Re-Learn Math for Physics Olympiad

[zero00]

Hi, PF

Currently I am trying to re-learning high school mathematics (because my high math school is bad) for university physics Olympiad in my country, the topic to be tested is.

1. Mechanics
2. Electromagnetism
3. Thermodynamics
4. Statistical Physics
5. Quantum Mechanics
6. Modern physics

My plan. First, I will be learning about learning how to learn, second, I will enrol Introduction to Mathematical Thinking Course and then I will re-learn high school mathematics. My questions is :
1. Do you have recommendations (books) for re-learning high school mathematics from algebra to calculus or is out there available books that cover all high school mathematics ?
2. Do you have recommendations (mathematics books) for all or each topic above?
3. Do you have suggestions or critics about my plans?

Thanks.

 

[jedishrfu]

I would go to the site mathispower4u.com and start off going through each video. Since you're trying to do this without a teacher then going through each video makes sense.

While self learning can work using books, getting a kind of feedback of doing a problem in a video and then seeing how its solved will really help you progress. The videos are listed and are quite complete.

Alternatively, you could consider khan academy videos as well.

At the high school level, you'll need to be familiar with:
- algebra
- geometry
- trignometry
- precalculus

At the college level:
- Calculus 1,2,3
- differential equations
- linear algebra
- statistics

A good study guide would be:
- Schaums Outlines Physics for Engineering and Science
- or the AP/IB Physics book by Tsokos (1st year college Physics)

Of course, you'll need to go over some Physics Olympiad problem sets and learn how to take the test ie best practice test strategies.

Remember to be insistent, persistent and consistent in your studies ie insist that your studies take priority, persist don't put them off, practice consistently on a daily basis.