The discussion centers on the challenges and experiences of being a math major, highlighting the unique mindset and skills required for success in this field. Participants share insights on the complexities of mathematical proofs, the extensive use of paper for calculations, and the perception of math by non-majors. Key points include the necessity of deep thinking in mathematics, the enjoyment of advanced concepts like non-Euclidean geometries, and the common misconceptions held by those outside the discipline.
PREREQUISITESMath majors, educators, students considering a mathematics degree, and anyone interested in the cognitive and cultural aspects of mathematics.
jedishrfu said:The introverted mathematician looks at his shoes as he/she walks.
The extroverted mathematician looks at other people's shoes.
1. Your non-math/science major friends don't understand the fact that you have classes on Friday when they never do.
2. Because of this, their regular Wednesday complaints about how they wish they didn't have their one Thursday class get old really fast, especially when you are trying to study for the three exams you have Friday. After a while, this is your response to them:
3. If you tutor another student, you spend most of the time tutoring thinking to yourself about how much you wish math was still this simple.
4. Thanks to math problems that take multiple pages, you go through at least a tree's worth of paper each week.
5. You know the above statement is not an exaggeration (OK maybe it is, but not by much!).
6. You solve problems with more letters than numbers in them.
7. In fact, you sometimes solve problems where numbers don't even exist.
8. This hyperbolic maze will drive you crazy, and you'll quickly become addicted (and frustrated) with it.
9. You question your sanity.
10. You are intrigued by the Poincaré disk model and other non-Euclidean geometries.
11. Most non-math majors mistakenly think you can do math without it hurting your brain.
12. In reality, this is how you feel during every math class:
13. And you consider it a miracle if you make it through a long day of math classes and homework without feeling like your brain exploded.
14. You've learned not to (or at least you try not to) overthink things because you know it usually makes assignments more difficult.
15. You own multiple calculators.
17. Proofs -- the reason you unofficially have a minor in writing and another reason why you indirectly kill a tree each week.
18. The math problems you have to solve are so complicated, your professor rarely gets through more than two examples in class.
19. You question how the math geniuses that have gone before you came up with these crazy-looking formulas.
20. You enjoy clever things like this limerick: