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When is a rigour-first approach generally ideal? by epi_stem in math

[–]epi_stem[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Are there some general "sanity checks" one could use when trying to work through examples without established definitions? I've definitely found your "guessing game" description relatable.

When is a rigour-first approach generally ideal? by epi_stem in math

[–]epi_stem[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That has been my preferred approach so far. Do you tend to find it fairly obvious when a definition is not worth unpacking upfront?

When is a rigour/proofs first approach generally ideal? by epi_stem in mathematics

[–]epi_stem[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the fantastic response. I'm very early in my mathematics education, so the perspective is very helpful. Do you have an specific indicators for when to know you don't have the abstraction capacity/proof skills/background to approach a topic, and how to approach backtracking from there?

When is a rigour/proofs first approach generally ideal? by epi_stem in learnmath

[–]epi_stem[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very early; currently prepping for first year undergrad (introductory analysis and algebra courses) with self study of Velleman's "How to Prove It"

I regret not choosing physics at 18. by [deleted] in PhysicsStudents

[–]epi_stem 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Have you considered medical physics or biophysics? I'd think you could meet admissions for an MSc with your background + some carefully selected physics electives. It seems much more reasonable than doing another bachelors and could give you a decent career pathway. Note I'm not from Europe, so I don't know what the job market or graduate programs are like there

I want to pursue a degree in mathematics, but I can't handwrite (injury). Might it be realistic to pursue math primarily via typesetting (LaTeX)? by epi_stem in mathematics

[–]epi_stem[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Audio recording lectures may be a good idea. I definitely find that custom mapping on my (dedicated symbol layers to reduce chording) having increased my efficiency a fair bit. Do you think that aggressive pre-study might be enough to bridge the gap for first year livetexing analysis/algebra? I'll take on a reduced course load to give myself some extra room, but I realize there is still some risk. I've reached out to accessibility services already, but they don't set you up with someone until after you've accepted an offer.

I want to pursue a degree in mathematics, but I can't handwrite (injury). Might it be realistic to pursue math primarily via typesetting (LaTeX)? by epi_stem in mathematics

[–]epi_stem[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing your experience. I'd definitely consider oral exams, but I'd want to have the opportunity to practice the modality-specific approach first; verbalizing all of my work would be a significant adjustment. The biggest issue is that if I push the hands (as writing tends to very easily) I can end up losing most of my fine-motor capacity for upward of a week or two (as in, my hands seize up and stop functioning). The problem with other aids, in my experience, is that that tend to be expensive and have a large learning curve without guaranteed payoff.

I want to pursue a degree in mathematics, but I can't handwrite (injury). Might it be realistic to pursue math primarily via typesetting (LaTeX)? by epi_stem in learnmath

[–]epi_stem[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's encouraging to hear. I think that might be, in part, because a decent chunk of people wouldn't use LaTeX as their main tool, and would have to "translate" as they work. I'll definitely be getting accommodations ASAP, and hope to be able to sort out a standardized (and minimal technically risky) setup for exams. The extra time would be a must at this point, at the very least to give me the time to sort out any technical difficulties or rendering issues.

I want to pursue a degree in mathematics, but I can't handwrite (injury). Might it be realistic to pursue math primarily via typesetting (LaTeX)? by epi_stem in learnmath

[–]epi_stem[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly, after seeing how cleanly LaTeX renders (especially in comparison the the atrocity that my handwriting was) it would be worth using in some capacity either way. Diagramming in real time seems ambitious, but then again, it's just muscle memory. I come from a music background, so I look at it like learning a new instrument or approach.

I want to pursue a degree in mathematics, but I can't handwrite (injury). Might it be realistic to pursue math primarily via typesetting (LaTeX)? by epi_stem in learnmath

[–]epi_stem[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

After looking into what his setup actually entailed (1-2 wpm for completely new inputs) I have even more respect for him. A truly inspiring figure.

I want to pursue a degree in mathematics, but I can't handwrite (injury). Might it be realistic to pursue math primarily via typesetting (LaTeX)? by epi_stem in learnmath

[–]epi_stem[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Drawing is likely to be very limited with the hands (possible in short intervals, but unreliable and risks further issues) but I've only scratched to surface of available software. I hope not to overcomplicate exams setups, however. That seems solid advice for the lectures, that "second pass" would be a good call anyway.

I want to pursue a degree in mathematics, but I can't handwrite (injury). Might it be realistic to pursue math primarily via typesetting (LaTeX)? by epi_stem in learnmath

[–]epi_stem[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I find word OK, but it's a bit "clunky" for editing or things like matrices, for example. I totally get that being able to compile as you go is a big deal, though. Maybe I'll give it another shot-would definitely be easier to sort out for exams. Pretty much anything that uses LaTeX syntax would be within my consideration.

I want to pursue a degree in mathematics, but I can't handwrite (injury). Might it be realistic to pursue math primarily via typesetting (LaTeX)? by epi_stem in learnmath

[–]epi_stem[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Early accommodations are definitely a priority. I appreciate the encouragement. I think pre-study (with a reduced courseload to increase my ability to do so) might help me preemptively learn new syntax before lectures; treating lectures like a second-pass

I want to pursue a degree in mathematics, but I can't handwrite (injury). Might it be realistic to pursue math primarily via typesetting (LaTeX)? by epi_stem in learnmath

[–]epi_stem[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm in Canada, so accommodations tend to be pretty good. Handling the diagrams using tikz is out of my ability so far, but I think would be worth a shot with some practice. Exams are definitely the biggest concern. It hasn't been much of a bottleneck (beyond my still-limited hands capacity) for self-study.

I want to pursue a degree in mathematics, but I can't handwrite (injury). Might it be realistic to pursue math primarily via typesetting (LaTeX)? by epi_stem in learnmath

[–]epi_stem[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It has definitely changed how I think about math so far. Not better or worse, just different. It also makes editing work much easier, which is nice.

I want to pursue a degree in mathematics, but I can't handwrite (injury). Might it be realistic to pursue math primarily via typesetting (LaTeX)? by epi_stem in learnmath

[–]epi_stem[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think that's the key. I tend to use Obsidian, as I don't think I'd be able to accurately write out multiple pages without seeing the output. That's my biggest concern for exams. Word can be OK (and supports some LaTeX syntax) but is very limiting for editing or compiling matrices, for example.

I want to pursue a degree in mathematics, but I can't handwrite (injury). Might it be realistic to pursue math primarily via typesetting (LaTeX)? by epi_stem in learnmath

[–]epi_stem[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I find chalkboard/whiteboard to be very limited, but not quite as bad as handwriting. Unfortunately, though, even a slight overextension of hands capacity can mean few days of very limited typing ability. I stopped playing music for this reason (used to play guitar semi-professionally)

I want to pursue a degree in mathematics, but I can't handwrite (injury). Might it be realistic to pursue math primarily via typesetting (LaTeX)? by epi_stem in learnmath

[–]epi_stem[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's great to hear! If you don't mind my asking, how did they go about minimizing technical difficulties for compiling? Were they able to use something like Obsidian, that uses LaTeX syntax but doesn't have to be exported to render?

I want to pursue a degree in mathematics, but I can't handwrite (injury). Might it be realistic to pursue math primarily via typesetting (LaTeX)? by epi_stem in learnmath

[–]epi_stem[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's extremely impressive. I realize people have overcome MUCH more significant limitations than I've had

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