Mathematics Required for Physics

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A high school student entering grade 11 is eager to learn undergraduate physics topics, including Classical Mechanics, Optics, Thermodynamics, and Quantum Mechanics. They have been studying math through MIT OpenCourseWare, completing Single Variable and Multi-Variable Calculus courses. The student seeks guidance on the necessary math knowledge required for understanding undergraduate physics and recommendations for suitable textbooks. The consensus is that foundational knowledge in Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Differential Equations is essential, with additional topics like group theory for quantum theory and differential geometry for general relativity being useful. Mary L. Boas' and Riley's Mathematical Physics textbooks are recommended as they cover the necessary mathematical concepts for physics undergraduates. The discussion emphasizes the importance of building a strong mathematical foundation to facilitate the understanding of complex physics topics.
narayan.rocks
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Iam a High school Student starting grade 11 this year . I want to learn all undergrad physics chapters like Classical Mechanics , Optics , Statistical Mechanics , Thermodynamics , Electromagnetism , Quantum Mechanics , Solid State physics , Nuclear Physics , Plasma Physics , Relativity etc .
I have been learning math from MIT opencourseware I watch the video lecture / read lecture notes . Then i solve their problem sets and then their exams . I have completed the following courses
18.01 Single variable Calculus
18.02 Multi Variable Calculus

My question is how much math should i know so as to learn and understand all the concepts in undergrad physics . Also Suggest good books . Thank you
 
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yeah thanks , but which one do i choose . Does these books cover all the math required for a physics undergrad
 
In addition to calculus, I would say that only Linear Algebra and Differential Equations are really required for general physics. Work specifically in quantum theory woul require group theory (though probably not the full "abstract algebra") and general relativity uses differential geometry and tensor analyisis.
 
Thanks , so i think i can go with Mary L boas / Riley's Mathematical physics textbooks as they cover almost all of these
 
narayan.rocks said:
Thanks , so i think i can go with Mary L boas / Riley's Mathematical physics textbooks as they cover almost all of these
Surely Mary L Boas is highly Recommended text for Undergrad and want to do more then go to specific/Pure Maths books after that for Linear Algebra/Calculus/DE etc.
 
Hey, I am Andreas from Germany. I am currently 35 years old and I want to relearn math and physics. This is not one of these regular questions when it comes to this matter. So... I am very realistic about it. I know that there are severe contraints when it comes to selfstudy compared to a regular school and/or university (structure, peers, teachers, learning groups, tests, access to papers and so on) . I will never get a job in this field and I will never be taken serious by "real"...
Yesterday, 9/5/2025, when I was surfing, I found an article The Schwarzschild solution contains three problems, which can be easily solved - Journal of King Saud University - Science ABUNDANCE ESTIMATION IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT https://jksus.org/the-schwarzschild-solution-contains-three-problems-which-can-be-easily-solved/ that has the derivation of a line element as a corrected version of the Schwarzschild solution to Einstein’s field equation. This article's date received is 2022-11-15...

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