I want to study applied mathematics on my own

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around self-study in applied mathematics, specifically addressing the starting point for a student with a basic understanding of calculus. The scope includes recommendations for resources and foundational topics necessary for further study.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Conceptual clarification, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to study applied mathematics independently but is uncertain about how to begin.
  • Another participant suggests that the starting point depends on the individual's current knowledge and educational background.
  • A participant indicates familiarity with basic calculus and being in 11th grade.
  • It is proposed that a comprehensive understanding of calculus, including differentiation, integration, series, sequences, and multivariable calculus, is essential for further study in mathematics.
  • A specific resource, Keisler's calculus book, is recommended for its unique approach to calculus using infinitesimals, which some participants argue may provide better intuition and historical context.
  • Another resource, Lang's First Course in Calculus, is mentioned as an alternative, though it is noted that its treatment of limits and continuity may be insufficient for some learners.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of a solid foundation in calculus for studying applied mathematics, but there is no consensus on the best resources or approaches to take, as different recommendations are provided.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored the prerequisites for understanding calculus or the implications of different approaches to learning it. There may be assumptions about the learner's comfort with various mathematical concepts that are not explicitly stated.

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i want to study applied mathematics on my own, but i don't know where to start
 
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That depends on "where" you are right now. What mathematics do you already know, and what level of school are you in, or have completed?
 
i know a little bit of calculus, I'm in 11th grade
 
Then you'll need to start with understanding all of calculus. That is: differentiation, integration, series, sequences and multivariable stuff. This is very much essential to mathematics.

I recommend you start with the book of Keisler: https://www.math.wisc.edu/~keisler/calc.html It gives awesome intuition for calculus. It deals with two very different approach to calculus, both standard and nonstandard (but focuses on the latter). That is: it accepts infinitesimals and does most calculations with them. The benefit is that
1) This is how calculus was historically developed.
2) It is more intuitive than the standard epsilon-delta approach
3) It is easier to give rigorous proofs than in the standard approach (except for some easy-to-believe facts)
4) Infinitesimals are still used widely in a lot of math and physics

If you do not feel comfortable learning about infinitesimals, then I recommend Lang's First course in calculus. This is also a very decent book, but his treatment of limits and continuity is a bit too brief.
 

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