Absolute Beginner's Guide to Learning Maths & Physics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around recommendations for self-teaching resources in mathematics and physics for beginners with limited prior education. Participants share their experiences and suggest various books, while expressing concerns about their foundational knowledge and the challenges of self-study.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in finding suitable self-teaching resources due to a lack of prior education and suggests that many existing guides are not helpful.
  • Another participant recommends "Fundamentals of Physics" by Halliday, Walker, and Resnik as a potential resource.
  • Several participants inquire about the original poster's current level of mathematical knowledge, specifically regarding calculus.
  • A participant shares their background in education, indicating a basic understanding of mathematics but no exposure to calculus or algebra, and emphasizes the need for self-teaching due to high course costs.
  • Additional book recommendations are provided for foundational mathematics before tackling more advanced physics texts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for foundational resources and express a shared concern about the challenges of self-teaching. However, there is no consensus on specific resources beyond the recommendations made, and differing opinions on the necessary mathematical background for studying physics are evident.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note limitations in their educational background and the challenges of accessing formal education, which may affect their ability to engage with more advanced materials.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals seeking to self-teach mathematics and physics, particularly those with limited prior education or those looking for beginner-friendly resources.

Binky
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For someone (like me) who is fascinated by maths and physics, but has had no education to speak of other than rudimentary basic stuff that was taught in my rather poor comprehensive school, finding a decent way to self teach is a bit daunting.
The 'Dummies' books put me off a bit, I bought a book called 'Basic Physics: a self teaching guide' by Karl F. Kuhn which is great but gives all of the answers right next to the question, which is pointless.

Are there any established books that can be recommended? I stress I am at base level and would like to hear your suggestions. I have looked though the forum and it seems I am in a huge minority as most of you are light years ahead of me.

Thank you
 
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What kind of maths do you know? Do you know any calculus?
 
Mondayman said:
What kind of maths do you know? Do you know any calculus?
Im afraid I am coming late to this. My education is Comprehensive level (If you live in the UK and understand I was inner city schooled in the late 1970's/80's you will know what I am talking about. I have a basic understanding of maths, nothing more. No calculus, algebra or any other branch. Its not that I don't understand, its I haven't had the opportunity to learn and with the cost of courses so high, self teach is the obvious answer.
 
Binky said:
Im afraid I am coming late to this. My education is Comprehensive level (If you live in the UK and understand I was inner city schooled in the late 1970's/80's you will know what I am talking about. I have a basic understanding of maths, nothing more. No calculus, algebra or any other branch. Its not that I don't understand, its I haven't had the opportunity to learn and with the cost of courses so high, self teach is the obvious answer.

I would probably start with learning a bit of math before trying to tackle Resnick and Halliday; something like:
1. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1438001509/?tag=pfamazon01-20
2. https://www.amazon.com/dp/0764119982/?tag=pfamazon01-20
 
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