Self-Study Math: Pre Algebra to Integral Calc

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the self-study of mathematics, specifically the progression from pre-algebra to integral calculus. Participants share resources, course structures, and personal experiences related to studying mathematics at different levels, including high school and college.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to self-study mathematics to reach an understanding of differential and integral calculus, seeking a structured syllabus.
  • Another participant outlines a potential course sequence including Algebra I, Algebra II, Pre-calculus, Calculus I, and Calculus II, noting that geometry and trigonometry may be included in Pre-calculus.
  • Some participants mention the importance of brushing up on foundational knowledge before tackling calculus.
  • Resources for self-study are shared, including online platforms like Khan Academy and MIT OpenCourseWare, as well as specific textbooks and websites for UK high school syllabuses.
  • A participant contrasts self-studying with traditional classroom learning, highlighting the lack of pressure from grades in self-study and suggesting that structured courses may better simulate a classroom experience.
  • Another participant shares their experience of needing to improve their math skills due to a background in humanities and recommends various online resources for studying mathematics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of a structured approach to self-study and the availability of various resources. However, there are differing opinions on the effectiveness of self-study compared to formal classes, and no consensus is reached on the best path forward for self-study.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention specific resources and courses without detailing their effectiveness or comprehensiveness, leaving open questions about the suitability of these materials for different learners.

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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