I need some orientation for Physics Major

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics major seeking guidance on reinforcing foundational math skills, particularly in algebra, trigonometry, and vectors, due to challenges faced in catching up after a significant gap in education and personal health issues. Participants share resources and suggestions for study materials and online courses.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Homework-related, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster expresses difficulty in foundational math skills affecting their physics studies, particularly in vectors and algebra.
  • Some participants suggest specific online resources, including Purplemath for algebra and geometry, Stewart's Calculus textbook, and a vector calculus textbook by Susan Jane Colley.
  • Others mention the ALEKS online system as a tool for personalized practice but note challenges in accessing it due to cost and usability concerns.
  • A participant highlights the importance of identifying specific areas of weakness, such as factoring, to focus their studies effectively.
  • There are mentions of free trials for ALEKS, but the original poster indicates financial constraints that may limit access to paid resources.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for foundational reinforcement in math for physics studies, but there is no consensus on the best approach or resource, as different suggestions are provided without a clear preference established.

Contextual Notes

Some resources suggested may not be universally accessible due to financial constraints, and the effectiveness of the recommended materials may vary based on individual learning styles and needs.

Who May Find This Useful

Students in physics or related fields who are struggling with foundational math concepts and are seeking resources to improve their understanding and skills.

sappho.poiesis
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Hello everyone,

It's been a long time since I last posted in the forum, but I no longer have internet at home nor a lot of time either.

I'm majoring in physics, I've done pretty well so far, but it's been harder for me than it should be.

This is the consequence of two things:

First, I spent a lot of time in between high school and enrolling in a university.

So I forgot about everything I studied in high school, specially math and chemistry.

The other problem is I suffer from narcolepsy, so I missed classes in high school because of that.

So I've had a hard time in college catching up. I don't have trouble understanding what I'm being taught (like integrals or what they are etc), but I lack of an adequate math foundations. In physics for example I struggle with vectors. And in general I have some algebra and trigonometry problems.

My college teachers are there to teach me college calculus, not high school math or algebra. I've tried to "catch up" on my own, but I've found it difficult in the sense I don't know exactly what I should study, or the books I've found only cover subjects I already handle good enough. So I really don't know what to do.

I tried to pay for extra classes to a teacher but either he explains things I don't need to get explained or says my questions are too simple and I better read a book.

Other issue I had is with nomenclature in chemistry.

Anyways, could any of you give me any sort of orientation as to what subjects do I need to reinforce? what are good textbooks to achieve that? Or any online courses? I enrolled in some online courses in edx but I ended up with the same problem, the algebra I took taught me stuff I already knew.

So honestly I'm desperate and I really need to catch up. I really would appreciate all the help given.

Thanks a lot.
 
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It's an online system that is smart enough to figure out which areas you need more practice in.
 
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Hey there,
Here are some resources that I have found helpful in the past:
1. http://www.purplemath.com/
purple math is great for any algebra or geometry review
2. http://www.cengagebrain.com/content/stewart97815_0538497815_01.01_toc.pdf
this a pdf of Stewart, Calculus 7e edition (my personal favorite calculus book)
3.http://www.scribd.com/doc/98194372/Vector-Calculus-Susan-Jane-Colley#scribd
this is a pdf to a vector calculus textbook. The first chapters should give you a solid base on vector properties, etc.
4. Khan academy is also a great tool for both math and physics

I hope you get caught up quickly!
 
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Dr. Courtney said:
It's an online system that is smart enough to figure out which areas you need more practice in.

I browsed the web and tried to figure it out but I don't know how to use the system,I just see the list with the subjects but don't know what else to do. :(

huntermux said:
Hey there,
Here are some resources that I have found helpful in the past:
1. http://www.purplemath.com/
purple math is great for any algebra or geometry review
2. http://www.cengagebrain.com/content/stewart97815_0538497815_01.01_toc.pdf
this a pdf of Stewart, Calculus 7e edition (my personal favorite calculus book)
3.http://www.scribd.com/doc/98194372/Vector-Calculus-Susan-Jane-Colley#scribd
this is a pdf to a vector calculus textbook. The first chapters should give you a solid base on vector properties, etc.
4. Khan academy is also a great tool for both math and physics

I hope you get caught up quickly!

Thank you, I will work with that! I've done well so far but it's been rally extenuating, I want to do as much as I can during my vacations :) So next semester I can simply focus on my subjects and not trying to catch up as I go!
 
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In order to use the ALEKS system you need to pay for a monthly membership but they also have free trials on the site.
 
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Ohhh. Well I didn't find any free trials nor way to pay for a membership either. Although I'm afraid I might not be able to pay for it. A monthly salary in my country is roughly 10 US dollars. But the other information given is very helpful thank you, I'll go from there.
 
huntermux said:
Hey there,
Here are some resources that I have found helpful in the past:
1. http://www.purplemath.com/
purple math is great for any algebra or geometry review
2. http://www.cengagebrain.com/content/stewart97815_0538497815_01.01_toc.pdf
this a pdf of Stewart, Calculus 7e edition (my personal favorite calculus book)
3.http://www.scribd.com/doc/98194372/Vector-Calculus-Susan-Jane-Colley#scribd
this is a pdf to a vector calculus textbook. The first chapters should give you a solid base on vector properties, etc.
4. Khan academy is also a great tool for both math and physics

I hope you get caught up quickly!

Hey thank you again. With your help I find ally determined my problem lies in factoring. At least now I know what I need to learn :D
 
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