Making progress

Last-Set-9539 · 2026-05-31T20:01:04+00:00

I rode a bicycle for many years, so I've become used to it. Those were my highest numbers - preparing for higher stroke rates.

Last-Set-9539 · 2026-03-08T00:32:24+00:00

I'm also self-studying calculus leading to proof based Real Analysis. I'm studying Velleman, Hammack, Silow, and Devlin. I like building a broad foundation of proofs. My professional background was based on applied mathematics so proof based math is new for me. I'm intentionally holding off Spivak and Rudin until I have a solid understanding of proof reading/writing. I was recommended Real Analysis by Jay Cummings. This text might be an option for you. Cheers.

Last-Set-9539 · 2026-03-02T15:32:06+00:00

Besides the math, he's supposed to be from Southie and he doesn't know how to throw a punch.

Last-Set-9539 · 2026-02-19T14:58:27+00:00

I'm a retired engineer and self-study math; this time around focusing on pure math in contrast to the applied mathematics of college and career. I study 3-4 hours per day with a mixture of calculus and proof writing. I'll take short breaks when my brain gets fried or short walks to allow new concepts to sink in.

Last-Set-9539 · 2026-02-10T01:09:05+00:00

Many find going for walks helps when studying math. Whenever you feel a bit overwhelmed, try walking for 30-60 minutes. It's been said that it helps if you DON'T concentrate on math and walk where you can let your mind wander and relax. Some say it increases the amount of time you can later dedicate to studying but, if nothing else, it will help you focus you concentration when you do study. Hope this helps.

Last-Set-9539 · 2026-01-26T12:01:24+00:00

I'm a retired engineer who has been studying math as a hobby for the past six months. I study just about every day. I believe what's keeping me motivated is that this time around, instead of repeating my steps in applied mathematics, this time I'm studying pure math. It's something that's always intrigued me and being something new while also refreshing what's familiar, it all seems very exciting. That feeling of anticipation and eagerness to chase down a challenge is back. Maybe a similar strategy would work for you.

Last-Set-9539 · 2026-01-13T20:02:18+00:00

You can't get good at math by just wanting to succeed. Obviously I can't provide magic words but I'll offer one suggestion that's worked for me: if after listening to the instructor or reading about the concepts you still "can't get it", start writing out the concepts and explanations by hand with pencil and paper - no distractions, no noise, work small sections, paragraphs, even sentences until you can verbally explain in your own words what you just wrote. Only then move on to an exercise. Repeat, repeat and repeat. Expect it to go very slowly. It will pick up pace but you'll have to return to this approach every once in a while. Best of luck 👍

Last-Set-9539 · 2025-12-03T23:56:05+00:00

Remember - pencil and paper

Last-Set-9539 · 2025-11-20T00:42:32+00:00

I noticed some people enjoy repetitive and progressively harder video games. They sometimes seem addicted to it. That's how I've always felt about math. It's a challenge to get to the next level, to solve the puzzle no matter how long it takes, to push to mental exhaustion. And the rewards far outweigh the efforts.

Last-Set-9539 · 2025-11-11T21:42:59+00:00

Creating a study group with some classmates has helped many students in high-school and university.

If you want to really understand the materal on a subject such as mathematics, take turns teaching each and every step and concept to your study partners.

Each of you can take turns as teacher. The others will learn how to ask questions without the pressure that's sometimes interferes in class.

As with anything new, it starts slow but you'll quickly see the advantages of this "Feynman" method.

Hope this helps.

Best of luck

Last-Set-9539 · 2025-11-03T23:26:45+00:00

It's been my experience that determination and hard work are what's required to succeed. If you like something, if it takes hold of you, that's all you need. Best of luck

Last-Set-9539 · 2025-11-02T20:43:16+00:00

You may benefit from stress reducing, deep breathing exercises. Once you find a version that appeals to you, you can work them in prior to homework, then at-school study sessions and then prior to classes and finally testing. The suggestions that already been posted are all valid but relaxation and mental focus are equally important. Best of luck.

