered by fcas80 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try some mathematical puzzles .....
They will help you realise the real use of maths than any thing else
2006-12-13 19:24:43 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