Im a 77 yrs old gran. I started maths last year with a high school level. I have to say Im enjoying doing this activity, for I can't play golf anylonger.
@jeannettestuckelschwaiger5071 Good for you. I am "just" 63 and wondering if I'm a little "too old" to learn more advanced math, and after reading your comment, I am humbled. Keep on keeping on. 👍
I've got loads of joint issues especially my hands and forearms. One of the things I really appreciate about math is I can work out problems writing with little to no hand/forearm pain when most things in life cause too much pain to do.
The "easy" part of Math, Physics and Engineering is learning by doing: problem sets, labs, etc. It's much like learning a sport or playing a musical instrument: at first, you're pretty clumsy, then with practice, you start to "get it". Treat this the same way. Get a textbook and a corresponding Schaum's Outline (for more examples and problems w/solutions) and go at it. For "Square One", start with good, old Euclidian Geometry. Learn how to do contruction proofs with a straight-edge & compass: it's tangible, visual and will teach you to think "in Math". Then dive into Algebra, Analytic Geometry, Trigonometry & Calculus. Learn how to draw pictures to develop a mathematical intuition.
Ultimately math is about rules and learning math, as in becoming a mathematician requires lots of practice. I'm a programmer and I am okay at math but really good at applying it. But if was asked to work it out by hand or interpret complex equations I would get lost.
I've been doing math 6 days a week so far for two months. This channel has been so inspiring and has made me love learning math. Thank you so much for your content! ❤
I have that book! 😁 Awsome encouragement on that! I am 50. Retired army , finished the A S on intel (army training paid off) and now going after BS in math. Havent seriously fiddled in 31 years save the odd need for work or curiosity. I have loved math since age 3 but was scared of my poor foundations. Busted my ass to get “caught back up” There are some days, i’ll get completely lost in doing the problems for hours. Other days, i gotta walk away after every problem and come back. Just keep going. “The proof is in the pursuit” Failing isnt failure, giving up is failure.
Depending on how low-level your math skills are Khan Academy can be an invaluable resource for its structured approach and straightforward direction. Im preparing to go back to school for computer engineering and months ago started with a few hours a day without the knowledge to do long division. Now, I'm knocking out statistics. If you don't know where to start, or you fear that youre spoiled for choice with no sense of what's what, being able to say "i'm going to start in 4th grade and work my way up" is massively beneficial.
So funny you say this. I wanted to do computer engineering as a job but sucked at math. I spent a year on khan academy starting over at kindergarten. I worked up to algebra 2 and geometry. A year later I’m working on software engineering and about to start my first calculus class. This is coming from a guy who just a year ago couldn’t do long division either. Never too late!
Same doing khan academy from kindergarten level and getting that mathematical intuition. Currently doing algebra just within a month. My goal is to become an AI engineer
University of the People have a very cost effective computer science degree. That probably won't help your situation, but it might help someone else's. They also have cost effective and efficient business and MBA degrees.
i just graduated my degree, but it took longer than all of my peers as i was struggling with ADHD (roughly 5 years of my degree). But i made it, and i am currently 23 years old. I dont know how or why this happened, but watching your videos gave me this spark of motivation, convincing myself that hey, if i take this time, the ample free time to study maths, i might be able to. Here's to trying, and i hope i can look back at this comment and say i have made it, like how i saw my diary journal struggling with my ADHD during my degree.
Your philosophy on doing at least one problem each day no matter what and being grateful for that is eye opening to me. That was all I needed to hear. Currently taking college algebra at 33 years old and hope to learn calculus for the first time ever, now that I’m getting back into math for the first time since high school. You’ve inspired me a great deal! Thank you
@@samuelfriden I can tell you from experience that every adult I’ve personally known throughout my 13 years in the military and life have all forgotten algebra let alone calculus. Stay humble and understand that it’s a perishable skill that only needs one problem a day to stay on top of!
You're a legend. You need to learn Analysis too in order to build a first principles understanding of Calculus. Linear Algebra and Real Analysis.. You can find all the resources you need online. Also MIT released Gilbert strangs book on Calculus for free on their open source site. 1 year of hard work will make everything clear to you. Good luck and work hard bro
@@carole3877 Yes, thats basically every course of maths lol. The course hes doing 'linear algebra' shows you different ways of how to solve a system of linear equations.. its like a geometric way where you can imagine space stretching and bending and it gives you solutions to some basic equations
I'm pleased to spot a copy of Earl Swokowski's "Calculus" second edition, over your right shoulder. I used the book in college in 1981, and still have the book, as I liked it a lot. I've never been that good at math, but find it interesting; when the ideas come together and you understand something, it's so gratifying and beautiful. I wanted to be an architect or engineer, but was not strong enough in math to do either one. Maybe more of your videos will help.
For myself, humility in saying “I don’t know, but I’m going to find out”. The benefit is, you’re not the first person discovering or inventing math which means there’s a wealth of free content out there to give you insight. Technology today can give us new perspectives thanks to animation. Learn to appreciate the basics! Math is all about building blocks, if your base is weak, you’ll struggle to navigate through problems. I started my BS in Math journey by going all the way back to Pre-Algebra and now I’m taking Differential Equations. I wouldn’t be where I am had I not humbled myself and said I don’t know but I’m going to find out. Never too late! Started my journey at 27, will hit my BS milestone next year with Masters and PhD in my sights. But appreciate the basics, it’s all related.
Thanks for making this guide. I’m 35 am looking to embark on a mathematical journey. Starting from the very basics. I have a degree which had some math in it (I studied finance) but it wasn’t very advanced math at all. I’ve been trying to read a calculus textbook and realised I don’t have the necessary foundation for this type of study yet. Although a while a go I did some self study on khan academy and got through most of the calculus section on differentiation. But I was basically just regurgitating the logic to solve the problems. I didn’t get a real understanding too much. And besides it looks like khan academy is much more basic than a university course on calculus. So I’m restarting my math journey and hopefully one day I will gain the equivalent of a math major understanding of math. This is a big ambition but I’m heavily considering it. It’s a bit of a coincidence that I was looking for basic math books and your video randomly popped into my feed. Anyway, thanks again, the video was helpful. I’m looking at buying the intermediate algebra book in the near future if I decide to go down this path.
I wanna make a mention of my Mom's friend. At 22, she had her master's in Mathematics here in India. Got a bank job. Fast forward, at age 49, she decided to quit her well paying Bank job and do her PhD in Math. Today she's in her mid 50s, she's got her PhD and she's a guest faculty in the University. Its all about having a strong desire to learn and staying disciplined to reach your goal. Mathematically speaking, Age is just a number 😜
Here are some books that can help you learn maths from scratch: 1. Super Simple Maths 2. Help Your Kids with Math 3. The Cartoon Guide to Algebra 4. How to Be Good at Maths 5. Everything You Need to Ace Math in One Big Fat Notebook 6. Everything You Need to Ace Pre-Algebra and Algebra I in One Big Fat Notebook 7. Everything You Need to Ace Geometry in One Big Fat Notebook These books primarily cover the curriculum of American or British schools. However, they do not include topics from the Ukrainian school curriculum, where students begin studying calculus and differential equations in grades 10 and 11. It is not necessary to read all the books, you can choose one of them that you like best. For university-level studies, consider these books that provide simple explanations for American brains: Algebra: Form and Function Functions Modeling Change: A Preparation for Calculus, 4th Edition
sometimes, your difficulty in learning something, makes you put more effort to learn and this effort makes your learn how to learn, even better then those who didn't struggle. math was always easy for me in school, all i needed to do, is before the exams check with my friends all the formulas, as soon as the exam start, i'll just write down all the formulas I memorized and would solve all question, this was enough for me to be one of the best students(not the best, but close), when I got in uni and had to learn Calculus, I simply could not keep up because of the amount of exercises you need to do in order to learn, I didnt had the right mentality, because until that moment I would get by with almost just my critical thinking
"The harder I work, the luckier I get" is a saying South African world champion golfer, Gary Player, from way back, used in an interview where the interviewer brought up the idea that he had a reputation as a "lucky golfer". (I think he said it differently, but that's the gist.) I don't know if he made up the saying or heard it from someone else. He came from a very poor family, so it was difficult to even just get started with playing golf, but what he lacked he tried to make up for with hard work, and succeeded with that. Interestingly, his brother, Ian Player, worked as a game ranger on one of the then Natal provincial reserves - Umfolozi, I think it was - where the last viable population of Southern White Rhino lived, and became the leader of an ultimately international project to save the species from extinction. If you see a White Rhino today, odds are it's descended from that population. (They even did things like capturing breeding pairs - or potential breeding pairs - and sending them for "safe keeping" in Texas, where there wasn't the poaching problem there was in Africa.) I think he worked even harder than his golfer brother, looking at the old game capture videos of the times. They didn't have knockout darts and vets in helicopters in the early days; they would chase the rhino through the bush in a Land Rover, with a long pole out front, with a noose to lasso them "rodeo style". There are some videos of it around, still. It looked much more like a rodeo than what one would think of as a game capture operation today - which has been refined in all sorts of ways to work much more smoothly and less traumatically to man and beast.
