Having a hard time studying maths atm

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on effective strategies for self-studying trigonometry, emphasizing the importance of understanding core concepts rather than memorizing all identities. The participant highlights the pitfalls of perfectionism and the inefficiency of deep dives into topics without a structured approach. Key recommendations include utilizing textbooks, understanding the Unit Circle, and maintaining a regular study schedule with practice problems to reinforce learning. The discussion underscores the necessity of balancing depth of understanding with practical application to avoid wasting time on forgotten material.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic trigonometric functions: sine, cosine, tangent, and their reciprocals.
  • Familiarity with the Unit Circle and its application in trigonometry.
  • Ability to read and interpret mathematical textbooks effectively.
  • Knowledge of basic mathematical proof techniques, particularly in geometry.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Unit Circle and its significance in trigonometric functions.
  • Learn how to effectively use a textbook for self-study, including reading strategies.
  • Research structured study schedules and syllabus creation for independent learning.
  • Practice solving trigonometric exercise problems regularly to reinforce understanding.
USEFUL FOR

Students self-studying trigonometry, educators seeking effective teaching strategies, and anyone struggling with perfectionism in learning mathematics.

nmego12345
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I'm having trouble processing math atm, I'm a perfectionist so each time I delve into a topic on my "self-study" I try to understand all of it. but that generally takes too long a time to focus on other "important" math stuff that actually matters right then

like studying some trig stuff and trying to memorize, understand and prove all the trig identites on the wikipedia page. not to mention that delving relatively deep into some stuff and leaving them for like a month or so to focus on other stuff makes me kinda forget all I've studied once I returned to it 1 month later so I study it again, wasting more time.
 
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You haven't told us which level of mathematics we are talking about, except trigonometry. Trigonometry is full of formulas, and only a few dozen should come automatically to mind: definition of ##\sin \, , \,\cos\, , \,\tan\, , \,\cot##, maybe the addition theorems and antiderivatives, Pythagoras, Thales, some areas and volumes. The rest can be looked up whenever needed.

To understand all of them, it only needs a circle and a right triangular. The rest are more or less deductions from them.

This is what I would do as a general strategy: read over it and try to understand what the goal is and maybe think about yourself how it could be achieved. Only then start reading it in detail. This way you can see what the details actually are good for. You do not have to memorize how Pythagoras or Thales are proven, but their content.
 
nmego12345 said:
I'm having trouble processing math atm, I'm a perfectionist so each time I delve into a topic on my "self-study" I try to understand all of it. but that generally takes too long a time to focus on other "important" math stuff that actually matters right then

like studying some trig stuff and trying to memorize, understand and prove all the trig identites on the wikipedia page. not to mention that delving relatively deep into some stuff and leaving them for like a month or so to focus on other stuff makes me kinda forget all I've studied once I returned to it 1 month later so I study it again, wasting more time.
Too much "stuff". I like fresh_42's comments.

Use wikipedia just as an occasionally convenient reference. Use your assigned textbook and maybe one or two other's (for Trigonometry) that you like. Learn and understand the basic fundamentals, including the use of the Unit Circle. When you read the textbook, you want to read each section two times, while THINKING, and then reread any parts of the section additional times to try to understand better or cut-down some of (but not all of ) the confusion.
...There is more, but not saying right now.

If you are studying Trigonometry on your own not enrolled in a course, then use some actual syllabus and keep a regular study schedule. You must include regular section exercise problems.
 

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