Do you struggle with mathematical reasoning in itself, or with different aspects of mathematics (aspects that are built on, and work based on, said reasoning)?
Ask HN: I suck at math, where to start?
11–20 of 154 posts
Re: Ask HN: I suck at math, where to start?
#12Identify the concept you don't get and read! Specifically read a _variety_ of explanations on every concept you struggle with. Eventually you will find or form a point of view that will make it clear. There's no easy way, no one source.
And while reading: do! And when doing (solving a problem): don't read (the answer)!
Re: Ask HN: I suck at math, where to start?
#13Chances are you actually suck at algebra. I went through this issue when I started electrical engineering as part of an overly elaborate midlife crisis. I got the book in the bookstore that was supposed to bring you up to high school level and just did all of the exercises. Then I did a whole lot of exercises for the introductory university math courses. Basically it is something you have to grind at. Once you do eno…
I second the grind. There's not really a shortcut... like lifting weights or practicing scales/rudiments.
I returned to grad school at 27 for math and had trouble passing qualifying exams. I ended up using spaced-repetition to memorize large sections of books and old questions. I had previously shunned memorization... but coupled with focused practice it is a powerful tool. Memorizing forces you to distill the material and patterns to their essence and allows you to recognize the patterns in new situations.
Re: Ask HN: I suck at math, where to start?
#14Re: Ask HN: I suck at math, where to start?
#15> where can I start learning math concepts that will help me in my career?
I wouldn’t worry about it. The amount of math that a working programmer needs is minuscule.
Re: Ask HN: I suck at math, where to start?
#16Time. Be honest about how much time you’re willing to invest into understanding math. You can understand math if you’re willing to give it the time, but without that time you’re likely setup for frustration.
Where to start?
Math is huge. I suspect discrete math may be the most useful to a programmer who’s looking to just be a more theoretical programmer. Proof by induction stands out as a core, helpful concept too.
Otherwise I suspect it’s about problem domain. Geometry has its uses as does algebra. It all kinda branches from there.
Re: Ask HN: I suck at math, where to start?
#17Introduction to Graph Theory - Richard J. Trudeau
A History of Pi - Petr Beckmann
Journey through Genius: The Great Theorems of Mathematics - William Dunham
How to Bake Pi - Eugenia Chang
These are all sort of 'pop-math' books -- that is, they're more intended to spark a joy & love for math than teach rigorous mathematics. Great Theorems and A History of Pi include a lot of history (edit to add: in addition to covering the math involved!) -- did you know some mathematicians in history would duel over their theorems? That theorems were a carefully guarded secret instead of something you shared?
Introduction to Graph Theory is specifically intended as an introduction to mathematics for 'the mathematically traumatized'.
In my opinion, after reading these, if you've sparked a joy for the puzzles and fun of mathematics, then I would then suggest branching out into more formal presentations of them relevant to your interests... it's much easier to slog through a book on abstract mathematics when you receive from enjoyment from the puzzles presented.
Re: Ask HN: I suck at math, where to start?
#18Chances are you actually suck at algebra. I went through this issue when I started electrical engineering as part of an overly elaborate midlife crisis. I got the book in the bookstore that was supposed to bring you up to high school level and just did all of the exercises. Then I did a whole lot of exercises for the introductory university math courses. Basically it is something you have to grind at. Once you do eno…
3Blue1Brown series on linear algebra is an amazing resource as a starting point.
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0-GT3co4r2y2YErbmuJw2L5t...
Re: Ask HN: I suck at math, where to start?
#19It also helps not to tell yourself "I suck at math", that's a very common self-fulfilling prophecy.
Re: Ask HN: I suck at math, where to start?
#20At what moments do you feel that your math knowledge limits your programming skills?
Also: what kind of programming are you doing? E.g. working with 3d games relies on different math skills than dealing with AB testing.