You need to iron out your arithmetic. Draw a number wheel w/ 1 on top & go from 1-9. Use it to drill in plus & multiplication. You need to MASTER the multiplication tables. Look up the nursery songs for the times tables & all the different memory tricks for times. Then make sure you memorize 6*7=42, 6*8=48,7*8=56. Then do the wheel backwards for minus & division. Then do a lot of long division problems both w remainder & decimals. Then do a lot of fractions. Now you learn decimals & percents. You need to practice these until your hand will start writing out the answers w/o u having to think abt them. One good rabbit hole you might want to go down for curiosity is mental math aka Vedic Math for even quicker arithmetic solving. The next thing is : if you never want to be scared of word problems again, then learn about rates, ratios & proportions w/ lots of applications. You need to nip that confusion in the bud b/c if u don’t grasp ratios, proportions & rates, they will forever be mathematical thorns in your side. Now that you have that sturdy bedrock of skills. You can pick up some pre-Algebra or maybe higher up like Math Wizard suggested. You’ll also benefit from some basic ideas from geometry & trigonometry even before starting algebra b/c Algebra constantly refers to problems like areas of circle or Pythagorean theorem etc. PS I like what one guy said above abt reading the original Euclid w/a compass & straight edge but I’m pessimistic most amateurs would make progress in Euclid’s elements without a teacher’s guidance unless that math amateur was pretty experienced in classical texts or reading comprehension of technical texts. Like if someone stinks at Math but he has read Plato or Aristotle, then sure, tackle Euclid on your own but if you stink at both, then you’ll need a teacher, course or online resources & commentaries (they exist). One thing you could do is just read Euclid’s propositions without the proofs. If you just assume they are all true & proven already, then you can use those as plain geometrical facts. I myself, though, would like to read the proofs also because it makes theorems much sweeter.
Thank you bro, I will do a lot of this. I start my journey for compsci degree in May so I’m trying to get my math skills up. I wasn’t that good at math in HS but I never studied so now I want to be good at math. Your tips seem helpful so thank you again!
It was Euclid’s Elements that first got me interested in mathematics. As beginner, I found Euclid’s geometry proofs astounding. Proof was really the first thing I appreciated.
I learned math mainly through the books. I finished all the high school math during my junior high school. There were self-study-series books in China at time, which have more detailed explanations than the textbooks. I had a lot of math competition books and math booklets. Math booklets are 50-200 page books. Each one dealing with one specific topic. Some of them can be very advanced, written in more formal math terms that were more strict on the math logics. I also bought monthly "high school teachers' math journal". Each issue contained 5 questions that were at math competition levels. The answers were released in the next issues that made it impossible to sneak peeking answers until a month later. The key for learning math well is to take time to solve problems (as long as possible), avoid the temptations to peek the answer. It would give you a lot of confidence and understanding in math, when you solved one difficult problem. . Learning knowledges is relative easy. Solving problems are the hard part.
@@andrea-cy6es , These books were in Chinese. There are a lot of math books on Amazon. There are also a lot of good math videos on youtube. I studied a lot on number theory, topology and geometry during my high school. There are other important topics I didn't cover during that time. I think it's important to get a good problem book to really test your knowledge and problem solving skills.
I am in a similar situation, I am self-studying math also aged 24 in hopes of one day soon, crushing the GRE and making it into a computer science program. My math skills are average at best. I am currently studying concrete mathematics for comp sci. I have found that studying alongside a chatbot like Chat Gpt is very helpful. I try to force myself to study for at least 5 minutes every day no matter how tired I am.
Hi ..I'm studying algebra and I do it by concepts. I use videos and books. One thing I do is take out a blank piece of paper (every so often)and write as much as I know about a concept. This helps me really know what I know and don't know. Then I go back and relearn what I don't know. I also jump around and don't study in a linear way. So...I'd study everything about radicals. Then maybe logs or graphing. I have a BS in PreK through 8th elementary education and Special Education through 12th grade. Im a retired 60 year old and am just doing this for fun! I'm actually more of a creative person so this really challenges my mind. Its soooo rewarding to say...I understood a math problem. Mr. Math Sorcerer inspires me and he gives math a good name!
I’m further into my academic journey. I’ve taken up through calculus 3 but I often find my weak spots aren’t with new material, but with gaps in knowledge from past courses. I want to start over learning math from scratch to solidify my foundational concepts. This video was very helpful thank you
I started math after years of not doing any math at all. I had no idea what my level was. I went on Khan Academy and started at sixth grade math and worked my way up to doing their entire Algebra 1 coarse online and having just a pencil and a notepad to work out the problems. Doing that gave me the confidence to take Algebra 2 at a local community college which I passed with a B and then I moved into Statistics which I was able to score an A in. I also highly recommend doing some projects like building things that require the use of numbers and working with tape measures to build things. This will help you apply the mathematics even the slightest bit and work your brain in thinking mathematically. I wish you all well on your journey with math.
I do Calculus so much that some days I’ll see my book on the end of the bed and just get sick but keep going anyways. It’s like lifting weights. I go when I shouldn’t not Injured or illness just go. Usually if you get there and do a few sets and get a pump going then you’ve busted out a workout you didn’t know you could. Just keep going and hang in there..
Shit the gym bro sub culture is evolving. I love the gym and now my dream is to also become an engineer. Will have to learn alot of math and physics on my own. Its also fun to a degree. Any tips brother on How to Get to the calculus level type math?
As you are going through a list of problems, attempt to class it. Using a simple example: fractions. There are three types of fractions: proper, improper , and mixed. Then google for worksheets that only focus on one of the type and develop fast solutions for each.
Thanx sir im 57 and write maths N3 on 3rd of april 2024.i love maths but easy so good yet.i will take it day too day one problem at a time.thanks for encourage us.my name is edwin adams from capetown south africa
You need a positive feedback loop, so you can get addicted to it, and the secret to that is to ( as stated in the video ) get one thing done and have success ( aka solving it ). The more you solve, the more confidence. The more confidence, the more addicted you get. Sooner or later you will send emails with "how do I stop myself from doing all this math" while doing math. Remember, the good players are always lucky.
Hi, I'm Melanie from Dominican Republic. I'll be 24 years old in March 15th. A few hours ago I was crying while taking a Calculus class. Everybody understood everthing except me. Some teachers used to humillate me when I was at school, now I'm in college and everytime I go to math classes I do not feel ok, I'm scared. I'm trying to study at least 2 hours a day by myself at home. But I do not know if its enough, I'm always making really bad mistakes when I'm at class. I'm not gonna lie, studying maths everyday, helped me to improve, but I still don´t know why is it so difficult for me and so easier for others. I'm not even sure 100% if I'll make it. Just thinking about that gives me a headche. I really needed to let off steam. Now I'll watch the video and try everthing that can help me. Everytime I spent thinking why I'm not good enough makes me feel miserable.
If you get behind in math, everything new makes no sense. I recommend going backwards until you find math you are confident in, and then building your knowledge from that point back to where you are currently. Are you confident in multiplication? Decimals? Fractions? Algebra? Functions? Graphing? Math is very much like a set of puzzles. When you don’t see the solution it feels so frustrating and pointless. But you can learn to find the solutions very quickly if you have mastered the previous concepts and practice the newest concept. Buena suerte!
