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No bullshit guide to math and physics

minireference.com

61–70 of 160 posts

Re: No bullshit guide to math and physics

#61
Sounds like a fascinating book. I'll be purchasing it as soon as the ebook is available.

Note: I didn't even know this book existed ten minutes ago, but now I'm annoyed that I have to wait until tomorrow for the ebook version. Sometimes my demand for instant gratification shocks even me.

Re: No bullshit guide to math and physics

#63
Based on the comments I've read and reading a bit of the preview - I am curious as to how polished this version is. I'm hesitant in buying the paperback copy especially, if there are errors.

Otherwise, this looks incredible. Exactly what I've wanted when wanting to learn math!

Re: No bullshit guide to math and physics

#64
random idea - consider making some examples/sections from the book also available as an IPython notebook. IPython+matplotlib+numpy+scipy is a perfect quartet for getting some ideas across in an interactive, intuitive way. best of all the reader doesnt have to setup anything. just include some URLs in your book.

see: http://ipython.org

Re: No bullshit guide to math and physics

#65

I would buy it, but it appears you don't have an ebook version? I can't really keep physical books because they take up too much space (small apartment).

@cameronh90 @veeti @Who828 I hear you guys. I will have the PDF version ready by later tonight. How much should the PDF cost? Is a DRM-free PDF good enough or should I do the .epub format? (in the meantime, check out the free preview: http://cnd.mcgill.ca/~ivan/miniref/miniref_v3_preview.pdf about one third of the book is there)

Excellent - I'd be willing to spend around $20 - PDF is my preferred format (iPad and Desktop PC), but agree with notdrunkatall, why not offer all three.

Re: No bullshit guide to math and physics

#66

I hesitated to post this, since I think clearer, shorter, better written textbooks are an admirable goal, and I keep a (short) list of good text books I have found over the years. But based on the preview on the website, I'm going to keep referring those who ask me to Gelfand's wonderful basic math texts instead (Algebra, Method of Coordinates, Functions and Their Graphs, Trigonometry -- anyone who wants further poin…

Thanks for pointing to Gelfand. I'd never heard of him. Intriguing that University of Chicago assigns these texts. (Heads up— there's no contact info in your profile).

Re: No bullshit guide to math and physics

#67

I would buy it, but it appears you don't have an ebook version? I can't really keep physical books because they take up too much space (small apartment).

@cameronh90 @veeti @Who828 I hear you guys. I will have the PDF version ready by later tonight. How much should the PDF cost? Is a DRM-free PDF good enough or should I do the .epub format? (in the meantime, check out the free preview: http://cnd.mcgill.ca/~ivan/miniref/miniref_v3_preview.pdf about one third of the book is there)

Thank you. PDF all the way for all books. GoodReader on Retina iPad.

Re: No bullshit guide to math and physics

#68

I would buy it, but it appears you don't have an ebook version? I can't really keep physical books because they take up too much space (small apartment).

@cameronh90 @veeti @Who828 I hear you guys. I will have the PDF version ready by later tonight. How much should the PDF cost? Is a DRM-free PDF good enough or should I do the .epub format? (in the meantime, check out the free preview: http://cnd.mcgill.ca/~ivan/miniref/miniref_v3_preview.pdf about one third of the book is there)

Please please please do an ePub version. PDF is great for reading on a computer, but an ePub is miles better on an iPad. I'll buy a digital copy if it comes in ePub, but not if it's only PDF.

Re: No bullshit guide to math and physics

#69

This is pretty interesting stuff. Out of curiosity, have you thought of an interactive book? It brings higher level concepts alive.

I am a big fan of "choose your own adventure" kind of books, and I will try to do something with that soon. For the physics part, I also have a simple physics game engine which is in the works. Instead of answering questions about different //points// of the motion the user would have to specify the js function which describes the entire motion. There will be not "grades" just test suites your code has to pass ;) Wha…

I was thinking of graphs and equations where you could test different values, see how the outcome varies. When you learn with a graphic/equation you can manipulate, the experience stays with you

Re: No bullshit guide to math and physics

#70
post #54

The concept map is fantastic!

Agreed! I am pleasantly surprised that someone else is doing this! I have been drawing "concept maps" for myself for the knowledge they taught in high school and undergrad school. I have always thought I was the only one to draw such things :) I am a very visual person and these maps help me memorize stuff but also understand how everything fits together.

That is great to hear. I use it for understanding concepts when learning. It is a great tool. Have you tried http://www.instagrok.com
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