Understanding Physics and Maths Terminology for Self-Study

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges faced by a student transitioning from IGCSE to AS/A2 levels in understanding the terminology and symbols used in Physics and Mathematics, particularly in the context of preparing for entrance exams like IIT. The scope includes conceptual difficulties with mathematical notation and specific topics such as logarithms and complex numbers.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster (OP) expresses frustration with the terminology and symbols used in Physics and Maths textbooks, stating that they do not understand basic concepts and notations.
  • The OP specifically mentions confusion regarding symbols such as 'F', 'e', arrows, 'x', and 'A', and seeks a basic introduction to these terms.
  • The OP notes a particular difficulty with logarithms and mentions studying trigonometry and complex numbers in a specific order based on their revision book.
  • Another participant points out the irony in the OP's use of educational acronyms (IGCSE, IIT, CBSE, AS/A2) without explaining them, suggesting that this may also confuse others.
  • A later reply indicates that the site cannot replace structured courses or textbooks that would adequately cover relevant notation.
  • It is mentioned that an arrow above a letter indicates a vector, but this does not address the broader confusion expressed by the OP.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on how to effectively assist the OP, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to clarify the terminology and symbols in question.

Contextual Notes

The OP's understanding is limited by their current educational background and the specific style of textbooks they are using, which may not align with their learning needs. There is also an indication that the OP's questions may require more structured guidance than what can be provided in the forum.

ZoraxDoom
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Hello. First, I'd like to make it clear, I am an IGCSE student who has just finished his board examinations, and is now getting ready to do is AS/A2 levels before pursuing engineering.

I'm trying to do some studying on my own, outside for school, particularly in the fields of Maths and Physics as I want to give an entrance exam for IIT in 2 years, and wish to get into a prestigious college as well as making my studying life in future years a bit easier.

But there is a problem I am encountering when I attempt to study the CBSE style or any other style for Physics and Maths.

I don't understand a bloody thing.


And it's not because I don't get what these books are trying to teach, it is because I just don't get the terminology and the symbols they use. I looked at one tutorial guide here (https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=72040), and didn't understand any equation he wrote there! For example, what does that weird F and the small e mean? What's with the arrows? What is x supposed to stand for? What about the capital A?

I'll admit that was maybe a bit too advanced a topic for me, but I still encounter that problem when studying basic CBSE physics, especially when it comes to Logorithms. I have no clue what they are!

I'm currently studying trigonometry from scratch CBSE style, in order to understand how they do it so I can proceed with Complex Numbers. The revision book I'm reading from has Complex Numbers ahead of Logorithms, so I think I need to study that before I move onto Logs, but I really have no idea.

So could any helpful (and smart) soul please help me out with like a basic introduction into what all these symbols stand for, and into the workings of stuff like Logorithms and anything else I should know?

Thanks
 
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@ZoraxDoom It's somehow ironic that your text may induce the same reaction that you complain about. What are these weird IGCSE, IIT, CBSE, AS/A2 symbols? They are less common than the math notations you complain about and still did not explain what they mean.
 
ZoraxDoom said:
Hello. First, I'd like to make it clear, I am an IGCSE student who has just finished his board examinations, and is now getting ready to do is AS/A2 levels before pursuing engineering.

I'm trying to do some studying on my own, outside for school, particularly in the fields of Maths and Physics as I want to give an entrance exam for IIT in 2 years, and wish to get into a prestigious college as well as making my studying life in future years a bit easier.

But there is a problem I am encountering when I attempt to study the CBSE style or any other style for Physics and Maths.

I don't understand a bloody thing.And it's not because I don't get what these books are trying to teach, it is because I just don't get the terminology and the symbols they use. I looked at one tutorial guide here (https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=72040), and didn't understand any equation he wrote there! For example, what does that weird F and the small e mean? What's with the arrows? What is x supposed to stand for? What about the capital A?

I'll admit that was maybe a bit too advanced a topic for me, but I still encounter that problem when studying basic CBSE physics, especially when it comes to Logorithms. I have no clue what they are!

I'm currently studying trigonometry from scratch CBSE style, in order to understand how they do it so I can proceed with Complex Numbers. The revision book I'm reading from has Complex Numbers ahead of Logorithms, so I think I need to study that before I move onto Logs, but I really have no idea.

So could any helpful (and smart) soul please help me out with like a basic introduction into what all these symbols stand for, and into the workings of stuff like Logorithms and anything else I should know?

Thanks
This site cannot be a replacement for a structured course or textbook, both of which should cover the relevant notation.

An arrow above a letter indicates a vector.
 
I doubt that any answers will still be helpful for the OP.

Thread closed.
 

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