Best Way to Learn Calculus on My Own?

  • Thread starter Thread starter mrnike992
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Calculus
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around strategies for self-learning calculus, particularly for individuals with limited free time. Participants explore various resources, methods, and the potential benefits of group learning versus self-study.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that joining a group is essential for effective learning, especially with limited time, and emphasizes the need for a disciplined approach.
  • Another participant questions whether learning math in a group is always superior to self-teaching, sharing their own experience with self-study in algebra and trigonometry.
  • It is mentioned that while self-teaching is possible, external input can significantly enhance understanding.
  • Resources such as Paul's Notes and online college courses are recommended, along with the importance of exercises for practice.
  • Some participants note that calculus is often taught alongside linear algebra, suggesting a need for clarity on learning goals.
  • There is a suggestion that crash courses may be suitable for those with very limited time, though the effectiveness may vary.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of group learning versus self-study, with no consensus on which method is superior. Some advocate for group learning while others believe self-teaching can be effective.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the variability in online courses and the importance of matching teaching styles to individual learning preferences. There is also an acknowledgment of the challenges associated with self-study without external feedback.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in self-learning calculus, particularly those with limited time, as well as those considering the benefits of group study versus independent study.

mrnike992
Messages
112
Reaction score
26
Trying to learn calculus on my own. No, I do not have a lot of free time. Yes, I am probably the first person in the universe to *want* to learn calculus, especially on my own. Any good books/websites? Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The best way to learn calculus on your own is to free up some time and join a group.
i.e. the best way is to not do it on your own, with limited free time.

To make good headway, you want a disciplined approach with someone to check your work. You'll want at least 1 hour each week ... formal courses usually have 3 contact hours a week and another two non-contact working on problem solving.

At that rate, it takes most people about a third to half a year to get proficient at 1st-year University level.

Still, you can start out by yourself. Since you are keen and sound inspired you should be able to cover the basics quite fast.

What level of education are you starting at?
What level are you aiming at?

You'll need some notes:
Paul's Notes are generally helpful with the ideas, there are also online college courses that are very good ... but you also need exercises.

Math is Fun pages try to be less serious about the whole thing. BUt if you are dedicated and rally don't have a lot of time, you can try one of the crash courses people offer.

Note: calculus is normally taught alongside linear algebra.
You need to decide what you want to learn for and how serious you are.

The courses online vary a lot so you will need to shop around to match the teachng style to your learning style.
 
Last edited:
Simon Bridge said:
The best way to learn calculus on your own is to free up some time and join a group.

Out of curiosity, do you believe it is always better to learn math in a group, or do you think you can teach yourself the subject? I'm curious because I am currently attempting to teach myself algebra and trigonometry (and eventually calculus).
 
It is possible to teach yourself a subject - but if you do not have the outside input, it is much harder.
It is always best to learn in groups - the experience of explaining stuff to other people is how you gain understanding in a subject.
 

Similar threads

Is this a good self-study program?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
Courses Algebra or Calculus based physics to start with?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Studying Is the suggestion for self-learning mathematics from books wrong?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
AP Calculus BC
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
5K
Re-Learn Math for Physics Olympiad
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Programs From a Nuclear Engineering BS, will I be able to do MS & PhD in Physics?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Studying What Is the Best Path to Learn Math?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Studying How Can I Improve My Vector Calculus Skills for Classical Mechanics?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Studying Ready to start Calculus (I think), but unsure where to start
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
3K
Good Site For Opencourseware At Your Own Pace?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K