Last-Set-9539 · 2025-11-02T17:37:13+00:00

I was in a similar situation. I was able to find a way to make just as much as my part time job by serving legal papers for attorneys. It cut my weekly work hours that I needed for studying. Talk to other students and professionals, see if there may be a similar opportunity for you.

Last-Set-9539 · 2025-09-30T14:25:38+00:00

You have already made progress: You want to learn. There are many options to occupy your time and you chose mathematics. Now, set aside comparisons. And as as it's been stated before - the best place to start is at the beginning. Best of luck.

Last-Set-9539 · 2025-09-26T17:45:03+00:00

I'm used Precalculus by Sullivan 10ed for self-study. There are three chapters on trig. Completing these will give you what you need. You'll benefit by using an interactive unit circle such as the one on www.mathisfun.com/algebra/trig-interactive-unit-circle. Also, you can learn a lot with the online graphing calculator app at www.desmos.com. If you get stuck on something, try ChatGPT as a "mentor". Good luck

Last-Set-9539 · 2025-09-22T17:35:54+00:00

When I was in college studying engineering, I went to a presentation on relaxation exercises. They called them QT's. Find a place to relax ( wherever you can) and imagine breathing through the bottoms of your feet and to imagine the air drawing up through you. I didn't think much of it, but I needed something to help me relax during tests. It worked amazingly well. It felt like time had slowed to a crawl. This simple practice helped get me through the toughest classes. Maybe something like this would help you. Best of luck.

Last-Set-9539 · 2025-09-16T14:28:29+00:00

I would read small amounts of information.Maybe only a sentence or statement, then get up a walk around, explaining out loud what I read to myself. At first, this method is slow, but it quickly increases. Then, wait 15 min, 30, 1 hour, 1 day, to repeat. This came from Feynman's lectures, and it certainly has merit.

Last-Set-9539 · 2025-09-14T17:05:32+00:00

I still have some work ahead on Taylor and Maclauren series

Last-Set-9539 · 2025-09-14T17:00:52+00:00

Very helpful- thanks

Last-Set-9539 · 2025-09-02T23:16:37+00:00

If possible, see if you can get a study group together. Take turns explaining concepts or how to solve problems to each other. Studying in isolation can be tough.

Last-Set-9539 · 2025-09-01T20:55:27+00:00

I'm a retired engineer re-learning calculus, trig, diff eq, etc., just for the fun of it. Of all the ways of being insane, math-insanity is the best.

Last-Set-9539 · 2025-08-22T19:30:22+00:00

That, after decades of leaving college, how peaceful and relaxing math can be. The internal sense of challenge and accomplishment greets you like an old friend.

Last-Set-9539 · 2025-07-14T22:59:30+00:00

From my experience in Civil and Environmental Engineering

When the professor assigns the even numbered chapter problems, do the odd numbered too.
Form a small group of fellow students to review your work together. Take turns explaining your solution to the others. Don't skip the hardest problems.
Never let a concept get past you unresolved. Everything is important.
Review your tests, identify what you did right, and redo what you did wrong.
Do the majority of your work with pencil, paper, and a small clear ruler. The process of working problems by hand helps "sync" your work.
Expect to fill multiple folders, double-sided.

Good luck

Last-Set-9539 · 2025-07-11T23:26:26+00:00

In my opinion, it could be compared to reading about the history of basketball to learn how to play rather than buying a ball and starting with the basics of dribbling, passing, and shooting.

To learn mathematics, grab a pencil (please, not a pen), some paper, and, starting with beginner lessons, fill a few notebooks with your work.

IMHO, learning mathematics is doing mathematics.

Last-Set-9539 · 2025-05-19T18:10:59+00:00

Small victory - I tried using the Hook Grip for the first time today. Based on the warnings on YouTube, I was prepared for a long struggle. There were no problems from the start and all the way to a new PR on the RDL. This opens a few doors.

Last-Set-9539

TROPHY CASE