I like math but I haven't learned it. Help -- Long Question

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges and strategies of relearning mathematics, particularly algebra and calculus, for an 18-year-old who is considering a path in mechanical engineering. The focus includes personal experiences, resource recommendations, and the importance of foundational math skills for future studies in engineering.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a passion for math and science but regrets dropping math classes, seeking advice on how to relearn algebra and calculus effectively.
  • Another suggests finding a used "college algebra" textbook suitable for non-science majors to help bridge the knowledge gap.
  • It is proposed that Ian Stewart's "Concepts of Modern Mathematics" could serve as a useful roadmap for further mathematical learning.
  • A specific textbook, "Algebra and Trigonometry" by Beecher, Penna, and Bittinger, is recommended for its accessibility and relevance to future studies in linear algebra and calculus.
  • One participant shares their positive experience with Khan Academy, highlighting its interactive nature and comprehensive coverage of math topics, suggesting it as a supplementary resource for exercises.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of discipline and systematic learning in pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, sharing their own experience of transitioning from a different academic focus to advanced calculus in a year.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of relearning math for pursuing engineering, and several resource recommendations are made. However, there is no consensus on the best approach or specific resources, as different participants suggest various textbooks and methods.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations in the discussion include the lack of specific learning plans, potential gaps in foundational knowledge, and varying levels of comfort with different learning resources. The discussion does not resolve which textbooks or methods are definitively best for relearning math.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for high school graduates or individuals considering a career in engineering who need to strengthen their mathematics skills, as well as those seeking recommendations for self-study resources in algebra and calculus.

Septenary
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A lot of people say "I hate math but I like engineering". For me, it's the opposite. I like math & I love learning. I like science & I love astronomy. I'm an 18 year old senior, so I have to choose my path. I'm thinking about going to school for mechanical engineering. I have a passion for cars & learning how stuff works. The problem is the math. I dropped my math class years back, but now I regret it. I've been skimming over some algebra 1 stuff & it looks pretty simple. It's not rocket science :) but I need to learn the basics of it & algebra 2. I'll also have to learn some calculus before school. How should I take this on guys? What would you do? Would you use your summer to learn algebra 1 & 2 and dedicate your life for engineering? Or would you choose another path, especially straight out of high school? If I don't major in mechanical, its going to be either the coast guard or real estate / entrepreneurship. Also, how would you relearn math again quick? Would you use books, if so which ones? I've heard of khan academy, & I enjoy their videos but the content is kind of sporadic. The courses seem to be scattered around.
 
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Find a cheap used "college algebra" text. The type that non-science majors have to take as a class at university. That should be at about the level you need.

Also, some "popular math" books do a bit of teaching at your level.

Ian Stewart's book Concepts of Modern Mathematics makes a pretty good "roadmap" for learning more math beyond high school level algebra.
 
Septenary said:
I'm an 18 year old senior
Do you mean you were a (high school) senior and have just graduated, or you're going to be a senior in the fall?
 
It looks like Beecher, Penna, and Bittinger's Algebra and Trigonometry (4th Edition) is easy to get used at a reasonable price, should be at a level of sophistication you can understand, and contains what you'll need to go further later. That is, it should prepare you for linear algebra, calculus, and abstract algebra if you decide to learn them.
 
jtbell said:
Do you mean you were a (high school) senior and have just graduated, or you're going to be a senior in the fall?
Just graduated high school
 
The Bill said:
It looks like Beecher, Penna, and Bittinger's Algebra and Trigonometry (4th Edition) is easy to get used at a reasonable price, should be at a level of sophistication you can understand, and contains what you'll need to go further later. That is, it should prepare you for linear algebra, calculus, and abstract algebra if you decide to learn them.
Alright thank you!
 
Others know better than me which textbooks you should learn from, so I won't suggest books. One ressource that really helped me when I was learning math in high school (in my case, multivariable calculus) was Khanacademy. Although it's an interactive learning website, it covers pretty much everything you need at your level and it has exercises so that you can check your understanding. Sal is a good teacher and he goes through the material with extreme care and details which is great for someone who hasn't had any exposure to basic subjects like elementary algebra. That being said, if you think his lectures are too slow, go through your textbook of choice and use Khanacademy for exercises. It also has a pretty nice interface which let's you see how far into the course you are: This will help you a lot to stay motivated.

As for your initial question, I definitely think you should pursue Mechanical Engineering as a career if that's what you really want and you're disciplined enough to work hard to achieve it.
As for Calculus, you can learn it in university. I don't think you should worry too much about it for now. Be systematic in your learning, at least until you're well into your undergraduate studies.
If that can help, I was initially a philosophy major in high school (we have majors/specializations in high school in Switzerland), and in one year I learned enough to go from basic algebra to Spivak's Calculus, so it definitely is possible, but you need to be disciplined, as I said before.
Good luck and work hard!

Nathan
 
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