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Is there a linear approach to learning mathematics?

What I mean by this is: where do I start? when is it appropriate time to study geometry and statistics and where to go next after algebra? calculus? I'm looking for a great outline of mathematical topics: arithmetic, geometry, algebra, calculus... This way I can create goals for my learning/review process.

4 Answers

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    You sound like a motivated student, so I'll tell what has worked for me in teaching motivated students:

    You start with the absolute basics: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, and percentage. This is the usual elementary-school math curriculum.

    Next, start in on algebra, and study what is usually known as "Algebra I": variables, expressions, linear equations and their solutions, integer exponents, graphing and solving systems of linear equations in two variables, introduction to polynomials in one variable, quadratic equations and their solutions (including the Quadratic Formula), maybe elementary probability with discrete sample spaces.

    I like to teach Geometry next, in a pretty serious presentation with proofs and all. The purpose is not so much to convey a set of facts, but to teach students to think more clearly and rigorously, which serves them well when tackling more advanced math topics thereafter.

    Next comes an Algebra 2 and Trigonometry course, covering systems of linear equations in more variables, more information on polynomials in one variable including the Remainder and Factor theorems, rational functions, general quadratic equations and the conic sections, a thorough treatment of exponents, logarithms, and trigonometry. More probability and elementary statistics could fit in there, as well, if there is time.

    After this, I would go on directly to Calculus. If you have attained sufficient fluency in translating problems into algebraic form and manipulating algebraic expressions, and have developed some geometric intuition, calculus should present no major difficulties. Don't be fooled by "pre-calculus" - you won't need it. By the way, this is a great time to study some physics, if you are interested, as it will really reinforce your learning of calculus.

    If you get through a calculus course or textbook and still want to learn more mathematics, you'll just have to become a math major in college and study everything they offer.

  • Anonymous
    5 years ago

    while i replace into youthful i had to examine more advantageous arithmetic so I in simple terms bought severe college text textile books from year 7 and at last year 12. With a number of your questions abc is grouped jointly because of the fact in algebra you go away and the * sign. Linear equations are algebra equations the place the ability of the pronumeral (letter) is in simple terms to a million and isn't any longer squared or cubed e.t.c. you turn signs and warning signs in linear equations because of the fact in case you think of roughly it if x=a million. 5+5x = 10 or 5+5*a million = 10 or 5*a million = 10-5

  • 1 decade ago

    first arithmetic, then beginning algebra, then geometry, intermediate algebra, trigonometry, advanced algebra, analytic geometry, calculus,

    beginning statistics, number theory, theory of equations, and linear algebra can come any where after intermediate algebra

    Source(s): i got a B.A. in math
  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    arithmetic, algebra, geometry, then trigonometry.

    algebra + geometry + trigonometry = calculus

    I am Mathematician. If you need more help, just ask to me.

    Best Regards.

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