Which is more helpful for real analysis?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the choice between taking a number theory class or a proof-based linear algebra class in preparation for an upcoming real analysis course. The individual expresses a preference for linear algebra but faces scheduling conflicts. They seek advice on which subject would be more beneficial for developing mathematical maturity and content knowledge relevant to real analysis. Responses indicate that number theory is generally less useful for real analysis, suggesting that linear algebra would be the better choice. The original poster ultimately decides to adjust their schedule to accommodate linear algebra, feeling it will be more interesting and beneficial for their studies.
anonymity
Messages
162
Reaction score
0
Please note that this is a "double post". I was not sure if I should put this here or in the calculus and analysis subform.

If you must delete, I understand. But please, delete the one that should actually be deleted.

Thanks, and sorry =|
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This fall I am taking my first proof based class (set theory), and this spring have the option of taking a number theory class or a proof based linear algebra class (i am taking an applied LA class this semester, and also, I am MUCH more interested in applied math than pure math)

I would personally rather take linear algebra, but one of my engineering classes conflicts, and would be a haste to work around.

I will be taking undergrad real analysis NEXT fall, and was hoping to find out which of these two would be more helpful for real analysis.

I think that the proofs for linear algebra will likely be more difficult (and the content more abstract). So, in terms of developing mathematical maturity, I think LA wins the chicken..

However, I was wondering, in terms of content overlap and helpful knowledge, which is more likely to prove useful for an intro real analysis class?

thanks in advance.

-anonymous
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Number theory is pretty useless for real analysis. So you would be better of taking linear algebra. It's not that you need much linear algebra for real analysis, but occasionally it pops up. Also, if the linear algebra proofs are more difficult (something I doubt), then you should certainly take linear algebra!
 
thanks for your input ^

I think that I was largely in denial when I posted this question; I really didn't want to have to rearrange my schedule...double majoring sucks =|

I did though, and it looks like it'll work out fine. I'm happy that I did. LA is far more useful and interesting (imo)...and has the added bonus of possibly helping me out for real analysis. Win win.

Thanks again =D
 
I’ve been looking through the curricula of several European theoretical/mathematical physics MSc programs (ETH, Oxford, Cambridge, LMU, ENS Paris, etc), and I’m struck by how little emphasis they place on advanced fundamental courses. Nearly everything seems to be research-adjacent: string theory, quantum field theory, quantum optics, cosmology, soft matter physics, black hole radiation, etc. What I don’t see are the kinds of “second-pass fundamentals” I was hoping for, things like...
TL;DR Summary: I want to do a PhD in applied math but I hate group theory, is this a big problem? Hello, I am a second-year math and physics double major with a minor in data science. I just finished group theory (today actually), and it was my least favorite class in all of university so far. It doesn't interest me, and I am also very bad at it compared to other math courses I have done. The other courses I have done are calculus I-III, ODEs, Linear Algebra, and Prob/Stats. Is it a...

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
18
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
3K
Replies
8
Views
3K
Replies
32
Views
2K
Back
Top