Mathematics Stack Exchange
Mathematics Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [learning]

Questions about the process of learning mathematics, both inside and outside a formal environment, including learning strategies, recommendations for learning particular subjects, and studying habits.

Questions about the process of learning mathematics, both inside and outside a formal environment, including learning strategies, recommendations for learning particular subjects, and studying habits.

598 questions
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When to give up on math?

How do I know when I should give up on math? I can't pass any of my math tests no matter much I study, I have tutors, attend office hours and I still can't do better than a D on any test. Most of the advice I hear is take the class two or three…
Adam
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9
votes
4 answers

Where to learn the syntax of mathematics?

Since I started university, almost every exam I've had in mathematics have ended up as failed mostly due to my lack of using proper "syntax" on paper, written by hand. Where can I learn the standard way of writing mathematics, beginning with the…
Zolomon
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6
votes
1 answer

Study advice: The meaning of 'doing mathematics'

I am a former computer engineering student that switched to mathematics this semester. The only math I have is basic calculus and linear algebra, both thought in a "engineering way". Now I really want to learn mathematics, and I work with it most of…
user29163
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5
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1 answer

Is there a math news website or publication (for mathematicians)?

I'm an undergraduate math and physics major aiming to pursue a Ph.D. in either pure math or theoretical physics. I don't read traditional newspaper or news websites, since in my opinion they are bloated with bullshit (excuse me). However, this way I…
4ae1e1
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4
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1 answer

Best way to learn from textbooks that have the Theorem-Proof format?

I've always loved the theorem-proof format in textbooks, e.g. Hardy and Wright's Introduction to the theory of numbers. However, the problem is that I can't remember anything I read in this format because usually books of this kind don't have…
user92570
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3
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How does one learn math from square one?

Ok, I know this is vague, but assume I never really had a good working knowledge of math in any area. I want to pursue X related work, which calls for X, Z, E, A, L, C, Q, etc. math. I realize that knowing more of those maths will be necessary to…
Captain Plaster
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3
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1 answer

How do/did you go about learning math?

I have wanted to improve in math, so I could do computer science, and generally develop math skills. However, the process has been chunky. I can summarize it into these three issues: Understanding, Slow learning, Note taking. But i'd like to hear…
Allie
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3
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1 answer

Are pictures useful when studying?

I was given a general hint by a math professor that if you have difficulties to solve a problem then draw a picture. Is that a good advice in general? I mean, to draw a picture I need to figure out the situation on my head. But then I have…
student
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3
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2 answers

Can SRS technique help math learners?

I have used SRS for learning stuff in other subjects like History and Language in the past (Using Anki). It seems like a good deal since I get punched with something I was about to forget at the point where I could remember it. Will SRS help in…
Self_Learner
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2
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1 answer

Help with GCSE/A-Level learning materials

I'm trying to help my nephew with his Maths for GCSE and A-Level (UK). It's been many years since I've done this. All the books I came across provide the formulae but don't explain how the authors arrived at those formulae. I'm searching for a…
user170828
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1 answer

What are the most general and powerful math tricks?

I quote from the first chapter of Michael Spivak's Differential Geometry Volume I: The precise definition of $\mathbb{P}^2$ uses the same trick that mathematicians always use when they want two things that are not equal to be equal. The points of…
RobertTheTutor
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1 answer

Is there any systematic way to hone one's skills?

Looking up at the work of very good young researchers, I have found that very early, they know a lot of stuff. I wonder if they learned all of this by reading or if there is another way of learning because sometimes, it's just too much. Is there…
HeMan
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2
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1 answer

In a math course, what question should I ask when I am completely confused?

I know this isn't a math question per se, but I only experience this problem in math courses. I suspect this is because the material and knowledge build on themselves. Often in math courses—or in sections of a lecture that involve a lot of math—I…
jds
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How can I prepare effectively for this test?

I live in Australia and I will be doing my final high school mathematics test in 5 months from today. The test is about the following topics: Differentiation and Integration and their applications (Maxima/minima problems, volumes, motion [simple…
please delete me
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How to get straight As in math courses?

Might get closed for being "off topic" but I was hoping to create a discussion on this. I was wondering what strategies that work well for the smart people of the math stack exchange. To start off I'll list off things that I've tried and worked for…
Gooby
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