Never too late is true. I started an engineering degree with two kids and a job. First I had to do one year of mathematics bridging courses. I got a first class honours degree and have jumped from great job to great job ever since. It was haaaaard, no sugar coating it. Super hard. And I STILL watch videos like this thinking how I need to brush up my maths skills in case everyone realises I'm a phony :) But please do like the mathman says... it's great advice. Also, now there is AI, chat gpt can give you a pretty good explanation of how to approach a difficult problem. (Don't trust it 100% though... just use it to check your understanding, then go to a textbook or other sources to make sure, because sometimes it makes up any old thing!)
Bad math teacher in middle school, bad math teacher in high school. A very bad set of math and statistics teachers in my undergrad. I actually love math but really never had a chance due to truly bad teachers and professors.
If mathematics is a written only language and learning is either achieved by relating or discovering, then the best way to learn a language is to attempt conceptually relate it to the language that you already know, whatever that language is. Example: What is the relation between a lawyer and an accountant? Both need a license from an accredited professional organization. A lawyer is an accountant of words while an accountant is a lawyer of numbers. Looking to make such connections (discoveries) as you progress in your journey to master the language (mathematics) is essential.
Hi Sir, I just want to express my appreciation for your advices and all the knowledge you share with us. I'm a physicist, and I really love Mathematics. I feel encouraged by your words to start doing what I know I need to do. I also apply the "it only take 2 weeks" methodology and I share it with my sisters and everyone who needs it. Thank you!
"The Humongous Book Of Algebra Problems" and the trig version and the calculus version were my starting point to get out from scratch. All the problems are worked out.
I was great at maths as a child, then a school teacher screamed at me in front of the class for writing my solutions messily. Since that day, and 30 odd years later, I was terrified of math and it gave me major anxiety. Recently, I obtained a book that I've been using to teach myself math from the ground up. I feel the love for math coming back, and every time I test myself and get it right I feel like it's a huge achievement. :)
I like the "math agony aunt" approach - you get an email, you read it, you answer it. It's inspiring. Currently thinking about designing an intermediate algebra course in the summer for multiple repeaters to finally succeed at it, and this might help me get into that particular groove.
Math Sorcerer: I have 3 college textbooks. I am 58 soon to be 59. I love mathematics and thus plan to do a self-study of college algebra, precalculus and calculus l, ll, and lll. There are two major problems: A. Lack of time due to full-time employment. B. Reasonably speaking, it is impossible to cover every section, every chapter per textbook. Questions 1. I only have two days off. How many hours should I study mathematics on my days off? 2. What topics per textbook should I study and for me review? Thank you. Guido Feliz
I give up. I just wanted to tell someone about it and for some reason I thought I should say it to you. I want to thank you for all the sparks of hope you have created in my heart as I struggled to find something to hold on and finish my studies. I could write a book of reasons on why I have failed and many people can argue that I didn't really try. I blame this incapability on me and my potential, which I strongly believe it was always low. After time, life accumulates quite a load on your mind and eventually you break. Unless you are mentally tough, which I'm not. At this point I don't have the patience to read three lines in a book, lost my motivation. I'm done. Losing is not easy to swallow, but I have to accept it. You are a fantastic teacher, please keep doing what you do!
I'm the US there are two paths to a university: 1. Straight to University after highschool by passing the SAT 2. Pass the GED and start at a community college, and transfer to a university for your last two years of university. From here, it's either straight to the workforce or a Masters or PhD degree.
I am totally afraid of math. I would love to become strong in math. I just procrastinate because I feel like I will fail Thank you for suggesting one math problem per day. I am going to try, and hopefully. I will start to catch on.
There is no substitute for practice in mathematics and you should have a great and deep vision to deal with method of the question and should gradually progress by solving skills
From conception, how long does it take for an embryo to have a heart beat? Around 22 day. What is learning? Learning is the result of exposing the brain to a steady stimulus. How long does it takes for the brain to learn? The same time as it takes for the axons and dendrites to develop to the point of having the neurons achieve what is called a synapse: approximately 22 days. So keep enough stimulus on your brain to reach that point but not enough pressure to overstress it.
Use the one dumbbell approach to study math. If you lift the heaviest dumbbell that you can with the right arm, do the same with the left arm, add the two weights and set a barbell with the sum of the two dumbbells, you probably won't be able to lift it. Why? Because asymmetrical lifting commissions more muscles. Extending this to math, organize your desk so you can work standing up. Put plastic boxes under your desk. Just like the asymmetrical lifting, this commissions more brain functions and will soon allow you to work faster.
This channel has the best book recommendations. Blitzer math books & those Humongous Book of....series of books. I thought I would have to start at the beginning with prealgebra, but I actually didn't have to. Calculus isn't easy, but I'm surprised that I've only progressed to be able to do some calculus like functions & limits. I only about halfway through College Algebra textbooks, and I'm already doing some basic calculus. There might be math along the way that is near impossible and incredibly difficult-but that's alright. I'm proud and happy that I can do the math so far. Proofs are the thing that I think will be almost impossible for me. But I'm still going to make the effort I kept hoping I could find videos based on Blitzer's books and he says some of his course use Blitzer book. So I'll look for them
@@Workingman-u7sI think it depends on the person. For a person with social anxiety/adhd/chronic pain I don’t learn shit face to face bc I’m so distracted by all the stimulus. I need the book and I need to actually discipline myself to work through it. They never give us books these days. Just screens. Shaum’s is known For a reason. I need to learn about more great math texts! Hence while I follow this wizard 🖤
calculus depends heavily ( the learning of it ) on who/how it is taught to you. I can't do calculus. Can't learn it. Keep trying. Oh, yes, I know the basics, yep, summing the little bits up etc. But I just get so crapped off with every tutor (online) or book I get to learn it that I stop out of disgust or weariness or non comprehension. But wait: I used to know it. I used to know how to do all kinds of weird problems 'off-the-cuff', like figure out how to do it myself, with calculus. Yep. True. For a few short weeks. What happened? Accident, injury, disease? Nothing. Just didn't use it and forgot it. OK So what's all that about? Well I was studying by mail a TAFE NSW (Australia) Engineering Surveying course which they used to do back then when the world was real. And one subject was maths. And that maths got into calculus so's the surveyor could use it to calculate difficult land areas and volumes and such. Now this guy who wrote those teaching papers taught me to where I understood what I was doing and was using calculus as a tool within a few short weeks. To where I'd look at a problem and think oh, okay, I need calculus for this. Get it? That's low level. That's beginner. Not pretending otherwise. But it's pretty good isn't it? How'd you like to be that capable? I would. Have over the years often tried to get back there and have looked at a whole heap of books and thousands or millions of words and it's just driven me into a hole in the ground. Khan academy would have been the worst. I made a fatal mistake. I said I wanted to learn calculus. Well, Jesus Christ, wasn't it on for young and old after that. We went back to the ark and started reinventing maths, did algebra, did set theory, geometry, trigonometry and christ knows what.... I never got there. I gave up in disgust. Long story. I'm just trying to convince you that it is EASY ! IF you get the right tutor. And if you don't: It is impossible. Better off working it all out for yourself.
The reasons you gave in recommending for the intermediate algebra book are the exact reason I don’t recommend school or college textbooks for math. “Modern layout” means it’s filled with fluff, instead of sticking to clear explanations, examples, questions, and answers. That being said, answers to only the odd numbered questions? This is absolutely ridiculous, as half the questions are pointless. Might as well just print only odd numbered questions then, since feedback is absolutely necessary in learning mathematics properly. Anyone who tells you otherwise is a fool, or trying to sell you an overvalued book.
Thanks for doing what you do. I'm going to be studying mechanical engineering this fall so I picked up a pre-calculus book you recommended. Planning on doing 5hrs per week, 1hr sessions. So far I've done 3 sessions, and it's been good. Hoping to get halfway through the book in 4 1/2 months (~90hrs, 530 pages).
in soviet union they never studied pre calculus because its the same stuff you took before calculus so i prefer you go over trigonometry or geometry before calculus dont do pre calculus it is a waste of time!
