You might also find https://physicstravelguide.com/ useful. It's an expository wiki that sorts physics and related math explanations/books etc. by the required level of sophistication.
This means, especially as a beginner when you are stuck you can easily find an explanation that you can understand.
I would recommend that you start with physics and only learn math on a "just-in-time learning" basis. Mathematics is infinitely large and it's too easy to get lost. Physics, in comparison, is relatively constrained. When you learn the basics of modern physics you will automatically get a good understanding of lots of important math topics plus you will always automatically know why they are important.
I did the same as you, but in my 40’s. It’s better to start with books that are “too easy” than those that are “too hard” (for your level, whatever that is).
I started with Ken stroud’s ‘engineering math’, then did calculus 1,2,3 and linear algebra at community college (online, with proctored exams), then used chartrand’s “mathematical proofs” to learn proofs, which you must know in order to learn, understand and enjoy upper div math (and Physics).
I’m now doing an MS in math and stats and loving it, but you need to pace yourself in a way that you can understand and enjoy the math and physics you are doing - and as many people have commented, that means doing lots of problems .
Feel free to message me if you want to chat
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.
I'm taking you at your word and assuming you truly want to reach the cutting edge of knowledge and learn things like QFT, Gauge Theory, String Theory, etc. alongside the math needed for it. This is a long-term project, so I'd recommend by starting a bit with "learning about learning". There is a great, fairly short Coursera course called "learning how to learn". Things not covered in the above course: - Your learning…
That is a fascinating number series. Is it taught in the Coursera course you mentioned?
Hi, I calculated it basing it on the super-memo algorithm. That algorithm is more sophisticated and geared towards cards / smaller pieces of knowledge; but I think it works equally well as "re-study" / "re-learn" reminders for larger chunks of material. The overall idea is to capture https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forgetting_curve fairly well with the repetition frequency.
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.
Did you actually watch the videos?
Ha no. I can't watch videos, I read really fast and find videos painfully slow.
Ha no. I can't watch videos, I read really fast and find videos painfully slow.
Grant (the 3Blue1Brown guy) has an uncanny ability to explain difficult concepts and the fundamental intuition behind them. In many of his videos, he explains topics from the perspective of a person inventing that topic (such as in his first Calculus video [1]). I can't recommend his videos enough.
Ha no. I can't watch videos, I read really fast and find videos painfully slow.
Grant (the 3Blue1Brown guy) has an uncanny ability to explain difficult concepts and the fundamental intuition behind them. In many of his videos, he explains topics from the perspective of a person inventing that topic (such as in his first Calculus video [1]). I can't recommend his videos enough. [1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUvTyaaNkzM&list=PLZHQObOWTQ...
It works for a lot of people, I'm just looking for something else, exercise-based computer-checked proofs to teach mathematics, something like that. Want it bad.
Regardless of whether you will actually put a maths degree to use on the job market—which no doubt you could, once you attain it—pursuing one can bring great rewards. I am in my thirties too (mid-thirties now) and recently took up maths again. Lucky for me, I come from the German-speaking realm, where there is a distance learning university that offers a solid BSc programme in mathematics at roughly one eighth of what someone would pay for tuition in the UK. I do not know what options you have in that regard, but if being enrolled in a programme does not seem off-putting to you, it might be worth checking out. I am mostly on my own, so I guess if I were studying entirely independently, I would not be doing much different. There are benefits though that I would not want to miss out on—I get my (bi-weekly) assignments reviewed, there are platforms where your teachers and fellow students are communicating, and, last but not least, there are exams that provide for the 'hard facts' as to whether you have been studying your stuff right. Not to mention the degree you are awarded if you succeed. To me it is beyond question that distance education is the right way for me to do this. Like you, I am working in business software development, and I simply cannot attend a brick and mortar university because I do not have the time, or would have to accept the severe cut-back in income resulting from a reduction of my work hours. (Besides, I have been to brick and mortar before, and not being very social, I do not think I am missing out on the social aspects of it at all.) So if there is any distance education option that suits your needs, it might greatly augment your self-directed learning.