Where to Start Studying Physics and Math for Beginners

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the best starting points for studying physics and mathematics for beginners, particularly focusing on book recommendations and foundational topics. Participants share their backgrounds, current knowledge, and seek guidance on how to approach their studies effectively.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • A new participant expresses a desire to study physics and math but feels that available resources are lacking in creativity and clarity.
  • The participant lists their current knowledge in calculus, discrete mathematics, analytic geometry, and various physics topics.
  • Some participants suggest studying advanced topics such as multivariable calculus, linear algebra, or abstract algebra, with specific book recommendations like Apostol for calculus.
  • Another participant recommends starting with the book "Kleppner and Kolenkow" for physics, mentioning that knowledge of differential equations is not a prerequisite for beginning this text.
  • There is a suggestion that differential equations can be learned concurrently with other subjects if desired.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of foundational knowledge in mathematics and physics but have differing opinions on the necessity of understanding differential equations before starting certain physics texts. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to begin studying.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of confidence in their mathematical skills and knowledge, indicating potential gaps in understanding specific topics. There is also mention of ambiguity in existing textbooks, which may affect the learning process.

Who May Find This Useful

Beginners in physics and mathematics, educators looking for resource recommendations, and individuals interested in self-study approaches may find this discussion beneficial.

AliGh
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hi
im new here sorry if i made the post in wrong place
im from iran finishing high school (18 years old )
i like physics , math and computer programming
i want to start studying physics (first priority) and math but i don't know where to start from or which level i am

i mean the books here are so stupid its mostly about memorizing the formulas rather than creativity or applications or learining ... and also they have ambiguity in many parts and in some books there is no integrity between differenet

for three months i cannot read much because of exams but after that i will have a lot of time to read
can someone suggest some books or give me a link ?
 
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thanks
i took a look at books and listed the lessons

calculus :
-Sequences
-integrity (books has so much ambiguity in this part)
-limit
-differentials
-integrals

discrete mathematics :
-Graphs (very good at it)
-numbers theory (not good at it)
-Combinatorics (good at it
-probability (very good at it)

analytic geometry : (not very good at working with formulas but my imagination is good)
-vectors
-line and page
-conic sections
-matrices and determinants
-linear equations

physics : (only important chapters .. there was too many)
-geometric light and mirrors
- thermodynamics
-static electric
-moving electric
-electromagnetic induction
-capacitor
-dynamics
-kinesiology
-oscillating movement
-mechanical waves
-sound
-electromagnetic waves
-atomic physics
-nuclear physics
 
Mathwise, you can study stuff like multivariable calculus, linear algebra or abstract algebra. Or you might study calculus more deeply through books like Apostol.

For physics, it might be worth it to learn a little bit about differential equations and then to tackle books like Kleppner-Kolenkow.
 
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If I recall correctly, you do not need the knowledge of differential equations to start working through Kleppner and Kolenkow. I suggest you start with it right away. You can pick up differential equations as you need them, or you can learn them concurrently if you want.
 
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