Navigating Math After High School: Where to Go Next?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the transition from high school mathematics to self-directed learning in higher-level math topics. The original poster has completed college algebra with trigonometry and is seeking guidance on the most logical next steps in their mathematical education.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss potential next subjects, including calculus, geometry, and advanced algebra. The original poster expresses uncertainty about the best path forward and seeks advice on structuring a coherent curriculum.

Discussion Status

Some participants suggest beginning calculus as a natural progression, while others emphasize the importance of understanding the ultimate goals of the original poster's studies. There is an ongoing exploration of various mathematical topics and their sequence.

Contextual Notes

The original poster is self-teaching and is looking for a structured approach to learning math after high school, indicating a desire to avoid random topic selection.

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OK, I'm teaching myself all the stuff I didn't learn in high school. I just finished up college algebra with trig, and now I don't know which way to go from here. I was thinking maybe I should get a good geometry textbook and go with that, or maybe some more trig or more advanced algebra. I don't know. What is the most natural route from one subject to the other?
 
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Calculus.

- Warren
 
Beginning Calculus or "Calculus 1" is the most popular next choice. You could choose Geometry if you did not learn it well earlier, but you just finished studying a "Pre-Calculus" book and this has prepared you for studying Beginning Calculus; best to start it now while you are still fresh. Besides, you can always choose Geometry later.
 
Thanks for the replies, folks! So calculus it is. I have a beginning textbook. So, after that, what is the next natural course? Do I just go on to calc II, or linear algebra, or what? I just want to put together a natural curriculum to follow, and not jump around blindly. What are the tried and true courses?
 
What's your ultimate goal?
 

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