Overcoming Math Fear to Pursue Hobby Engineering

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around an individual's concerns about pursuing hobby engineering due to a lack of confidence in their math and physics background. Participants explore the feasibility of taking community college courses to build foundational knowledge in mathematics and potentially physics, emphasizing the importance of structured learning environments.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a long-standing fear of math and proposes taking community college courses to overcome this fear and gain understanding.
  • Another participant suggests that if the individual can read, write, and reason, they should pursue their goal, although they note the importance of these skills.
  • A participant emphasizes the difficulty in assessing the realism of the individual's goal without knowing their abilities or a specific timeframe.
  • There is a suggestion to start with Algebra I and gauge performance to determine future steps, with a warning that poor performance may indicate challenges ahead.
  • Cost considerations are mentioned, with a recommendation to consult the community college for total costs associated with the proposed courses.
  • Another participant encourages the individual to take advantage of the Physics Forums for assistance with difficult problems, highlighting the community's supportive nature.
  • The individual expresses gratitude and confirms plans to contact their local community college for further information.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the value of community college as a resource for learning math and physics, but there is no consensus on the specific timeframe or cost involved in achieving the individual's goals. The discussion remains open-ended regarding the individual's abilities and the effectiveness of their proposed plan.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the importance of classroom learning versus self-study, but do not resolve the potential challenges the individual may face in their learning journey. There is also an acknowledgment of the varying costs associated with community college courses, which may depend on individual circumstances.

MrCosmic
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Hi, been lurking for 10 years. Never posted.

edx.org has classes on aero/mech engineering. I lack the math and physics background to understand them.
Math has terrified me since the 4th grade. We fear what we don't understand.

I plan to take math classes at my local community college. If I learn it in a class setting, I won't quit like I do trying to learn it on my own. I want to learn.
1.algebra 1-2
2.geometry
3.trigonometry
3.calculus 1-3
4.linear algebra
5.differential equations.
6.MAYBE physics 1-3

I can probably learn the physics on my own or online classes, once I've learned the math.

My questions are. How realistic is my goal? How long will the community college take to learn the math? Cost?

Just for hobby/amateur. Not a career thing. Self enhancement maybe.
 
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If you are still able to read, write, and reason, then go for it. If any of these is lacking, it will be very difficult.
 
MrCosmic said:
How realistic is my goal?
Without a timeframe and some kind of measure of you abilities, it is hard to say.

How long will the community college take to learn the math?
Start with a timeframe that you think is the worst case. Advise that you take Algebra I. See how you fare. If you get an "A" then the expected time will be reduced. If you get a "C" or less, then abandon ship--it will not get easier. It will not cost you much to learn where you stand.

Cost?
The community college can advise on the total cost of your plan.

Just for hobby/amateur. Not a career thing. Self enhancement maybe.
This is my favorite part of your post! Go ahead and do it!
 
MrCosmic said:
Math has terrified me since the 4th grade. We fear what we don't understand.

I plan to take math classes at my local community college. If I learn it in a class setting, I won't quit like I do trying to learn it on my own.
I think this is a good goal. Community Colleges are a great resource, and fairly inexpensive. Take one or two classes in the first term, and see how it goes. I agree that learning in a classroom setting like that will be much more effective for you getting started again, compared to trying to learn on your own.

And please do use the PF as the great learning resource that it is. When you bump up against a hard problem or a new concept that you are having trouble with, post the question in the Homework Help forums using the format of Problem Statement, Relevant Equations, Your Work So Far, and you will get great help. But you already know that, since you've been lurking for 10 years. :smile:

Also, please feel free to send me a PM message if I can help with questions about how to post or other PF issues. Just click on my avatar/username and "Start a conversation". I predict that you will enjoy your classes and your new learning a lot. Have fun! :smile:
 
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Thanks everyone.
I'll call and go to my local Community College.
 
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