Self-Study Math: Pre Algebra to Integral Calc

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on self-studying mathematics, specifically the progression from Pre-Algebra to Integral Calculus. Key courses identified include Algebra I, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, Calculus I (Differential Calculus), and Calculus II (Integral Calculus). Recommended resources for self-study include the UK GCSE syllabus, MIT OpenCourseWare, Khan Academy, and Open University courses. The importance of structured learning versus self-study is emphasized, with suggestions for both free and paid resources to facilitate learning.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Algebra I and Algebra II concepts
  • Familiarity with Pre-Calculus topics, including Geometry and Trigonometry
  • Basic knowledge of Calculus I (Differential Calculus)
  • Access to online learning platforms such as Khan Academy or MIT OpenCourseWare
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the UK GCSE mathematics syllabus for structured learning paths
  • Utilize Khan Academy for comprehensive tutorials from Pre-Algebra to advanced mathematics
  • Investigate Open University courses for formal education in mathematics
  • Read introductory mathematics books like "The Shape of Space" and "Who is Fourier?" for foundational concepts
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for self-learners, students transitioning from humanities to mathematics, and anyone seeking to build a strong foundation in math before tackling higher-level topics like calculus.

thetexan
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I'm fascinated with math and regret I never really pursued it. I want to self study to bring myself up to the point of being able to understand differential and integral calculus. I was good at algebra but I want to review and study a step by step syllabus.

So what are the areas of math studied in high school and college that takes you from pre algebra to integral calc?

Pre algebra...
...
...
...
Geometry...
Trig...
...
Etc...
Etc...
...
Integral calc
 
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The names of courses could be

Algebra I
Algebra II
Pre-calculus
Calculus I (Diiferential calculus)
Calculus II (Integral calculus)

Often the subjects of geometry and trigonometry are covered in the course Pre-calculus. Some schools have courses titled Geometry and Trigonometry.

Have you studied particular mathematics that you find interesting? Or is it just the general idea of learning mathematics that interests you?
 
There are several areas that interest me but I know I am not ready to pursue them until I brush up on what I should know and study calculus at a minimum.

tex
 
The maths syllabus for the UK high schools is available online here:

http://www.examsolutions.net/maths-revision/syllabuses/GCSE/period-1/Higher/module.php

It's all worked videos, step by step. After "GCSE" there are several A-level modules on the same site.

Might be a good place to start to see what you can do.
 
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There are great online resources from places like MIT: http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/find-by-topic/#cat=mathematics. I would mix it up with more popular books like "The shape of Space" or "Who is Fourier?" (I would suggest starting with what I consider to be easy books, but the last time I did that I got some screams of anguish on how difficult the math was in them. )
 
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There is an huge difference between self-studying and taking a real class. When you're self-studying, you won't feel the sting of a bad grade on a test, which, in a normal class where you must pass, would propel you to studying for ungodly amounts of time out of desperation. The structure of a class is also very important. If you're really set on self-studying, though, I would recommend educator's courses (I have the ones from Pre-Calc, all the way up to Calc II). I think they provide a pretty fair representation of what you'd encounter in a real class, less the tests, of course.
 
Hello:

when I finally decided to study physics, I've noticed that my maths weren't all up to speed due to a background in humanities.

The most helpful website I found for maths is https://www.khanacademy.org/ (of course free). Which is a really good source to study maths from the very beginning up to any level you like. And you can follow from pre-algebra to advanced maths. It has tons of tutorials, as well as step-by-step videos. And you can track your record and see how you performed.
Another good source (also free) is http://alison.com/ here you can register online for courses of several subjects.

I would also recommend Open University. Is no free, but the math courses at level 1 (10,30 and 60 credits) are fascinating and will bring you up to speed with the maths you need at higher levels of physics. Then you can always continue at level II and III. Another option, before you enrol on any course, is to try them for free with http://www.open.edu/openlearn/ also from Open University. And decide if you want to do any.

Hope that helps.
 

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