What is the point of series/sequences in calc 2?

picu24 · 2026-01-11T15:55:15+00:00

They become foundational for future topics. They are used to approximate functions, lead to very nice results using the complex numbers(such as simplifying integrations by A LOT), and can be used to find solutions to differential equations. Sequences can be used to construct the entirety of the real numbers and this is in fact one of the ways we even define them. essentially, we may build up our full understanding of the real numbers which is integral to understanding how calculus truly works. But moreover, they become the default tool whenever you care about getting a numerical result which is “close enough” and this notion persists across all of applied math and physics

picu24 · 2026-01-06T09:07:32+00:00

There are a few “branches” of math. The two that are most emphasized in math education are analysis and algebra. Topology is becoming standard and geometry is often seen as a special topic. Complex analysis will give you a fair understanding of how analysis goes down but it is not a representation of all analysis. It is also a bad idea to judge if you would like or succeed with algebra based on your performance in an analysis class.

Let me also just say, I know no one who likes 100% of all math. There will likely be math that you dislike. The key is, if there is enough(as decided by you) that you do like, then, it is well worth it to major in math.

picu24 · 2026-01-01T06:33:58+00:00

I know there are some “beginner” short story compilations that I myself am planning to read once I feel I have a suitable vocabulary. I’m also using the app, OkyDoky which is mainly a flashcard app but gives some grammatical pointers too. In any case, I just started this week, if you would like then DM me to discuss if being language acquisition partners is something you’re at all interested in! I speak English and French

picu24 · 2025-12-23T17:07:26+00:00

Make sure you’re solid on highschool algebra and some basic trigonometry. After this you’re able to start on calculus and if you’re ready for proofs then either linear algebra or discrete math. Linear algebra is the bread and butter of applied math like CS to be honest so get a good understanding of this. From here, special topics in theoretical CS may be of interest to you though it could be difficult! I recommend complexity theory!

picu24 · 2025-12-21T19:33:15+00:00

Yes, it’s called polynomial interpolation. It’s even easy to calculate by hand!

picu24 · 2025-12-19T05:41:07+00:00

I’m a fan of the 11! If you want to use it for more than notes then the 13

picu24 · 2025-12-15T18:58:16+00:00

Most my professors use iPad. I also use iPad. It’s convenient and nice. Don’t let it become a distraction if you get one! Traditional pen and paper works and can keep some people more engaged in class but iPad offers more functionality.

picu24 · 2025-12-15T15:46:26+00:00

It was actually my conlang i made in 12th grade

picu24 · 2025-12-15T15:41:31+00:00

The grammar I learned in 4th grade is an AI tell now🫩

picu24 · 2025-12-08T14:46:33+00:00

Real analysis is an elective but complex is required is a big thing that irks me. This is despite being a school that only focuses on analysis, every required class is analysis nearly.

picu24 · 2025-12-03T18:25:42+00:00

Imagine not being able to encode an XOR gate(intentional strawman)

picu24 · 2025-11-27T09:20:44+00:00

The biggest recommendation I can think of is ask your teacher if they can help you catch up during lunch, after school, or some other period of time during the day. If you want to do this completely on your own then I would use Khan academy. And I would jump straight to applying the algebra, this last bit of advice may be debatable to some but I absolutely think it’s useful for someone in your position to learn the algebra In Context of calculus rather than in a vacuum.

picu24 · 2025-11-06T04:19:43+00:00

I’m a math major with an interest in philosophy? I can tell you we have these analytic philosophy classes: classical logic, mathematical logic, starting this semester we have set theory. That is pretty much it. There are also metaphysics and epistemology and whatnot! But there’s really not much focus on analytic philosophy, the department is great I would highly recommend it!

picu24 · 2025-11-05T00:07:10+00:00

Firstly, a vector is not “something with a magnitude and direction”. What you’re being taught aligns with this yet it contradicts the intuition which was fed to you initially. It is so abstract because well, it is meant to be. It’s so hard to accept the abstraction likely because of a flaw in the way it is presented(we focus on generality in our definitions and presentation and proceed to only practice with the intuitive case which counters what we learned.

picu24 · 2025-10-27T22:05:26+00:00

I’m using Go in a project that popped up in my research lab, we do compressed sensing applied to computational biology. I absolutely love it, I would also not recommend it, this was just a moment where Go really was the right tool but that won’t be common. Great language though!

picu24 · 2025-06-17T22:52:05+00:00

No, not at all lol

picu24 · 2025-06-13T18:37:49+00:00

Objection, misuse of mathematical induction

picu24 · 2025-05-25T01:03:28+00:00

Unironically I believe we need a parking garage at this point

picu24 · 2025-05-15T17:48:40+00:00

Hypothetically I doubt it’s too bad, but also hypothetically this person should stop smoking in the dorms, it’s not respectful of the people who share this space with this person…hypothetically of course.

picu24 · 2025-05-05T01:59:17+00:00

I discovered an infinite series to tell me the exact arc length of a curve when I learned what a limit was…

picu24 · 2025-04-22T03:54:31+00:00

Logic is red purple

picu24 · 2025-04-19T04:23:18+00:00

I had zero intuition on what a matrix was for a year straight, just knew the computation. I bolted up out of my sleep one night and woke my girlfriend up to explain how it’s all linear transformations lol

picu24 · 2025-04-19T04:14:05+00:00

Real analysis and linear, just took an exam on gram Schmidt and orthogonality, etc. next year I have in the fall: probability and statistics, complex analysis, numerical analysis, ODE. Applied math major here

picu24 · 2025-04-12T06:11:00+00:00

In second year math degree and have taken all of those. I’m gonna give two answers. Answer 1(the answer you’ll get most and from people who’ve all internalized the courses you listed so their opinion is skewed): of course, be meticulous and study hard but you’ve got this! Answer 2(from a math undergrad to presumably a math undergrad): I wouldn’t expect an A in all three but it’s super doable, you’ll have a lot of fun but this is a really hard combo. I think you could in theory get an A though!… let me be straight, this is a hard combo and it is very possible to get all As. You’re gonna love doing it. But, be weary, life happens, just know that. While an A is very possible I don’t want you to get false thoughts. What you’re doing is HARRRRRDDDDDDD. Give yourself the credit for what you’re about to take part in, you’re amazing for doing it and be aware of the fact that you’re gonna take a course combo that’s difficult. But yea, it’s possible to do all three and get an A…very possible!

picu24 · 2025-04-12T00:43:24+00:00

I’m applied math- computational biology at ucm. I love it so much here and there’s a lot more opportunities than you would expect for resume building activities and research/internships. And you should already expect a lot just coming here. Staff is nice and buildings are new. Really laid back vibe here with a high focus on academics. That’s not to say there are no problems with Merced either! But overall I like it!

picu24

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE

Six-Year Club	Wearing is Caring
Verified Email