- #1
Headacheguy
- 46
- 0
I lack talent in pure mathematics. (Although applying mathematical methods has been natural for me.) I am a physics freshman. I can prove and I can self [URL='https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/self-study-basic-high-school-mathematics/']study mathematics[/URL] given enough time.
I guess it's still too early to decide, but, I suppose, I'll be doing theoretical/mathematical physics in grad school because I really like mathematics and physics - and I find experiments to be tedious. I am preoccupied with mathematics. I feel that if I don't learn enough pure math I won't be as good in its applications to physics.
The math only courses I'll be taking are Calc I, Calc II, and ODE. The rest are in math methods classes. The curriculum is fixed so I can't do anything about it, besides self studying the gaps.
For instance, in Multivariable Calculus Theory and Application by K. Kuttler linear algebra is required for vector calc. But my other book, cookbook calculus, goes up to stoke's theorem without linear algebra.
I have two options:
1. Study vector calculus without linear algebra.
2. Study linear algebra, then study vector calculus.
The problem is that self-studying is really hard for someone with no formal schooling nor talent for pure mathematics. I also don't have the time. I'm at a loss on which manner should I proceed with my mathematics education.
How should I study math? I.e. do I really need to learn the math or just the methods?
I guess it's still too early to decide, but, I suppose, I'll be doing theoretical/mathematical physics in grad school because I really like mathematics and physics - and I find experiments to be tedious. I am preoccupied with mathematics. I feel that if I don't learn enough pure math I won't be as good in its applications to physics.
The math only courses I'll be taking are Calc I, Calc II, and ODE. The rest are in math methods classes. The curriculum is fixed so I can't do anything about it, besides self studying the gaps.
For instance, in Multivariable Calculus Theory and Application by K. Kuttler linear algebra is required for vector calc. But my other book, cookbook calculus, goes up to stoke's theorem without linear algebra.
I have two options:
1. Study vector calculus without linear algebra.
2. Study linear algebra, then study vector calculus.
The problem is that self-studying is really hard for someone with no formal schooling nor talent for pure mathematics. I also don't have the time. I'm at a loss on which manner should I proceed with my mathematics education.
How should I study math? I.e. do I really need to learn the math or just the methods?