@@3vanisstick to pre-calc i’m in calc 1 currently and the first few units have a bit trig but not a crazy amount. Just become really good at algebra and you’ll be set
basic stuff of algebra and trig and geometry and it wont help you that much if you already studied it in my country they dont teach us pre calculus because its the same stuff we took in middle school and highschool and we learnt calculus 1 and 2 with alot of practice we mastered 1 and 2 so i recommend you focus on calculus @@3vanis
@evanschmidt7974 in in calc 3 right now, the best things to study to prepare for calculus are algebra with powers and fractions and the UNIT CIRCLE! make sure you're solid in geometry and algebra and you're golden
I found out that to my father's diploma from high school in the mid 80s was more on par with modern associates. I don't like to pass blame, but I have found that wen I graduated highschool, I learned next to nothing all while being able to graduate early because my scores were good. It's been so frustrating, I have the math skills of a 3rd grader. It's cost me so much, self-esteem, I couldn't place in college because I had to retake basic math. Now that I'm successful Glory to Jesus Christ of nazerath. I find myself trying to build or do projects but not getting anywhere because I can't do the maths needed. It has just made me feel less than for years. I need to get past this!
My whole life I’ve suffered with a math disability. Since grade school I was in IEP and always struggling specifically in math. Even now I’m in college taking intermediate Algebra and I’m not doing well at all. It just sucks, I’d love to be able to overcome my learning disability and become good at math for the first time in my life.
7 หลายเดือนก่อน
My two best tips for math is adding zero to an equation and multiplying by one are the most powerful tools you can have at hand.
Back in 1966, my first, very first college course at CMU was Calculus and Analytic Geometry. It was an integral(pardon the pun) part of the math education I got as an Electrical Engineering student.
Never mind paper and pen. Get a 12" x 18" plate glass, tape white paper on the back and around the edges so you won't cut yourself, and get dry-eraser pencil and brush. This system has two main advantages: 1) it allows for quick corrections, and, 2) you can take pictures of your solutions either to share or to refresh your mind.
There is also the TH-cam channel of Michel van Biezen which has everything organized from basic algebra to calculus 3, differential equations, linear algebra, statistics, etc.. It also has videos on physics from the basics to quantum mechanics and special relativity, electricalengineering. The TH-cam chanel Houston Math prep is also pretty organized. It has materials ranging from pretty calculus, linear algebra, basic statistis to Calculus 3.
My advice is don't overwhelm or overwork yourself. Be able to give yourself time off and remember that other people have done this and so can you. And practice, I think of math more like music than other courses. Chemistry, Biology, and Geography are all things you can commit to memory. With music, you can read all the sheet music you want but you need to practice to learn.
There's also no shame in starting at basic math; maybe as a review course. I took a junior college course in it, even though I was already ok with math in school. The book I used is surprisingly still in print: Basic Mathematics: A Review, Rogers, Van Dyke, and Barker. At the end, it even covers some Trigonometry!
Use a timer to work in short blocks of a few minutes. For most people, the sweet spot will be in the 25-50 minute range for peak concentration with a 5-15 minute breaks. I suggest the opposite: work for 15 minutes and do something physical for the rest of the hour. The 5% or less of your aware brain will work for 15 minutes but the 95% or more of your unaware brain will keep chewing at the problem for 45 minutes.
First, I suggest that you discover what type of "switch" turns your brain on. Are you a visual, an auditory, or a kinesthetics learner (eyes, ear, or hands)?
Solving one problem daily will take the student 1000 years just to complete Algebra 1. How about studying one topic daily? For example, on Monday study linear equations, on Tuesday study quadratic equations, on Wednesday study mixture word problems, etc. You say?
Mathematics is a Swiss knife, a tool box to do work. Noam Chomsky once said "The main function of language is not to facilitate communication, it is to formulate thought, an almost explicitly internal use." So if mathematics is a mute language then it is not science, it is an internal tool to formulate thought... and should be learned as such.
Dear Sir, I hope the probability (statistically)speaking allows for your reading of this comment; you are a bona-fide hero. I am in my fifties, suffering from dyscalculia. I was diagnosed as an adult. I believe I went undiagnosed from grade school and high school. I have always been the student who had a great work ethic, but because of the underlying problem got nowhere. I dropped out of college seven times because I could not pass college algebra. Not able to be proficient in mathematics altered my life in a terrible way. Your videos have been a God send. I started doing math all the way from first grade. I am gaining better proficiency because of a greater understanding. By the end of the year, I hope to be at 7th or 8th grade math. Please accept my sincere gratitude for all of your hard work and conscientious effort on behalf of your global students. God bless you and take good care.
@the math sorcerer thank you so much for this. Math has been the nightmare in my life I have been trying to learn it since chilled hood, high school to college but I have no luck am just simply terrible at this but know one thing am now trying to learn math and Stat again. You always inspire me to do hard things thank you... I really wish I could subscribe to your class you sound like an amazing teacher....
Personally, I think ACT/SAT is a waste of time. When you're in highschool, just focus on the advance placement. You will get college credits. After that, you are set to go straight into your major or at the very least be better off.
I’m glad I found you. I am into fitness and have been running away from math since 3rd grade. I am in a College algebra class and I am learning to like it to pass. I still need help though with rounding numbers, decimals, percentage and fractions. Amy tips?
Your insights are much appreciated; I really needed to hear this. Your videos were a lifesaver during my struggles with differential equations (especially Laplace!), and now I’ve found myself drawn back to your channel for motivation as I take physics 2. You make daunting subjects feel manageable and even exciting!❤
Im a 77 yrs old gran. I started maths last year with a high school level. I have to say Im enjoying doing this activity, for I can't play golf anylonger.
@jeannettestuckelschwaiger5071 Good for you. I am "just" 63 and wondering if I'm a little "too old" to learn more advanced math, and after reading your comment, I am humbled. Keep on keeping on. 👍
👏👏👏
I've got loads of joint issues especially my hands and forearms. One of the things I really appreciate about math is I can work out problems writing with little to no hand/forearm pain when most things in life cause too much pain to do.
You're one of the most badass coolest grandpa 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Wow! You give me hope and motivation! 🤝 Im 41 and almost i’v stoped dreaming and making me better than yesterday
Luck is where preparedness and opportunity meet - Seneca
Seneca as In the website or a person?
@@funtastic1297 person en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seneca_the_Younger
@@funtastic1297 Seneca the person. Lucius Anneas Seneca
Oh lol
@@funtastic1297 I hope it's the person.
The "easy" part of Math, Physics and Engineering is learning by doing: problem sets, labs, etc.
It's much like learning a sport or playing a musical instrument: at first, you're pretty clumsy, then with practice, you start to "get it". Treat this the same way. Get a textbook and a corresponding Schaum's Outline (for more examples and problems w/solutions) and go at it.
For "Square One", start with good, old Euclidian Geometry. Learn how to do contruction proofs with a straight-edge & compass: it's tangible, visual and will teach you to think "in Math". Then dive into Algebra, Analytic Geometry, Trigonometry & Calculus. Learn how to draw pictures to develop a mathematical intuition.
Ultimately math is about rules and learning math, as in becoming a mathematician requires lots of practice. I'm a programmer and I am okay at math but really good at applying it. But if was asked to work it out by hand or interpret complex equations I would get lost.
As a mathematician I find Physics quite difficult lol.. But one day itll be intuitive to me I hope
I've been doing math 6 days a week so far for two months. This channel has been so inspiring and has made me love learning math. Thank you so much for your content! ❤
I am just about to start. Just ordered Courants: What is mathmatics? plus one of the all you need notebooks for Algebra!
Good luck, guys! Small bites over time = enormous consumption without it being overwhelming. Great work
@@thirdeyeblind6369me too im about to start cuz I suck at math :( 😂😂
Same but for just one week so far. Thanks for the inspiration to keep going!
How many hours did you study?
I have that book! 😁
Awsome encouragement on that!
I am 50. Retired army , finished the A S on intel (army training paid off) and now going after BS in math.
Havent seriously fiddled in 31 years save the odd need for work or curiosity.
I have loved math since age 3 but was scared of my poor foundations.
Busted my ass to get “caught back up”
There are some days, i’ll get completely lost in doing the problems for hours. Other days, i gotta walk away after every problem and come back.
