Maybe I'm conceited but I think curiosity should guide you. Obviously something about ML inspires you. Envision what you want to achieve and fill the gaps as you go. Yes, there are more or less optimal ways to learn, but maybe it's more important to keep the fire alive than to push through quickly. The harsh truth is that maybe you still harbor an aversion for math. Most ML practitioners have dark spots, that's fine. But you need a genuine interest to navigate.
Ask HN: How to learn math from zero for adults?
31–40 of 182 posts
Re: Ask HN: How to learn math from zero for adults?
#32Since you mentioned ML, I assume you'll need linear algebra (LA). I hated it for a long time since the notation abstracts away too many things. You can look at an equation involving matrices, but you cannot imagine how it would be coded. Unlike calculus where numerical approximations and code implementations are relatively obvious.
But I eventually needed to learn it as I have to code something not in Python/Matlab/etc as part of an app and would like to postpone using LA libraries unless absolutely needed for performance. What helped me get the grips on LA is Jeff Chasnov's lectures on youtube and Mike Cohen's book. I would also recommend 3blue1brown for appreciation, if he happens to cover the topic you wish to dive into.
I'm many years older than you, by the way.
Re: Ask HN: How to learn math from zero for adults?
#33The MIT online lectures are amazing. I can't recommend them more highly. They got me through an engineering degree.
Re: Ask HN: How to learn math from zero for adults?
#34Start with reading https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Playing_with_Infinity it might help with hating math.
Re: Ask HN: How to learn math from zero for adults?
#35I was a C student in high school. I never took a math class beyond basic algebra. I started from Khan Academy's first exercise when I was 33 years old. It seems silly looking back that I was solving problems on the number line as an adult. At that time, around 10 years ago, Khan Academy had excellent coverage through trigonometry and single variable calculus. Once I reached that point I went to my local community col…
>It seems silly looking back that I was solving problems on the number line as an adult.
I study biostatistics and dabble in population genetics research. I still resort to number lines and venn diagrams frequently. There is a reason we teach number lines - they are very useful!
Re: Ask HN: How to learn math from zero for adults?
#36I'm in my 40s and I started a machine learning degree in Nov 2020, so it's been about 1.5 years for me till now. I am a slow learner and my recommendations may reflect the same.
1) Maths (precalculus and calculus) - I started with Khan Academy 10th grade onwards. I finished till grade 12 in a week. By this time I had gone through content elsewhere, so 1 week may (not) be enough. Regardless, Khan Academy app comes highly recommended.
I did realise that there were a few gaps (more basic in nature), I covered those with Eddie Woo on YouTube (e.g. why is zero factorial 1). For others I just looked up relevant searches online.
2) Maths (calculus) - MITs videos on YouTube. That is the pace of content I really love. Lots of overlap with Khan academy calculus, but do go through both. Also 3blue1brown "essence of calculus" playlist.
3) Maths (Basic Linear Algebra) - although if someone were to say Gilbert Strang's MIT videos, they would be bang on perfect, I had to start slower. Bingewatch (with popcorn and beer) 3blue1browns "Essence of linear algebra" on YouTube. Then move ahead to the channel "Math the beautiful" which has a slower pace. You would also wish to visit their website www.lem.ma where they have exercises. Then of course come back and start Prof Strang's lectures (you're delving into heavier stuff midway through his course).
4) Statistics - hands down professor Leonard on YouTube, he is the statistics equivalent of Eddie Woo. Slow, smart, funny and he has biceps too ;-) After this Prof Tsitsikilis (MIT) on YouTube.
It goes without saying that you'll need to practice problems (ironical, coming from me). You can download question sets of your country from online.
5) When you've done the above, your search for "linear algebra" and "calculus" on HN will yield a lot of lovely results. Hidden gems will be there in comments too. Check those books, interactive books, websites, etc out. Your pace will be good by this time, but you will occassionally come across something which you have not come across before.
If there's anything else, feel free to ask.
Re: Ask HN: How to learn math from zero for adults?
#37I’m in this boat as well. I dropped out of first year university some years ago and have subsequently forgot all the higher level math that I spent years learning. I can’t even understand the notation which used to be so familiar.
From my experience you have to start from scratch since some concepts are foundational and will block progress later if you don’t know them.
I have started with Khan Academy just answering questions on my phone. It’s a grind but I do it later in the day when my cognition is reduced. I imagine later on I will have to get a tutor.
Re: Ask HN: How to learn math from zero for adults?
#38I was a C student in high school. I never took a math class beyond basic algebra. I started from Khan Academy's first exercise when I was 33 years old. It seems silly looking back that I was solving problems on the number line as an adult. At that time, around 10 years ago, Khan Academy had excellent coverage through trigonometry and single variable calculus. Once I reached that point I went to my local community col…
Wow. I was going to come here and suggest them as well but your story does an even better job. Congrats to you and all the hard work you must have put in over the 10 years!
Re: Ask HN: How to learn math from zero for adults?
#39What helped me get a grip on learning mathematics was learning to prove theorems. Working through Daniel Velleman's book "How to Prove It" (the only pre requisite is that you can understand boolean logic, which programmers have no problem with), and then a Set Theory book (I used Enderton) set me up to tackle (proof based) Linear Algebra, Analysis etc. Just my personal experience. Hope this helps.
I think theorems already presuppose some basic understanding of algebra, but I might be wrong.
It really depends on what OP actually knows and how deep he wants to learn and in what direction
Re: Ask HN: How to learn math from zero for adults?
#40No post body was provided.