Some advice for someone who hasn't a clue

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a newcomer expressing concerns about their mathematical abilities and their desire to pursue a science major, particularly in Information Science and Technology. Participants share their experiences and advice regarding overcoming difficulties in math and exploring interests in related topics like loops and paradoxes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster (OP) expresses a strong interest in math and science but feels inadequate in their mathematical skills, particularly beyond Algebra II.
  • One participant suggests leisurely reading materials related to the properties of pi and recommends specific books to help the OP engage with the subject matter.
  • Another participant challenges the OP's negative mindset, suggesting that having difficulties in a subject can make improvement easier and encourages a more positive outlook.
  • A different participant shares their personal experience of overcoming a fear of math through dedication and practice, emphasizing the importance of foundational knowledge in mathematics.
  • There is a consensus that building a strong foundation in math is crucial for success in science-related fields, although the specifics of how to achieve this are not agreed upon.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of a positive mindset and foundational knowledge in math. However, there are differing views on the best approach to overcoming difficulties and the specific resources that may be most beneficial.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference personal experiences and suggest various resources, but there is no consensus on a singular effective method for improving mathematical skills or the best materials to use.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals struggling with math who are interested in pursuing science or technology fields, as well as those looking for encouragement and strategies to improve their mathematical understanding.

NelsonsXanadu
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Hey everyone, I'm new to your community here, and before I ask my questions, I'd just like for you know that I'm horrible at math. I'm really really bad at it, but I love it! Its one of those love / hate relationships that I really wish would be reconciled. I have a very bizarre fascination with loops, paradoxes and things of that nature. Things that repeat, self reference and loop are just infinitely cool to me. When I was young I learned that pi never ended, but would keep repeating to infinity, that concept really blew me away. Anyway, I'm in a community college right now, and I love the idea of majoring in a science but I really am scared garbageless of math. I was thinking about taking a major in Information Science and Technology at Rutgers. Cause I also like computers, and information techy type stuff. I supposed I like the idea of math, and physics but I'm rubbish with anything past Algrebra II! I'm 22 now and I'd like to formulate some kind of plan in the near future, but it seems that the main subject I love, I wouldn't be able to succeed in.
 
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Try leisurely reading some material on the topics. You mentioned you were interested in properties of pi. Try reading some analysis. The Mystery of the Aleph is a fun book to read. Formally, Understanding Analysis by Abbott good. The key is to understand the proofs and apply those to the sample exercises.

I'm not sure what Algebra II is but if you haven't studied basic calculus, you should. It can be tedious to learn and is not as fun as things like analysis or number theory, but it is fundamental if you want to get your degree in science.
 
"...but it seems that the main subject I love, I wouldn't be able to succeed in"

With an additude like that I'm inclined to agree with you.

You know the best thing about being "horrible" at something? It's far easier to get better at that thing.
 
I'm no expert (on anything really), but I used to have a similar problem. When I was 15-22ish I enjoyed science and math, but I was absolutely horrible at calculations. I think a big factor there was my fear of the subject. Later in life I sort of tossed my fears away and went for it, obviously more mature than I was years before. I found that it only takes dedication, the ideas are not very complex, it just takes time, patience, and practice. I completed Algebra 1 in high school (or whatever the minimum algebra to graduate was) with a minimum grade possible and now I am doing fantastic in every math course I have taken.

It is really a cumulative subject, so it is really important that you go back and study what you have problems with. The foundation seems really important from my limited perspective.
 

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