Just keep going. “The proof is in the pursuit”
Failing isnt failure, giving up is failure.
“I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it” ― Thomas Jefferson.
Yesss!!!!
Depending on how low-level your math skills are Khan Academy can be an invaluable resource for its structured approach and straightforward direction. Im preparing to go back to school for computer engineering and months ago started with a few hours a day without the knowledge to do long division. Now, I'm knocking out statistics.
If you don't know where to start, or you fear that youre spoiled for choice with no sense of what's what, being able to say "i'm going to start in 4th grade and work my way up" is massively beneficial.
So funny you say this. I wanted to do computer engineering as a job but sucked at math. I spent a year on khan academy starting over at kindergarten. I worked up to algebra 2 and geometry. A year later I’m working on software engineering and about to start my first calculus class. This is coming from a guy who just a year ago couldn’t do long division either. Never too late!
@@billybrothers2492 im going to do what you just said I'm at age 26 and I really want to improve my math skills hope I can stay strong and learn it
Same doing khan academy from kindergarten level and getting that mathematical intuition. Currently doing algebra just within a month. My goal is to become an AI engineer
Crazy I also started at 5th grade at Khan academy as an adult. I thought I was dumb because I'm an adult. Im glad I'm not the only one relearning math
University of the People have a very cost effective computer science degree. That probably won't help your situation, but it might help someone else's. They also have cost effective and efficient business and MBA degrees.
i just graduated my degree, but it took longer than all of my peers as i was struggling with ADHD (roughly 5 years of my degree). But i made it, and i am currently 23 years old. I dont know how or why this happened, but watching your videos gave me this spark of motivation, convincing myself that hey, if i take this time, the ample free time to study maths, i might be able to. Here's to trying, and i hope i can look back at this comment and say i have made it, like how i saw my diary journal struggling with my ADHD during my degree.
Your philosophy on doing at least one problem each day no matter what and being grateful for that is eye opening to me. That was all I needed to hear. Currently taking college algebra at 33 years old and hope to learn calculus for the first time ever, now that I’m getting back into math for the first time since high school. You’ve inspired me a great deal! Thank you
So inspiring!!! I’m 22 and never been good at math, but i really wanna learn it and i’m doing it for me, only me.
@@samuelfriden I can tell you from experience that every adult I’ve personally known throughout my 13 years in the military and life have all forgotten algebra let alone calculus. Stay humble and understand that it’s a perishable skill that only needs one problem a day to stay on top of!
Is there a course that teaches more than one way to solve a math problem?
You're a legend. You need to learn Analysis too in order to build a first principles understanding of Calculus. Linear Algebra and Real Analysis.. You can find all the resources you need online. Also MIT released Gilbert strangs book on Calculus for free on their open source site. 1 year of hard work will make everything clear to you. Good luck and work hard bro
@@carole3877 Yes, thats basically every course of maths lol. The course hes doing 'linear algebra' shows you different ways of how to solve a system of linear equations.. its like a geometric way where you can imagine space stretching and bending and it gives you solutions to some basic equations
Math education is all about the competence of the teacher.
A really good teacher can make math easier for the most students.
I'm pleased to spot a copy of Earl Swokowski's "Calculus" second edition, over your right shoulder. I used the book in college in 1981, and still have the book, as I liked it a lot.
I've never been that good at math, but find it interesting; when the ideas come together and you understand something, it's so gratifying and beautiful. I wanted to be an architect or engineer, but was not strong enough in math to do either one. Maybe more of your videos will help.
I opened this video because I knew, the guy who look like this should know what's he talking about
For myself, humility in saying “I don’t know, but I’m going to find out”.
The benefit is, you’re not the first person discovering or inventing math which means there’s a wealth of free content out there to give you insight. Technology today can give us new perspectives thanks to animation.
Learn to appreciate the basics! Math is all about building blocks, if your base is weak, you’ll struggle to navigate through problems. I started my BS in Math journey by going all the way back to Pre-Algebra and now I’m taking Differential Equations. I wouldn’t be where I am had I not humbled myself and said I don’t know but I’m going to find out.
Never too late! Started my journey at 27, will hit my BS milestone next year with Masters and PhD in my sights. But appreciate the basics, it’s all related.
Thanks for making this guide. I’m 35 am looking to embark on a mathematical journey. Starting from the very basics. I have a degree which had some math in it (I studied finance) but it wasn’t very advanced math at all. I’ve been trying to read a calculus textbook and realised I don’t have the necessary foundation for this type of study yet. Although a while a go I did some self study on khan academy and got through most of the calculus section on differentiation. But I was basically just regurgitating the logic to solve the problems. I didn’t get a real understanding too much. And besides it looks like khan academy is much more basic than a university course on calculus.
So I’m restarting my math journey and hopefully one day I will gain the equivalent of a math major understanding of math. This is a big ambition but I’m heavily considering it.
It’s a bit of a coincidence that I was looking for basic math books and your video randomly popped into my feed.
Anyway, thanks again, the video was helpful. I’m looking at buying the intermediate algebra book in the near future if I decide to go down this path.
I wanna make a mention of my Mom's friend. At 22, she had her master's in Mathematics here in India. Got a bank job. Fast forward, at age 49, she decided to quit her well paying Bank job and do her PhD in Math. Today she's in her mid 50s, she's got her PhD and she's a guest faculty in the University.
Its all about having a strong desire to learn and staying disciplined to reach your goal. Mathematically speaking, Age is just a number 😜
Which college she went too
Here are some books that can help you learn maths from scratch:
1. Super Simple Maths
2. Help Your Kids with Math
3. The Cartoon Guide to Algebra
4. How to Be Good at Maths
5. Everything You Need to Ace Math in One Big Fat Notebook
6. Everything You Need to Ace Pre-Algebra and Algebra I in One Big Fat Notebook
7. Everything You Need to Ace Geometry in One Big Fat Notebook
These books primarily cover the curriculum of American or British schools. However, they do not include topics from the Ukrainian school curriculum, where students begin studying calculus and differential equations in grades 10 and 11. It is not necessary to read all the books, you can choose one of them that you like best.
For university-level studies, consider these books that provide simple explanations for American brains:
Algebra: Form and Function
Functions Modeling Change: A Preparation for Calculus, 4th Edition
I never got into math as a kid. I took the easy way in life. Now at 58, i have the motivation to learn math.
I would definitely buy a book that tells your life story. You went from getting a GED to becoming a math professor. This takes some serious ganas.
sometimes, your difficulty in learning something, makes you put more effort to learn and this effort makes your learn how to learn, even better then those who didn't struggle.
math was always easy for me in school, all i needed to do, is before the exams check with my friends all the formulas, as soon as the exam start, i'll just write down all the formulas I memorized and would solve all question, this was enough for me to be one of the best students(not the best, but close), when I got in uni and had to learn Calculus, I simply could not keep up because of the amount of exercises you need to do in order to learn, I didnt had the right mentality, because until that moment I would get by with almost just my critical thinking
"The harder I work, the luckier I get" is a saying South African world champion golfer, Gary Player, from way back, used in an interview where the interviewer brought up the idea that he had a reputation as a "lucky golfer". (I think he said it differently, but that's the gist.) I don't know if he made up the saying or heard it from someone else. He came from a very poor family, so it was difficult to even just get started with playing golf, but what he lacked he tried to make up for with hard work, and succeeded with that.
Interestingly, his brother, Ian Player, worked as a game ranger on one of the then Natal provincial reserves - Umfolozi, I think it was - where the last viable population of Southern White Rhino lived, and became the leader of an ultimately international project to save the species from extinction. If you see a White Rhino today, odds are it's descended from that population. (They even did things like capturing breeding pairs - or potential breeding pairs - and sending them for "safe keeping" in Texas, where there wasn't the poaching problem there was in Africa.) I think he worked even harder than his golfer brother, looking at the old game capture videos of the times. They didn't have knockout darts and vets in helicopters in the early days; they would chase the rhino through the bush in a Land Rover, with a long pole out front, with a noose to lasso them "rodeo style". There are some videos of it around, still. It looked much more like a rodeo than what one would think of as a game capture operation today - which has been refined in all sorts of ways to work much more smoothly and less traumatically to man and beast.
