Self-Study Math: Pre Algebra to Integral Calc

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The discussion centers on the journey of self-studying mathematics, specifically aiming to master differential and integral calculus. Participants highlight the importance of a structured syllabus that typically progresses from pre-algebra through algebra I and II, geometry, trigonometry, pre-calculus, and finally to calculus I and II. Resources for self-study are emphasized, including online platforms like Khan Academy, which offers comprehensive tutorials from basic to advanced levels, and MIT's OpenCourseWare for more formal course materials. The significance of self-study versus traditional classroom learning is noted, with suggestions for using educator's courses to simulate a classroom experience. Additionally, the Open University is mentioned as a potential source for more advanced courses, with options to try courses for free before committing. Overall, the conversation underscores the value of a step-by-step approach to mastering mathematics and the wealth of resources available for independent learners.
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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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