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# Having Trouble Adapting Discrete Mathematics

1. ### Monster92

43
Ok, so I'm having difficulty adapting to subjects like set theory etc.

For example this question:

L.{A,a} = {A, a, b, ab, ba, aba}

Find L

Now, I know the answer but it was a battle getting there. It took me 30 mins before giving up and turning on my PC. I got annoyed so much that didn't know the answer I started to type the question in notepad ++ and within 3 mins I got the right answer.

I just can't seem to adapt to the notion of 'no order'...what the hell :(

My tests are paper based, any ideas?

2. ### micromass

18,725
Staff Emeritus
I don't understadn what you mean with $L.\{a,A\}$... What is L, what is . ??

Anyway, discrete math will take some time to get used to. The only way to get used to it is by making lots of exercises. You can't expect being a pro in math immediately, it will take many many years.

A thing you should do now is:
1) Asking yourself why it took you so long. Could you have done it faster??
2) Can you use the style of thinking to solve other problems?? (= can you generalize)
3) Solve the same problem (or something similar) tomorrow

Eventually, after a lot of practise, you'll get there!!