Courses How many steps are needed to memorize in higher level math?

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Higher-level mathematics, such as Calculus 3, does not require memorizing a vast number of steps for equations, contrary to the belief that it may involve 150 steps. The focus should be on understanding the underlying principles rather than rote memorization. A solid foundation in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry is crucial, as calculus builds upon these subjects. Mastery of these fundamentals allows students to navigate problems more intuitively, selecting appropriate steps as needed. If concepts from earlier math courses are forgotten, reviewing them can reinforce understanding and aid memory retention. Ultimately, the number of steps in solving calculus problems can vary among students, with some able to process information more efficiently than others. Emphasis should be placed on learning and comprehension rather than memorization.
Apple_Mango
Hello, I am almost done with Algebra 1. I am curious to know how many steps do higher levels math like Calculus three have. I keep thinking how higher levels maths has 150 steps to memorize just for one equation. I hope my speculation isn't true. How many steps does an equation have once I got to higher levels maths like Cal 3? Are the amount of steps needed to memorize in higher level math as numerous as Algebra 2?
 
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I have found in general that most of the more advanced mathematics really doesn't tax the memory all that much if you understand the principles that it is using. Learning the fundamentals is important, and it is important to have a solid foundation in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry to be ready for calculus. Calculus builds a lot off of these more basic subjects, and if you learn them well, calculus should not be too terribly difficult to understand. If anything, the part of the memory that calculus uses is being able to remember all the algebra, geometry, and trigonometry that you have previously learned. ## \\ ## Editing: One additional tip that may be helpful: If you forget some of the algebra, geometry, and trigonometry a few weeks or months after you have learned it, don't be afraid to go back and review it, and relearn it, if necessary. You are likely to find after relearning it a couple of times, that it really becomes committed to memory.
 
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Apple_Mango said:
Hello, I am almost done with Algebra 1. I am curious to know how many steps do higher levels math like Calculus three have. I keep thinking how higher levels maths has 150 steps to memorize just for one equation. I hope my speculation isn't true. How many steps does an equation have once I got to higher levels maths like Cal 3? Are the amount of steps needed to memorize in higher level math as numerous as Algebra 2?
Even as an EE, I do a lot of manual math in my R&D work. There just don't seem to be too many automated computer tools that can help me do it, so I just work through the problems the best that I can. Here are parts of a calculation from a unique electronic filter design from today...You can see that in the end the solution is pretty obvious, but it takes many steps to get to the final simple solution.

https://i.stack.imgur.com/ZaOE1.png
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Apple_Mango said:
Hello, I am almost done with Algebra 1. I am curious to know how many steps do higher levels math like Calculus three have. I keep thinking how higher levels maths has 150 steps to memorize just for one equation. I hope my speculation isn't true. How many steps does an equation have once I got to higher levels maths like Cal 3? Are the amount of steps needed to memorize in higher level math as numerous as Algebra 2?
No memorizing steps! You will need to UNDERSTAND. You will pick the steps in a problem as you go. Your knowledge and skills in Algebra will allow you to decide on any sequence of steps in a solution process.
 
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Apple_Mango said:
Hello, I am almost done with Algebra 1. I am curious to know how many steps do higher levels math like Calculus three have. I keep thinking how higher levels maths has 150 steps to memorize just for one equation. I hope my speculation isn't true. How many steps does an equation have once I got to higher levels maths like Cal 3? Are the amount of steps needed to memorize in higher level math as numerous as Algebra 2?
STEPS MAY VARY.

Skills among any group of Algebra 2 students will also vary. Some students can make small mental step leaps in their heads better than other students in the group and therefore may need to use fewer steps on paper.
 
Learn, don't memorize.

AppleMango, you've probably put in ten times the effort in avoiding learning algebra than it would have taken to simply learn algebra.
 
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TL;DR: Jackson or Zangwill for Electrodynamics? Hi, I want to learn ultrafast optics and I am interested in condensed matter physics, ie using ultrafast optics in condensed matter systems. However, before I get onto ultrafast optics I need to improve my electrodynamics knowledge. Should I study Jackson or Zangwill for Electrodynamics? My level at the moment is Griffiths. Given my interest in ultrafast optics in condensed matter, I am not sure which book is better suited for me. If...

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