Find a Maths Skype Study Buddy for 2014

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around finding a study buddy for mathematics, specifically focusing on precalculus, calculus, trigonometry, graphs, functions, and probability. Participants express their interest in collaborating to enhance their understanding of these topics throughout the year.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Homework-related
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to discuss various math topics to improve understanding, inviting others to join.
  • Another participant offers assistance, citing their university education in mathematics and availability to help, while also noting the non-binding nature of their commitment.
  • A participant mentions the limitations of textbooks and unsatisfactory teaching experiences, indicating a need for guidance.
  • Another participant suggests that forum posts can be used for general questions about mathematical processes, emphasizing the importance of specificity in questions to receive helpful responses.
  • There is a discussion about the dual nature of mathematics, where it serves both as a tool for practical applications and as a subject of intrinsic interest, with varying preferences among individuals regarding these aspects.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the value of collaboration and discussion in studying mathematics, but there are differing views on the approaches to learning and the nature of mathematical understanding.

Contextual Notes

Participants express various assumptions about the effectiveness of different learning methods and the role of personal affinity in understanding mathematics, which may not be universally applicable.

confusedatmath
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Hey guys, I'm interested in having someone who likes maths to discuss maths questions/solutions/concepts with myself.

This is just to improve my understandings over the year.

Message skype name below, or PM me for mine

I'm interested in studying on precalculus/calculus/trig/graphs/functions/probability

IB HL maths students would be welcome, or anyone who is willing to give the above a good shot in 2014 :)
 
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I can try, I have university education in maths, should be able to cover everything you need, will be happy to assist and share insights to the best of my ability, and, more importantly, actually have more free time than I can use (though as usual, don't expect me to be available 24/7, this is not a legally binding contract, etc..)

My skype is "tomcrypto".
 
Thank You! I just need some guidance. A textbook can only do so much, and my teachers have been...hmm...unsatisfactory. :)
 
Well if all else fails, you can always post here. Forum posts do not necessarily just have to be "problems", you can ask more general questions about how or why a certain process works, or clarification on basic concepts.

Of course, it helps to be as specific as you can, so "problem format" seems to work well for "stumbling blocks", if a question is too vague, users might not answer, or not address the matter you actually want the answer to.

Mathematics has sort of a "dual nature", on the one hand it is a means to an end: perhaps to illuminate a physical situation, or model possible outcomes in a game, or economics, or...well, a whole lot of stuff. On the other hand, at its higher reaches, it becomes an "end in itself", studied because of the fascinating internal patterns it displays.

Different people have different affinities for each of these aspects...some are fine with the "definition/theorem/proof" mode, and then go to pieces over "word problems" while others can only get the "gist" of a theorem by seeing how it relates to something actual they can imagine. Despite some opinions to the contrary that some of our posters may hold, each path (applied or pure) is a valid view of things, and sometimes they complement each other rather nicely. You'll have to decide for yourself what floats your boat.

Good luck with your studies, and don't be shy! Everyone has to start somewhere.
 

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