I want to be a physicist but I'm not good at math

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Studying physics requires a solid understanding of mathematics, including calculus, differential equations, and linear algebra, but one does not need to be naturally talented in math to succeed. Math skills can improve over time with practice, and resources like Serge Lang's books and Khan Academy videos can be helpful. Many students find the challenge lies not in understanding the basic concepts but in applying them mathematically, particularly when deriving equations from word problems. Success in physics often hinges on the ability to manipulate equations and condense problems into mathematical form, which can be a significant hurdle for some learners. Understanding the material thoroughly is crucial for effectively navigating these challenges.
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I always think if is it hard if you are not good at math
 
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TheUberPhysics said:
I always think if is it hard if you are not good at math

You don't need to be naturally talented at math to do physics, and your math ability is not static either. Yes, you'll need lots of math to study physics (calculus, differential equations, linear algebra are the basics); look up books by Serge Lang and videos by Khan Academy and start practicing.
 
clope023 said:
You don't need to be naturally talented at math to do physics, and your math ability is not static either. Yes, you'll need lots of math to study physics (calculus, differential equations, linear algebra are the basics); look up books by Serge Lang and videos by Khan Academy and start practicing.

Thanks dude
 
I'm taking a college level physics I course right now, and I find it pretty challenging.

The actual figuring isn't hard for me. (Unless you have problems with trig, like me. :D)

It's deriving the pieces of the equation that proves to be tough. You've got to know the material pretty solid, because much of it seems to just build on the previous matter. You are given a few figures as a word problem, and may have to plug that into 3 or 4 different formulas to get your final answer. All the while manipulating the equations as you go to find what you need.

The actual concepts are easy to understand (You have an idea of what something is going to do just by envisioning it,) but it's taking the problem and condensing it into mathematical form that is the kicker. (For some, I guess... There are those in my class who have the opposite problem.)

I would say that it's where the rubber meets the road when it comes to math. You have to know your concepts well enough to be able to pull constants and variables out of formulas to find what you need.
 
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