You need to iron out your arithmetic. Draw a number wheel w/ 1 on top & go from 1-9. Use it to drill in plus & multiplication. You need to MASTER the multiplication tables. Look up the nursery songs for the times tables & all the different memory tricks for times. Then make sure you memorize 6*7=42, 6*8=48,7*8=56. Then do the wheel backwards for minus & division. Then do a lot of long division problems both w remainder & decimals. Then do a lot of fractions. Now you learn decimals & percents. You need to practice these until your hand will start writing out the answers w/o u having to think abt them. One good rabbit hole you might want to go down for curiosity is mental math aka Vedic Math for even quicker arithmetic solving.
The next thing is : if you never want to be scared of word problems again, then learn about rates, ratios & proportions w/ lots of applications. You need to nip that confusion in the bud b/c if u don’t grasp ratios, proportions & rates, they will forever be mathematical thorns in your side.
Now that you have that sturdy bedrock of skills. You can pick up some pre-Algebra or maybe higher up like Math Wizard suggested. You’ll also benefit from some basic ideas from geometry & trigonometry even before starting algebra b/c Algebra constantly refers to problems like areas of circle or Pythagorean theorem etc.
PS
I like what one guy said above abt reading the original Euclid w/a compass & straight edge but I’m pessimistic most amateurs would make progress in Euclid’s elements without a teacher’s guidance unless that math amateur was pretty experienced in classical texts or reading comprehension of technical texts. Like if someone stinks at Math but he has read Plato or Aristotle, then sure, tackle Euclid on your own but if you stink at both, then you’ll need a teacher, course or online resources & commentaries (they exist). One thing you could do is just read Euclid’s propositions without the proofs. If you just assume they are all true & proven already, then you can use those as plain geometrical facts. I myself, though, would like to read the proofs also because it makes theorems much sweeter.
For the 1st part, I specifically recommend Arithmetic the Easy Way. After that, pre Algebra for dummies essentials was good. Then, follow the wizard.
Thank you bro, I will do a lot of this. I start my journey for compsci degree in May so I’m trying to get my math skills up. I wasn’t that good at math in HS but I never studied so now I want to be good at math. Your tips seem helpful so thank you again!
It was Euclid’s Elements that first got me interested in mathematics. As beginner, I found Euclid’s geometry proofs astounding. Proof was really the first thing I appreciated.
I learned math mainly through the books. I finished all the high school math during my junior high school. There were self-study-series books in China at time, which have more detailed explanations than the textbooks. I had a lot of math competition books and math booklets. Math booklets are 50-200 page books. Each one dealing with one specific topic. Some of them can be very advanced, written in more formal math terms that were more strict on the math logics. I also bought monthly "high school teachers' math journal". Each issue contained 5 questions that were at math competition levels. The answers were released in the next issues that made it impossible to sneak peeking answers until a month later. The key for learning math well is to take time to solve problems (as long as possible), avoid the temptations to peek the answer. It would give you a lot of confidence and understanding in math, when you solved one difficult problem. . Learning knowledges is relative easy. Solving problems are the hard part.
damn I know you said you had self study books in china but you know any good ones for people in the US?
@@andrea-cy6es , These books were in Chinese. There are a lot of math books on Amazon. There are also a lot of good math videos on youtube. I studied a lot on number theory, topology and geometry during my high school. There are other important topics I didn't cover during that time. I think it's important to get a good problem book to really test your knowledge and problem solving skills.
I am in a similar situation, I am self-studying math also aged 24 in hopes of one day soon, crushing the GRE and making it into a computer science program. My math skills are average at best. I am currently studying concrete mathematics for comp sci. I have found that studying alongside a chatbot like Chat Gpt is very helpful. I try to force myself to study for at least 5 minutes every day no matter how tired I am.
Hi ..I'm studying algebra and I do it by concepts. I use videos and books. One thing I do is take out a blank piece of paper (every so often)and write as much as I know about a concept. This helps me really know what I know and don't know. Then I go back and relearn what I don't know. I also jump around and don't study in a linear way. So...I'd study everything about radicals. Then maybe logs or graphing. I have a BS in PreK through 8th elementary education and Special Education through 12th grade. Im a retired 60 year old and am just doing this for fun! I'm actually more of a creative person so this really challenges my mind. Its soooo rewarding to say...I understood a math problem. Mr. Math Sorcerer inspires me and he gives math a good name!
I’m further into my academic journey. I’ve taken up through calculus 3 but I often find my weak spots aren’t with new material, but with gaps in knowledge from past courses. I want to start over learning math from scratch to solidify my foundational concepts. This video was very helpful thank you
Exact same situation here
Thank you
Thanks!
I started math after years of not doing any math at all. I had no idea what my level was. I went on Khan Academy and started at sixth grade math and worked my way up to doing their entire Algebra 1 coarse online and having just a pencil and a notepad to work out the problems. Doing that gave me the confidence to take Algebra 2 at a local community college which I passed with a B and then I moved into Statistics which I was able to score an A in. I also highly recommend doing some projects like building things that require the use of numbers and working with tape measures to build things. This will help you apply the mathematics even the slightest bit and work your brain in thinking mathematically. I wish you all well on your journey with math.
I do Calculus so much that some days I’ll see my book on the end of the bed and just get sick but keep going anyways.
It’s like lifting weights. I go when I shouldn’t not Injured or illness just go. Usually if you get there and do a few sets and get a pump going then you’ve busted out a workout you didn’t know you could.
Just keep going and hang in there..
Lifting and calculus I got the same interests
Do you think i can do engineering math without doing calculus
@@sawlty-suite5131 absolutely not, calculus is a must
Shit the gym bro sub culture is evolving. I love the gym and now my dream is to also become an engineer. Will have to learn alot of math and physics on my own. Its also fun to a degree. Any tips brother on How to Get to the calculus level type math?
Honestly math with a study buddy is prob alot more effective for learning. Is there any discords or something for other people to learn this stuff?
As you are going through a list of problems, attempt to class it. Using a simple example: fractions. There are three types of fractions: proper, improper , and mixed. Then google for worksheets that only focus on one of the type and develop fast solutions for each.
11:10 Chance favors the prepared mind. - Louis Pasteur
Great advice from a charlatan.
@@Carmine_Lupertazzi how
Thanx sir im 57 and write maths N3 on 3rd of april 2024.i love maths but easy so good yet.i will take it day too day one problem at a time.thanks for encourage us.my name is edwin adams from capetown south africa
How did it go Edwin? 😊
You need a positive feedback loop, so you can get addicted to it, and the secret to that is to ( as stated in the video ) get one thing done and have success ( aka solving it ). The more you solve, the more confidence. The more confidence, the more addicted you get. Sooner or later you will send emails with "how do I stop myself from doing all this math" while doing math. Remember, the good players are always lucky.
Workbooks help a lot at the Algebra level. You can level up your math very quickly by doing a ton of practice questions and checking your answers.
Hi, I'm Melanie from Dominican Republic. I'll be 24 years old in March 15th. A few hours ago I was crying while taking a Calculus class. Everybody understood everthing except me. Some teachers used to humillate me when I was at school, now I'm in college and everytime I go to math classes I do not feel ok, I'm scared. I'm trying to study at least 2 hours a day by myself at home. But I do not know if its enough, I'm always making really bad mistakes when I'm at class. I'm not gonna lie, studying maths everyday, helped me to improve, but I still don´t know why is it so difficult for me and so easier for others. I'm not even sure 100% if I'll make it. Just thinking about that gives me a headche.
I really needed to let off steam. Now I'll watch the video and try everthing that can help me. Everytime I spent thinking why I'm not good enough makes me feel miserable.
Just keep going and do not stop. Do more practice problems from whatever the instructor give you plus from the book. Keep reviewing
If you get behind in math, everything new makes no sense. I recommend going backwards until you find math you are confident in, and then building your knowledge from that point back to where you are currently. Are you confident in multiplication? Decimals? Fractions? Algebra? Functions? Graphing? Math is very much like a set of puzzles. When you don’t see the solution it feels so frustrating and pointless. But you can learn to find the solutions very quickly if you have mastered the previous concepts and practice the newest concept. Buena suerte!
