To master mathematics for physics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the quest for resources to master mathematics at a graduate level, particularly in relation to its application in physics. Participants explore various approaches to learning mathematics, including the use of websites, textbooks, and problem-solving exercises.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests websites to help understand and master graduate-level mathematics, expressing difficulty in comprehension despite practicing exercises.
  • Another participant emphasizes the broadness of the request and suggests that mastering mathematics requires specific goals and a solid foundation, recommending textbooks and problem sets as essential tools.
  • Several participants argue that merely watching videos or reading online resources is insufficient for mastering mathematics, advocating for active practice and rigorous thinking.
  • There is a suggestion to follow a structured university course plan that includes topics like linear algebra, calculus, and real analysis, depending on the current level of understanding.
  • One participant shares a link to a resource by Gerard 't Hooft that outlines necessary mathematics for physics and provides free online resources.
  • Another participant mentions that websites can be useful supplements to textbooks and lists various online resources, including Wikipedia and specific blogs focused on the mathematics behind physics.
  • A later reply shares a personal experience with a website that offers practice problems and explanations, indicating it has been helpful for connecting concepts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of active engagement and problem-solving in mastering mathematics, but there is no consensus on the best resources or methods to achieve this mastery. Multiple competing views on the effectiveness of websites versus textbooks remain evident.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the need for specificity in the request for resources, indicating that the effectiveness of recommendations may depend on the individual's current level of understanding and specific mathematical needs for physics.

Reedwan
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Pease could give me a website that explains mathematics. I want to understand and master mathematics at graduate level. I maths, I do maths exercise but I don't understand it very well. Thank you
 
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"I want to master mathematics" is a very broad statement.

What exactly do you want to learn?
What exactly do you know right now?

Regardless, you will likely have to get a book on some topics and do the problem sets. Websites aren't really that helpful.
 
Reedwan said:
Pls could give me a website that explains mathematics. I want to understand and master mathematics at graduate level. I maths, I do maths exercise but I don't understand it very well. Thank you

This questions is very broad.

If you want to master maths through a 'website' the best you can do is get textbooks, work through ALL the problems in the problem sets and post questions you find challenging so people can help you. This is the only way to learn maths, there is no way around it. You have to actively practice and solve problems. However, this alone will not help you master maths, to master maths you need to think, ask questions, prove things rigorously, and above all be intelligent etc. Have a read of the answers to these question, they may help
If by website you mean something like MIT OCW or Khan Academy, then watching the videos is absolutely useless. If you keep watching millions of football games, you will never be good at football, similarly, if you watch someone else do the maths, you will never be good at it. You have to actively practice it. Learning by osmosis does not work, especially for maths.

If your current level is bellow high school, then get some books on trig, calculus, algebra, etc. If you're comfortable with high school level maths, then follow a university program, any university.

Most universities have the following course plan:

  • linear algebra
  • singe variable calculus
  • multivariable calculus
  • differential equations
  • probability and statistics
  • real analysis
  • complex analysis
  • geometry
  • metric spaces
  • number theory
  • topology
  • etc.
 
Thank you. I am talking of advance maths. I need it to drive my physics. All the maths needed for physics.
 
You really need to be more specific.
 
Reedwan said:
Pease could give me a website that explains mathematics. I want to understand and master mathematics at graduate level. I maths, I do maths exercise but I don't understand it very well. Thank you

This web site, put together by Gerard 't Hooft, should answer your questions. It identifies what mathematics is needed (for physics) and points you at free on-line resources.
 
I know this is an older post, but I came across it while I was searching for practice questions on the forum.

I've been using this site as a resource to practice my math/physics daily: www.learnerds.com

They explain the solutions to the problems decently, so its helped me connect the dots with a few concepts. I've commented a few times when I'm confused, and they or other users do a good job responding.

Hope that helps.
 
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