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Ask HN: Is there a website specialized in mathematics courses?

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Re: Ask HN: Is there a website specialized in mathematics courses?

#31

Post by [deleted] »

dalleh wrote: post #10
iflp wrote: post #9

It's probably way easier to decide on a subject you want to learn more about, and find the most approachable textbook / lecture notes on e.g. StackExchange. It doesn't make sense to choose courses (or even subjects to learn) based on whether video lectures are available. I don't maintain a collection of these, but I can probably recommend * Stephen Abbott, Understanding Analysis , for mathematical analysis and a litt…

Although I am a bit interested in number theory, linear algebra and a bit of calculus and its applications, I still haven't fixed my mind on specific fields. Now from time to time I watch videos on popular math YouTube channels so I can see what I like most.

[deleted]

Re: Ask HN: Is there a website specialized in mathematics courses?

#33

Post by jordan_curve »

sabas123 wrote: post #15

I would advice against resources like KA and 3B1brown. I'm a firm believer that you don't truly understand material unless you also understand a proof for it. Ane while those resources are AMAZING for simple intuition building, they aren't sufficient. Go pick up a book about proofs to develop mathematical maturity and then delve into some undergrad books for analysis (Abbott) or linear algera (Axler)

Absolutely you should not use 3B1B as a replacement for reading a textbook and doing problems.

However, I don’t think you that means you should skip watching 3B1B videos at all. In fact, Grant repeats quite often in his videos that they’re not a substitute for doing problems.

I’d highly recommend watching the videos side by side with reading through Axler. They will help develop the right geometric intuition (which Axler does a decent job of, but books can only do so much as a medium). I believe the 3B1B videos can also be quite motivating, which in my experience is the most important factor when self studying.

Re: Ask HN: Is there a website specialized in mathematics courses?

#34

Post by tmhrtly »

joeblau wrote: post #32

This is one I’ve heard a lot on the Data Skeptic podcast. Great for math and science. https://brilliant.org/

Has anyone here used it and could comment on its efficacy for people with say, good high school + some college courses knowledge of maths looking to grow? I've seen more than enough adverts for it on youtube but would love to hear thoughts from someone not being paid to hawk it!

Re: Ask HN: Is there a website specialized in mathematics courses?

#36

Post by CaptArmchair »

sabas123 wrote: post #15

I would advice against resources like KA and 3B1brown. I'm a firm believer that you don't truly understand material unless you also understand a proof for it. Ane while those resources are AMAZING for simple intuition building, they aren't sufficient. Go pick up a book about proofs to develop mathematical maturity and then delve into some undergrad books for analysis (Abbott) or linear algera (Axler)

Yep. I love watching 3B1brown, but those seem to be in-depth videos on a particular topic.

I was wondering how you feel about Professor Leonard? He's pushing recordings of his college classes online on YouTube. It's a veritable trove of useful lectures. [1]

[1] https://www.youtube.com/user/professorleonard57

Re: Ask HN: Is there a website specialized in mathematics courses?

#38

Post by impendia »

I am a math professor. In my observation, there is a huge amount of material available on the web, but it isn't very centralized -- especially at the upper levels.

My advice would be to get a book on any topic which interests you, read through it, and do a significant number of the exercises. You might try Epp's Discrete Mathematics, Hefferon's Linear Algebra, Colley's Vector Calculus, Dudley's Elementary Number Theory, Spivak or Apostol's Calculus (these go far beyond ordinary freshman calculus), Pinter's A Book of Abstract Algebra, among many others. Some of these books are expensive to buy new, but just buy older editions.

Resources like Khan Academy and 3blue1brown are also fantastic, and I have shared some of these with my students. I'd recommend using these as a supplement; if you rely on them solely then you'll develop vague intuition but not much else.

Also, with the pandemic, there are a huge number of traditional university courses that have moved online, and you could probably enroll in one for not too much money. Check the RateMyProfessor reviews -- you want a mix of positive reviews claiming the prof inspired them, and negative reviews complaining that work was expected. I have a RateMyProfessor review which complains bitterly that "homework is graded for accuracy and not completion". :)

Re: Ask HN: Is there a website specialized in mathematics courses?

#39

Post by vikramkr »

sabas123 wrote: post #15

I would advice against resources like KA and 3B1brown. I'm a firm believer that you don't truly understand material unless you also understand a proof for it. Ane while those resources are AMAZING for simple intuition building, they aren't sufficient. Go pick up a book about proofs to develop mathematical maturity and then delve into some undergrad books for analysis (Abbott) or linear algera (Axler)

I would advise the opposite, especially 3 blue 1 brown. I think getting the intuition first before diving into the deep proofs gives you a north star so you know where proofs will be taking you. I believe that for most people, getting the intuition first is going to make learning a lot easier.

Re: Ask HN: Is there a website specialized in mathematics courses?

#40

Post by yiyus »

sabas123 wrote: post #15

I would advice against resources like KA and 3B1brown. I'm a firm believer that you don't truly understand material unless you also understand a proof for it. Ane while those resources are AMAZING for simple intuition building, they aren't sufficient. Go pick up a book about proofs to develop mathematical maturity and then delve into some undergrad books for analysis (Abbott) or linear algera (Axler)

While I agree they are not enough to build a strong basis, they are a wonderful aid.

I would advise following a more traditional path, with a good book, but I cannot think of any good reason to not take a break from the book to watch some related 3B1b video from time to time.

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