Mathematics Study: How to Master the Theory

[Advent]

Hi!

I'm wondering how do we study mathematics. If the book has exercises, after reading (maybe several times) the theory, you can go and do the exercises. If the book is only theory and no exercises, how do you check your understanding on the subject?

 

[CaptainBlack]

Hi!

I'm wondering how do we study mathematics. If the book has exercises, after reading (maybe several times) the theory, you can go and do the exercises. If the book is only theory and no exercises, how do you check your understanding on the subject?

You read maths books with a pad and pen and derive things yourself as you go.

CB

 

[alexmahone]

If the book is only theory and no exercises, how do you check your understanding on the subject?

I learn maths by doing the exercises.

If your book is only theory and no exercises, maybe you should get an "exercise book". (Out of curiosity, which is this "theory book"?)

 

[Sherlock1]

I learn maths by doing the exercises.

If your book is only theory and no exercises, maybe you should get an "exercise book". (Out of curiosity, which is this "theory book"?)

I agree. I don't remember ever understanding a maths topic without doing a large number of problems.

 

[pickslides]

I agree. I don't remember ever understanding a maths topic without doing a large number of problems.

Fair comment, you'll find through your journey of Math education that there is less empathsis on this.

The two reasons are 1) as the topics become more advanced the amount of work required to solve problems also increases and 2) there is an assumption on prior learning that will always be there to help you.

 

[Monoxdifly]

I agree. I don't remember ever understanding a maths topic without doing a large number of problems.

I have worked in a book publisher which makes theory books and one of the rules is no exercises, just examples.