Never too late is true. I started an engineering degree with two kids and a job. First I had to do one year of mathematics bridging courses. I got a first class honours degree and have jumped from great job to great job ever since. It was haaaaard, no sugar coating it. Super hard. And I STILL watch videos like this thinking how I need to brush up my maths skills in case everyone realises I'm a phony :)
But please do like the mathman says... it's great advice.
Also, now there is AI, chat gpt can give you a pretty good explanation of how to approach a difficult problem. (Don't trust it 100% though... just use it to check your understanding, then go to a textbook or other sources to make sure, because sometimes it makes up any old thing!)
Bad math teacher in middle school, bad math teacher in high school. A very bad set of math and statistics teachers in my undergrad. I actually love math but really never had a chance due to truly bad teachers and professors.
Although it is true that there are too many poor teachers out there, you must not allow that fact to deter your pursuit.
If mathematics is a written only language and learning is either achieved by relating or discovering, then the best way to learn a language is to attempt conceptually relate it to the language that you already know, whatever that language is.
Example: What is the relation between a lawyer and an accountant? Both need a license from an accredited professional organization. A lawyer is an accountant of words while an accountant is a lawyer of numbers. Looking to make such connections (discoveries) as you progress in your journey to master the language (mathematics) is essential.
Hi Sir, I just want to express my appreciation for your advices and all the knowledge you share with us. I'm a physicist, and I really love Mathematics. I feel encouraged by your words to start doing what I know I need to do. I also apply the "it only take 2 weeks" methodology and I share it with my sisters and everyone who needs it. Thank you!
"The Humongous Book Of Algebra Problems" and the trig version and the calculus version were my starting point to get out from scratch. All the problems are worked out.
Khan Academy has SAT practice tests.
Thats where i started to build up my non-existed math foundations god bless Sal Khan
@@isminivermekistemeyenmahmut agreed 👍
I was great at maths as a child, then a school teacher screamed at me in front of the class for writing my solutions messily. Since that day, and 30 odd years later, I was terrified of math and it gave me major anxiety. Recently, I obtained a book that I've been using to teach myself math from the ground up. I feel the love for math coming back, and every time I test myself and get it right I feel like it's a huge achievement. :)
I like the "math agony aunt" approach - you get an email, you read it, you answer it. It's inspiring. Currently thinking about designing an intermediate algebra course in the summer for multiple repeaters to finally succeed at it, and this might help me get into that particular groove.
Math Sorcerer:
I have 3 college textbooks. I am 58 soon to be 59. I love mathematics and thus plan to do a self-study of college algebra, precalculus and calculus l, ll, and lll. There are two major problems:
A. Lack of time due to full-time employment.
B. Reasonably speaking, it is impossible to cover every section, every chapter per textbook.
Questions
1. I only have two days off. How many hours should I study mathematics on my days off?
2. What topics per textbook should I study and for me review?
Thank you.
Guido Feliz
How do you do it? You simply just refuse to brush your hair. It worked for Einstein, it worked for the CEO of Palantir, and it worked for this guy.
I give up. I just wanted to tell someone about it and for some reason I thought I should say it to you. I want to thank you for all the sparks of hope you have created in my heart as I struggled to find something to hold on and finish my studies. I could write a book of reasons on why I have failed and many people can argue that I didn't really try. I blame this incapability on me and my potential, which I strongly believe it was always low. After time, life accumulates quite a load on your mind and eventually you break. Unless you are mentally tough, which I'm not. At this point I don't have the patience to read three lines in a book, lost my motivation. I'm done. Losing is not easy to swallow, but I have to accept it.
You are a fantastic teacher, please keep doing what you do!
The opening questions hit hard. I will always become a math genius. Eternally and forevermore.
I'm the US there are two paths to a university:
1. Straight to University after highschool by passing the SAT
2. Pass the GED and start at a community college, and transfer to a university for your last two years of university.
From here, it's either straight to the workforce or a Masters or PhD degree.
About the gentleman who emailed you: at 51 i completed algebra 1 in 9 weeks last year. 6 hrs a day of practice and the right educator.
I am totally afraid of math. I would love to become strong in math. I just procrastinate because I feel like I will fail
Thank you for suggesting one math problem per day.
I am going to try, and hopefully. I will start to catch on.
There is no substitute for practice in mathematics and you should have a great and deep vision to deal with method of the question and should gradually progress by solving skills
From conception, how long does it take for an embryo to have a heart beat? Around 22 day. What is learning? Learning is the result of exposing the brain to a steady stimulus. How long does it takes for the brain to learn? The same time as it takes for the axons and dendrites to develop to the point of having the neurons achieve what is called a synapse: approximately 22 days. So keep enough stimulus on your brain to reach that point but not enough pressure to overstress it.
What the F are you doing in comment section?
Thank you for everything you do! Great motivation Monday!
Use the one dumbbell approach to study math. If you lift the heaviest dumbbell that you can with the right arm, do the same with the left arm, add the two weights and set a barbell with the sum of the two dumbbells, you probably won't be able to lift it. Why? Because asymmetrical lifting commissions more muscles. Extending this to math, organize your desk so you can work standing up. Put plastic boxes under your desk. Just like the asymmetrical lifting, this commissions more brain functions and will soon allow you to work faster.
This channel has the best book recommendations. Blitzer math books & those Humongous Book of....series of books. I thought I would have to start at the beginning with prealgebra, but I actually didn't have to. Calculus isn't easy, but I'm surprised that I've only progressed to be able to do some calculus like functions & limits. I only about halfway through College Algebra textbooks, and I'm already doing some basic calculus. There might be math along the way that is near impossible and incredibly difficult-but that's alright. I'm proud and happy that I can do the math so far. Proofs are the thing that I think will be almost impossible for me. But I'm still going to make the effort I kept hoping I could find videos based on Blitzer's books and he says some of his course use Blitzer book. So I'll look for them
Books don't do shit. The best way to learn math is to learn from the master face to face.
@@Workingman-u7sI think it depends on the person. For a person with social anxiety/adhd/chronic pain I don’t learn shit face to face bc I’m so distracted by all the stimulus. I need the book and I need to actually discipline myself to work through it. They never give us books these days. Just screens. Shaum’s is known For a reason. I need to learn about more great math texts! Hence while I follow this wizard 🖤
@@Workingman-u7s
But sometimes you don't have the option of a teacher so you have no real alternative to self study using books.
Stefano (UK).
calculus depends heavily ( the learning of it ) on who/how it is taught to you. I can't do calculus. Can't learn it. Keep trying. Oh, yes, I know the basics, yep, summing the little bits up etc. But I just get so crapped off with every tutor (online) or book I get to learn it that I stop out of disgust or weariness or non comprehension.
But wait: I used to know it. I used to know how to do all kinds of weird problems 'off-the-cuff', like figure out how to do it myself, with calculus.
Yep. True.
For a few short weeks.
What happened? Accident, injury, disease?
Nothing. Just didn't use it and forgot it.
OK
So what's all that about?
Well I was studying by mail a TAFE NSW (Australia) Engineering Surveying course which they used to do back then when the world was real.
And one subject was maths.
And that maths got into calculus so's the surveyor could use it to calculate difficult land areas and volumes and such.
Now this guy who wrote those teaching papers taught me to where I understood what I was doing and was using calculus as a tool within a few short weeks.
To where I'd look at a problem and think oh, okay, I need calculus for this.
Get it? That's low level. That's beginner. Not pretending otherwise. But it's pretty good isn't it?
How'd you like to be that capable?
I would.
Have over the years often tried to get back there and have looked at a whole heap of books and thousands or millions of words and it's just driven me into a hole in the ground.
Khan academy would have been the worst.
I made a fatal mistake. I said I wanted to learn calculus. Well, Jesus Christ, wasn't it on for young and old after that. We went back to the ark and started reinventing maths, did algebra, did set theory, geometry, trigonometry and christ knows what.... I never got there. I gave up in disgust.
Long story.
I'm just trying to convince you that it is EASY ! IF you get the right tutor.
And if you don't: It is impossible. Better off working it all out for yourself.
interesting to hear that you start taking math because you wanted to pursue comp science, i’m in a similar place but with comp engineering
Your efforts and persistance are overwhelming! 💪
This is great advice for a person with ADHD like me. Do one problem each day. I will try it with my language learning. I have learned two now.
