How can I self-teach physics with only an 8th grade math education?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on how a high school student with an 8th grade math education can self-teach physics and cosmology. Participants explore recommendations for foundational math resources and strategies for learning physics alongside mathematics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to self-teach physics and seeks book recommendations to build a foundation in mathematics.
  • Another participant recommends "The Art of Problem Solving" by Lehoczky/Rusczyk as a crucial resource for developing math skills necessary for science, emphasizing its value based on personal experience.
  • A different participant suggests that the math required for physics should be integrated into the learning process, referencing a specific book that covers math through grade 12.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of building a solid math foundation for studying physics, but specific recommendations and approaches vary.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention personal experiences with educational resources, but there is no consensus on the best approach or specific materials beyond the recommendations given.

brenneng
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
I am a high school student interested in physics and cosmology, but only have a math education that goes up to 8th grade (linear equations, just real simple stuff) I think I'm pretty goodarn at self teaching and want to get some books so I can work my way up to understandino physics.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Sorry for the typos...
 
The number one reccomended math books to create a foundation for any math/science future are the, Art of Problem Solving by Lehoczky/Rusczyk. http://www.artofproblemsolving.com/Store/contests.php. Buying the first and second volume together with the solution books was the BEST investment for my education I had ever made. I am currently a senior in high school and I wish somebody told me about these books earlier in my life.
 
brenneng said:
I am a high school student interested in physics and cosmology, but only have a math education that goes up to 8th grade (linear equations, just real simple stuff)

You should think of the math needed as part of learning the Physics. This book, for example, covers math through grade 12:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0387967877/?tag=pfamazon01-20
 
Last edited by a moderator:
brenneng said:
I am a high school student interested in physics and cosmology, but only have a math education that goes up to 8th grade (linear equations, just real simple stuff) I think I'm pretty goodarn at self teaching and want to get some books so I can work my way up to understandino physics.

The number one reccomended math books to create a foundation for any math/science future are the, Art of Problem Solving by Lehoczky/Rusczyk. http://www.artofproblemsolving.com/Store/contests.php. Buying the first and second volume together with the solution books was the BEST investment for my education I had ever made. I am currently a senior in high school and I wish somebody told me about these books earlier in my life.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
8K
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
9K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
8K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
6K