What is some basic college lvl math to start on?

  • Thread starter Thread starter thewhills
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    College
AI Thread Summary
To advance in math as a future Physics or CompSci major, self-taught calculus is a strong foundation. The discussion highlights the importance of proof-based learning, which aligns with the user's interest in mathematical theory. Recommendations include "Calculus" by Tom Apostol, which is available at lower prices on sites like Alibris or AbeBooks. The book covers both calculus and linear algebra, emphasizing proof-oriented exercises. Finding affordable resources is crucial for those on a budget, making the search for used textbooks essential.
thewhills
Messages
95
Reaction score
0
What is some "basic" college lvl math to start on?

I am a junior in high school and I...kinda taught myself enough calculus that I got a 5 on the AP Calc exam.Oddly enough I still get a B in Geometry because I had a 30 HW average and would skip part of tests...LOL

So what is the next step especially if I choose to be a Physics major?...maybe CompSci.

I oddly really enjoy proof because it is basically a game against yourself...In fact I was recruited to my schools math team just to do proof..
I dislike visual geometry, Like we had a project to draw a tent...I could barely do it because I can't think visually...It sucks too.

What is the next step?
Which books too...hopefully not a $200 textbook either since I(not my family) am poor and my parents would laugh at me if I asked them to buy me a math book if I don't need it
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org


"Calculus" by Tom Apostol.

I think it's a couple hundred new, but you can get it much, much cheaper on alibris or abebooks.
 


One-Variable Calculus with an Introduction to Linear Algebra..right?

Does that include theory?
 


Yes. Every theorem is proved and many of the exercises begin with the words "prove that..." or "show that..."
 


I found it for $30 shipped on abebooks..great deal?

Never mind...That is if I order 20+ I think
 


I have no idea if it's a great deal. If you have $30 and you are willing to spend it on an excellent calculus book, then it's a great deal. If not, it isn't.
 
Fermat's Last Theorem has long been one of the most famous mathematical problems, and is now one of the most famous theorems. It simply states that the equation $$ a^n+b^n=c^n $$ has no solutions with positive integers if ##n>2.## It was named after Pierre de Fermat (1607-1665). The problem itself stems from the book Arithmetica by Diophantus of Alexandria. It gained popularity because Fermat noted in his copy "Cubum autem in duos cubos, aut quadratoquadratum in duos quadratoquadratos, et...
Insights auto threads is broken atm, so I'm manually creating these for new Insight articles. In Dirac’s Principles of Quantum Mechanics published in 1930 he introduced a “convenient notation” he referred to as a “delta function” which he treated as a continuum analog to the discrete Kronecker delta. The Kronecker delta is simply the indexed components of the identity operator in matrix algebra Source: https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/what-exactly-is-diracs-delta-function/ by...
Thread 'Imaginary Pythagorus'
I posted this in the Lame Math thread, but it's got me thinking. Is there any validity to this? Or is it really just a mathematical trick? Naively, I see that i2 + plus 12 does equal zero2. But does this have a meaning? I know one can treat the imaginary number line as just another axis like the reals, but does that mean this does represent a triangle in the complex plane with a hypotenuse of length zero? Ibix offered a rendering of the diagram using what I assume is matrix* notation...
Back
Top