How to learn higher mathematics? Where to beginn?

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An 18-year-old seeks guidance on transitioning from basic school mathematics to higher mathematics, expressing dissatisfaction with rote memorization and a desire for deeper understanding. They have begun studying mathematical proofs using the book "100% Mathematical Proof" and are unsure if this is the right starting point. Suggestions include exploring MIT's open courseware for comprehensive math resources and working through Spivak's "Calculus" for a solid foundation. Additionally, a request for high school geometry theorems and postulates arises, with recommendations pointing to modern textbooks like the Prentice-Hall Geometry textbook for systematic learning. The emphasis is on the importance of a structured approach to mastering mathematical concepts.
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Hello, I am 18 years old and I am very interested in mathematics.

I have only knowlegde of school-matematics (school-Analysis, school-stochastics and a little bit school-linear Algebra) but that's not really interesting. Its basically memorising given methods to solve exercises instead of really understanding what is behind this methods.

So, basically my question is:

How can I learn higher Mathematics and where to beginn?

In fact I already started by learning mathematical proofs (book: 100% mathematical proof). Is it "right" to start with learning proofs? I just thought it would be good because Univerity Analysis/Algebra-books (like Widder) are very hard to understand for me with my school-knowledge.

What do you suggest?
 
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Have you covered your transcendental functions yet?
 
mmm have I got a site for you, check out MIT's open course site, here is a link to their math courses that have full video/audio:

http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/web/courses/av/index.htm#Mathematics
 
get a copy of spivak's calculus and work through it.
 
List

Does anyone have a list of Theorems and Postulates and the definitions for high school level geometry? I am an Instructional Aide in Spec. Ed. and one of my students is looking for one. Or if you can tell me where I can find one online. I've already been to 'Spark Notes.'
 


litendkns said:
Does anyone have a list of Theorems and Postulates and the definitions for high school level geometry? I am an Instructional Aide in Spec. Ed. and one of my students is looking for one. Or if you can tell me where I can find one online. I've already been to 'Spark Notes.'

An important feeling is that they need to be learned systematically with the normal flow of the course topics. Some modern h.s. Geometry books should have some listings. Look in the Prentiss-Hall Geometry textbook (I believe from year 2003 or 2004). The book is probably one of the best. Therein is found a listing of theorems, but I can not remember if a listing of postulates was also present.
 
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