Optimizing Your Math Study Plan: Tips and Textbook Recommendations

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    Mathematics Plan Study
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around creating effective study plans for mathematics and physics, focusing on recommended textbooks and the order of topics. Participants share their perspectives on the hierarchy of mathematical concepts and the appropriateness of certain subjects within study plans.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks a structured study plan for physics that begins with basic mathematics, including vectors, algebra, geometry, and calculus.
  • Another participant questions the placement of Linear Algebra in a proposed pure math study plan, suggesting it should be prioritized earlier.
  • Concerns are raised about the inclusion of Logic and Set Theory at the beginning of the math study plan, with suggestions that these could be integrated into a discrete math course instead.
  • Some participants express that Category Theory should be placed lower in the study plan, arguing that foundational topics like topology and abstract algebra are necessary before tackling it.
  • There is a discussion about the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed study lists, with differing opinions on the order and necessity of certain subjects.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express multiple competing views regarding the order of topics in mathematics study plans, with no consensus reached on the best approach or the accuracy of the proposed lists.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that the effectiveness of study plans may depend on individual definitions of mathematical proficiency and the specific goals of the learners.

DianaElQassim
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I want to study physics, but I am really not that good in mathematics. I need some sort of a hierarchy or a study plan with good textbooks included. I want to start from the very basics, a study plan that covers everything from vectors, algebra, geometry, to calculus. If anyone could suggest a good study plan with textbooks or even online courses, that would be very helpful.
 
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I also have a related question regarding a ( more pure) math study plan - Her is my list below (I reviewed many sources to arrive at this)...the questions I have are (1) Why is Linear Algebra so late in the list? (2) Is this list accurate?
•Logic
•Set Theory (Set-class Theory)
•The Natural Numbers
•Category Theory
•Order Theory
•Group Theory
•The Integers and Number Theory
•Ring Theory
•The Rationals
•Field Theory
•Point-set Topology
•The Real Numbers
•The Complex Numbers
•Linear Algebra (why so late?)
•Measure Theory
•Real Analysis
•Complex Analysis
•Functional Analysis
•Differential Equations
 
DianaElQassim said:
I want to study physics, but I am really not that good in mathematics. I need some sort of a hierarchy or a study plan with good textbooks included. I want to start from the very basics, a study plan that covers everything from vectors, algebra, geometry, to calculus. If anyone could suggest a good study plan with textbooks or even online courses, that would be very helpful.
How do you mean, "really not that good in mathematics"? Best response depends on knowing what that means for you.
 
heff001 said:
I also have a related question regarding a ( more pure) math study plan - Her is my list below (I reviewed many sources to arrive at this)...the questions I have are (1) Why is Linear Algebra so late in the list? (2) Is this list accurate?
•Logic
•Set Theory (Set-class Theory)
•The Natural Numbers
•Category Theory
•Order Theory
•Group Theory
•The Integers and Number Theory
•Ring Theory
•The Rationals
•Field Theory
•Point-set Topology
•The Real Numbers
•The Complex Numbers
•Linear Algebra (why so late?)
•Measure Theory
•Real Analysis
•Complex Analysis
•Functional Analysis
•Differential Equations

Category theory should be far down the list. Where will you get your examples without topology and abstract algebra? A course on logic seems unnecessary: you learn this while doing mathematics. Same thing with set theory; well maybe some set theory course can be useful later introducing ZFC formally but I think formal set theory will obscure things without the proper background. The set theory course and logic course can be replaced by one discrete math course imo. Also, linear algebra way too late on the list. Can easily be in top 5. Also, all the number systems should be basic and higher in the list. Merge them as one thing.
 
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symbolipoint said:
How do you mean, "really not that good in mathematics"? Best response depends on knowing what that means for you.
The OP is long gone from PF.
 
PeroK said:
The OP is long gone from PF.
Post #3 came on Friday, which was only TWO days ago, and an Alert came to me about this topic; so I HAD a response.
 
Math_QED said:
There can be debated a lot in this list, but my first question:

why would you want to do all this if youCategory theory should be far down the list. Where will you get your examples without topology and abstract algebra? A course on logic seems unnecessary: you learn this while doing mathematics. Same thing with set theory; well maybe some set theory course can be useful later introducing ZFC formally but I think formal set theory will obscure things without the proper background. The set theory course and logic course can be replaced by one discrete math course imo. Also, linear algebra way too late on the list. Can easily be in top 5. Also, all the number systems should be basic and higher in the list. Merge them as one thing.
I really appreciate the reply. This is perfect.
 
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