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Ask HN: How do I learn math/physics in my thirties?

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Re: Ask HN: How do I learn math/physics in my thirties?

#81

Post by Myrmornis »

haskellandchill wrote: post #42
e0m wrote: post #17

Watch the 3Blue1Brown YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYO_jab_esuFRV4b17AJtAw These videos are frankly better explanation of college-level math concepts than most college classes. Also, now you probably care much more about the intuitions of mathematics over the raw mechanics of it. Once again, this channel perfectly exemplifies this concept.

These videos are posted any time linear algebra is mentioned. I find it almost comical at this point. What good is this intuition? I struggle to understand the value that these videos bring, but I'm not saying there is no value. I'm just lost, and kind of jealous because I need a deep understanding of linear algebra for work.

It's not just linear algebra, 3blue1brown also has an entire series on undergraduate calculus, and series on Statistics, Linear Algebra II and Group Theory are in the works. Plus a large number of excellent videos on miscellaneous math topics.

I think I understand what you're saying -- one needs more than just cool videos and cool intuition. You need to do exercises. This is a point made multiple times in those very videos.

But, the intuition provided in those videos is absolutely excellent. As an example, look at the explanation of change-of-basis in the linear algebra I series.

Re: Ask HN: How do I learn math/physics in my thirties?

#82

Post by deltron3030 »

Pick a related topic that makes use of what you want to learn, and learn what you want to learn as side effect from practice in the related topic. Another poster already mentioned linear algebra for simple computer graphics.

From there you could branch out into more dynamic stuff, like realtime 3D rendering or particle simulations, where you'd need calculus.

Re: Ask HN: How do I learn math/physics in my thirties?

#83

Post by ylem »

May I ask what your goal is? Do you want to be able to say read papers? Do research? It's easier to offer suggestions from there. Are you more interested in math or physics? I think at your stage, having a problem that interests you and then seeking out knowledge to understand that problem might be a good way to go...What is your current area of work? For example, if you are a programmer, then collaborating with a physicist or mathematician on a problem could be a worthwhile exchange.

Re: Ask HN: How do I learn math/physics in my thirties?

#86

Post by haskellandchill »

Myrmornis wrote: post #81
haskellandchill wrote: post #42

Earlier quoted context omitted.

These videos are posted any time linear algebra is mentioned. I find it almost comical at this point. What good is this intuition? I struggle to understand the value that these videos bring, but I'm not saying there is no value. I'm just lost, and kind of jealous because I need a deep understanding of linear algebra for work.

It's not just linear algebra, 3blue1brown also has an entire series on undergraduate calculus, and series on Statistics, Linear Algebra II and Group Theory are in the works. Plus a large number of excellent videos on miscellaneous math topics. I think I understand what you're saying -- one needs more than just cool videos and cool intuition. You need to do exercises. This is a point made multiple times in those very…

Ah, the videos come with pointers to exercises? I'm quite excited about https://www.edukera.com/ and possibilities for interactive learning through automated theorem proving. Thanks!

Re: Ask HN: How do I learn math/physics in my thirties?

#87

Post by lohengramm »

lohengramm wrote: post #85

I learned Calculus myself through a book called "Calculus - an intuitive and physical approach", by Morris Kline. It is cheap and very didatic. I never really studied physics, but I found the first books from the "Feynman lectures on Physics" to be very good.

I forgot to mention that the Feynman lectures on Physics are available online for free: http://www.feynmanlectures.caltech.edu/

Re: Ask HN: How do I learn math/physics in my thirties?

#88

Post by garmaine »

mayankkaizen wrote: post #67
wodenokoto wrote: post #52

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> You sit down in a warm or hot room What is wrong with airconditioning?

I am not sure about OP's reasoning, but I personally find it a bit 'motivating' to study in a slightly not-so-comfortable environment. I mean, it gives me sense that I am actually determined and am working hard. It also reminds me of my college days when even finding an air-conditioned room anywhere was just not possible.

I find it impossible to think or stay focused in a hot or even warm environment. People are different I guess.

Re: Ask HN: How do I learn math/physics in my thirties?

#89

Post by bsrhng »

If you want to be serious about math you should get a feel for what mathematics means to mathematicians.

A common view is that mathematicians prove theorems. While true, a skill that is not emphasized enough is learning (by heart) and understanding definitions. Learning by heart here also means something slightly different than simply being able to recite definitions and theorems. You have to be able to compare the objects that you define and get a feel for how a definition is really a manipulation of a basic intuition.

A great book to start with is Rudin's Principles of mathematical analysis. You will get a much deeper appreciation of what calculus is. If you want any chance of understanding the mathematical tools used in theoretical physics (operators, Hilbert spaces, Fourier decompositions to get solutions to differential equations etc.) you will have to understand analysis.

Re: Ask HN: How do I learn math/physics in my thirties?

#90

Post by garmaine »

zokier wrote: post #57
aj7 wrote: post #27

There is one sure way, and it’s a test of your fortitude. You find a a college textbook with the answers to the even-numbered problems in the back. You sit down in a warm or hot room, and solve them. If the textbook is in its 4th printing or so, the answers are correct. On a few, you’ll have to work for hours. Now here is a very, very, important point. All the learning occurs on the problems you struggle with. In the…

> Halliday and Resnick, early editions , printed in the late 60s and 70s Any particular reason to recommend the old editions over the latter ones?

Textbooks have generally gotten less information dense over time.
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