The reasons you gave in recommending for the intermediate algebra book are the exact reason I don’t recommend school or college textbooks for math. “Modern layout” means it’s filled with fluff, instead of sticking to clear explanations, examples, questions, and answers.
That being said, answers to only the odd numbered questions? This is absolutely ridiculous, as half the questions are pointless. Might as well just print only odd numbered questions then, since feedback is absolutely necessary in learning mathematics properly. Anyone who tells you otherwise is a fool, or trying to sell you an overvalued book.
This was amazingly insightful, thank you so much for giving me hope in my math journey starting over again at the age of 38!
Thanks for doing what you do. I'm going to be studying mechanical engineering this fall so I picked up a pre-calculus book you recommended. Planning on doing 5hrs per week, 1hr sessions. So far I've done 3 sessions, and it's been good. Hoping to get halfway through the book in 4 1/2 months (~90hrs, 530 pages).
in soviet union they never studied pre calculus because its the same stuff you took before calculus so i prefer you go over trigonometry or geometry before calculus dont do pre calculus it is a waste of time!
@Ensteino it does consist of trigonometry, geometry, and Algebra
@@3vanisstick to pre-calc i’m in calc 1 currently and the first few units have a bit trig but not a crazy amount. Just become really good at algebra and you’ll be set
basic stuff of algebra and trig and geometry and it wont help you that much if you already studied it in my country they dont teach us pre calculus because its the same stuff we took in middle school and highschool and we learnt calculus 1 and 2 with alot of practice we mastered 1 and 2 so i recommend you focus on calculus @@3vanis
@evanschmidt7974 in in calc 3 right now, the best things to study to prepare for calculus are algebra with powers and fractions and the UNIT CIRCLE! make sure you're solid in geometry and algebra and you're golden
I found out that to my father's diploma from high school in the mid 80s was more on par with modern associates. I don't like to pass blame, but I have found that wen I graduated highschool, I learned next to nothing all while being able to graduate early because my scores were good. It's been so frustrating, I have the math skills of a 3rd grader. It's cost me so much, self-esteem, I couldn't place in college because I had to retake basic math. Now that I'm successful Glory to Jesus Christ of nazerath. I find myself trying to build or do projects but not getting anywhere because I can't do the maths needed. It has just made me feel less than for years. I need to get past this!
My whole life I’ve suffered with a math disability. Since grade school I was in IEP and always struggling specifically in math. Even now I’m in college taking intermediate Algebra and I’m not doing well at all. It just sucks, I’d love to be able to overcome my learning disability and become good at math for the first time in my life.
My two best tips for math is adding zero to an equation and multiplying by one are the most powerful tools you can have at hand.
I took the SAT and the ACT. Fun tests!
Paul lockart’s “Arithmetic” is a nice opening back into mathematics in my opinion.
Back in 1966, my first, very first college course at CMU was Calculus and Analytic Geometry. It was an integral(pardon the pun) part of the math education I got as an Electrical Engineering student.
Never mind paper and pen. Get a 12" x 18" plate glass, tape white paper on the back and around the edges so you won't cut yourself, and get dry-eraser pencil and brush. This system has two main advantages: 1) it allows for quick corrections, and, 2) you can take pictures of your solutions either to share or to refresh your mind.
Best advice, never give up. But do it because you love it.
There is also the TH-cam channel of Michel van Biezen which has everything organized from basic algebra to calculus 3, differential equations, linear algebra, statistics, etc.. It also has videos on physics from the basics to quantum mechanics and special relativity, electricalengineering. The TH-cam chanel Houston Math prep is also pretty organized. It has materials ranging from pretty calculus, linear algebra, basic statistis to Calculus 3.
Love this. Thanks for being an inspiration. Love your attitude
Good Morning, my name is Teyani Tyler. I am inspired by these. Please make more videos. Blessings from the Cosmos.
My advice is don't overwhelm or overwork yourself. Be able to give yourself time off and remember that other people have done this and so can you. And practice, I think of math more like music than other courses. Chemistry, Biology, and Geography are all things you can commit to memory. With music, you can read all the sheet music you want but you need to practice to learn.
There's also no shame in starting at basic math; maybe as a review course. I took a junior college course in it, even though I was already ok with math in school. The book I used is surprisingly still in print: Basic Mathematics: A Review, Rogers, Van Dyke, and Barker. At the end, it even covers some Trigonometry!
Thanks
Your videos and your passion are always source of inspiration even for people with very remote interest in maths.
Never too late at 76 to begin again with 1 problem a day to review the basics from high school, college, or wherever your beginning is!
Use a timer to work in short blocks of a few minutes. For most people, the sweet spot will be in the 25-50 minute range for peak concentration with a 5-15 minute breaks. I suggest the opposite: work for 15 minutes and do something physical for the rest of the hour. The 5% or less of your aware brain will work for 15 minutes but the 95% or more of your unaware brain will keep chewing at the problem for 45 minutes.
Presto!!! Time is the key. HOW MUCH TIME do you actually have to study mathematics on a daily basis?
First, I suggest that you discover what type of "switch" turns your brain on. Are you a visual, an auditory, or a kinesthetics learner (eyes, ear, or hands)?
Solving one problem daily will take the student 1000 years just to complete Algebra 1. How about studying one topic daily? For example, on Monday study linear equations, on Tuesday study quadratic equations, on Wednesday study mixture word problems, etc. You say?
I’m happy to say I’ve bought your college algebra course. I’m inspired !
Mathematics is a Swiss knife, a tool box to do work. Noam Chomsky once said "The main function of language is not to facilitate communication, it is to formulate thought, an almost explicitly internal use." So if mathematics is a mute language then it is not science, it is an internal tool to formulate thought... and should be learned as such.
Dear Sir,
I hope the probability (statistically)speaking allows for your reading of this comment; you are a bona-fide hero. I am in my fifties, suffering from dyscalculia. I was diagnosed as an adult. I believe I went undiagnosed from grade school and high school.
I have always been the student who had a great work ethic, but because of the underlying problem got nowhere. I dropped out of college seven times because I could not pass college algebra. Not able to be proficient in mathematics altered my life in a terrible way. Your videos have been a God send. I started doing math all the way from first grade. I am gaining better proficiency because of a greater understanding. By the end of the year, I hope to be at 7th or 8th grade math.
Please accept my sincere gratitude for all of your hard work and conscientious effort on behalf of your global students. God bless you and take good care.
I taught myself calculus by doing a couple of hours every day. I’m studying discrete math and it seems a lot harder to study.
@the math sorcerer thank you so much for this. Math has been the nightmare in my life I have been trying to learn it since chilled hood, high school to college but I have no luck am just simply terrible at this but know one thing am now trying to learn math and Stat again. You always inspire me to do hard things thank you... I really wish I could subscribe to your class you sound like an amazing teacher....
Get the basics. Explore. Have fun. Explain. Suffer from hyperspecialization (least likely).
Personally, I think ACT/SAT is a waste of time. When you're in highschool, just focus on the advance placement. You will get college credits. After that, you are set to go straight into your major or at the very least be better off.
There are no guarantees in life, the harder you work the luckier you become.
Leverage the momentum the beginning is always the hardest
Brother. Do a Math + Workout stream! Looking swoll guru. Thanks for all the advice.
Amazing SM is the first place I go for this advice. Thank you
I’m glad I found you. I am into fitness and have been running away from math since 3rd grade. I am in a College algebra class and I am learning to like it to pass. I still need help though with rounding numbers, decimals, percentage and fractions. Amy tips?
He's like a more jacked Sir Issac Newton
Thank you so much to both Abdul and Sir.
Thank you for your videos sir.
You impress me. Also, you are very inspiring! Thank you
The World Salutes You 🏆
Your insights are much appreciated; I really needed to hear this. Your videos were a lifesaver during my struggles with differential equations (especially Laplace!), and now I’ve found myself drawn back to your channel for motivation as I take physics 2. You make daunting subjects feel manageable and even exciting!❤
Thank you for your insights.
11:02 maybe Henry Ford said that
Man, I don't know what it is, but you have something that inspires.