When I was a young, sexy Freshman Physics Major (OK ... young at least in '81), I took calculus concurrently with calculus-based Physics, as it was the only practical schedule. I learned more basic calculus from my Physics TAs than my Math TAs in the beginning. The Freshman Year can be a rough ride; the workload is a big step from high school. How well did you do on the homework assignments? Did you collaborate with classmates in "Problem Set Parties"? Did you attend Discussion sessions? Did you ask for help beforehand? The best thing to do is understand the exam solutions, if they are posted; *and* meet with your Professors and TAs to do an autopsy on your exams. Approaching them with the attitude, "I thought I understood this, but crashed on the exam. Can we go through this?" demonstrates courageous humility. They will get to know who you are, and see that you're not a slacker. The worst thing to do is hide. I hope you carry on. If you do it long enough, you *will* get chewed-up and spit-out once in a while; this stuff is *difficult *. Don't despair.
Yo con la cursada no iba aprobar nunca análisis matemático tuve que encontrar un libro donde habían ejercicios resueltos y un amigo más avanzado me ayudó bastante por lo tanto deduje que los profesores de análisis matemático son unos inútiles
In engineering, calc based Physics and Calculus go hand in hand. The first piece of advice I would give is to approach from the general moving towards the specific. Next, take the time to sketch problems out and carefully label all the knowns and the desired unknown. Takes time, but the deliberate and methodical solution of problems will allow you to see any missteps.
An engineer’s worst nightmare. But really though, just keep a positive attitude and learn how to overcome and learn from every failure you face. I remember taking a physics class in high school with a very hard teacher, but despite all the failures and hiccups I faced, I still learned from my mistakes and feel more confident in doing harder physics and math classes in the future.
That's understandable. It takes so long to finish that it can be easy to lose sight of your purpose for being there. Some of us just want to get our degree ASAP so we can get started in a career.
I can relate to this... Kind of. I'm at university as an adult studying engineering, which has been my role for the past few years. While maths has never been a bad subject of mine, in fact the contrary, the work load of uni and working full time is pretty intense. I haven't failed calculus and physics, but sure have to put in the work. Especially after not looking at calculus much for the past 10 years. It can be a bit disheartening to realise that it may not be as easy as you remember, but at the same time, this is university level maths. Just keep working hard at it.
I would say never limit yourself to using only one resource ( course text or a Professor) when learning difficult subjects. The internet is limitless when it comes to resources. Use them.
I am going through the feelings but At the same time I’ve always felt mentally inadequate to succeed in physics because my autism has been my main setback in life. But Im trying my best to succeed by always trying to put in the best work ethic and not allowing those feelings to bother me regardless of my abilities. I also try to aim high and set higher expectations on myself but it never works for me for some reason
Failing calculus and physics is normal. You were new to abstract concepts and scary equations. Do not feel horrible! I know you need to sustain a good GPA to stay in college but this happens to some students. It's like learning a foreign language. Like me I was learning Pimsleur Mandarin level 1 and had to repeat the whole course again to familiarize with it. You saw calculus and physics concepts once so your brain works hard to grasp them. But good news! You were exposed to them and know what to expect provided if you take the same professors again. You will do better! There is a saying: if you fail at something 1,000 times then you found 1,000 ways that did not work for you! Another saying: if you fell of the horse then get back on horse again and ride.
Don't feel terrible, the only thing that is lost when failing a course is money. 😅 Along the lines of the Alanis Morissette song: "You fail you learn'".
I failed both the first time around and now I have an MS in Physics and about to get PhD! Spend a moment to feel it, but then move on as what matters is how you finish, not how you start.
OMG this was me in 1985! I was a Mechanical Engineering student and failed Calc 1 and got a D in Physics (understanding relativity saved me from failure). I quickly changed my major to Japanese and convinced myself I was just a stupid girl. I got the highest grades in the class in high school calc and physics, but I was from a small town, so I convinced myself it was big fish small pond syndrome. I'm 57 now and teaching myself Calculus just to prove I am smart after all.
I see my specialty, I click xdxdxd. Just kidding, wanted to make the joke. You shouldn't be feeling horrible, if you do, there's already something ringing a bell. Edit: also, the gap between the workload in college vs high school is too damn high. You should focus on embracing it and adapting instead of thinking about the difference on your performance, since it's normal.
great advice! although the student did make it seem like these courses were a priority but i think the student needs to spend more time w the college provided tutor that a lot of uni offer and this might help. he is motivated but he needs someone to help him zoom in a little bit more.
I had something similar, I was trying to get into a Renewables Course and the only 1 at University was Physics and Renewable Energies. The only condition I had was to get 3 Cs and a B at summer school, I got 1C, 1B and an A and failed the maths. The maths was 1 of the 1s I had no option I had to pass it but I failed it and the A was in physics. So passed the physics and failed the maths. After this obstacle I went on and studied Civil Engineering and now I am much happier (it's still very math heavy too). So even if you fail at something there's always another option. 😉
Don't wear yourself out. Recharge your batteries. Take your coffee breaks and short walks ach time you do a problem. Try to do all of the problems of each chapter you are assigned problems first, and a few extra because they are good test questions.
Have you got a books list which is like a set of available books (easy to get) which covers all the bases of mathematics? I lost all my notes from mathematics at university when floods came through our area and all my stuff was in storage under the house and got submerged in muddy water ... I would like to at some stage buy a set of books to begin again from the start and fill in gaps and refresh my memory and take maths further than I did in the past
Seek guidance, and never give up. You'll get there eventually. Patience and passion are needed. Don't always do it as a job, but instead, do it as a hobby.
Sir.I am preparing for Jee adavanced I am in class 11.Eventhough I am Understanding the concepts.I cant able to solve Questions on Mechanics And Algebra
.. . as a German Biochemist Ph D - in ancient times there was „Ta Lent“ Selecting of the Capable now... we favour the disabled Scientific Communism works better.... You easily make it to President anywhere!
Maybe change the way you study ,focus more on understanding the concepts more than doing problems or and do simple problems then mild ones then general ones or ones that need a bit if thinking out of the box use Schaum's outline series or any that you might find easier or more understandable or more doesn't need to be one book you can use as much as you want but be focused on your task not overwhelming yourself if I don't understand something in one book maybe look for it in another not read the whole thing , use study groups exchange ideas help each other it's a natural path forward in academia the sooner the better ,and good luck with everything,give yourself some credit and from ones in a while take a break do something physical at least walk ,it helps you relax and think deeper ,even pick up some dumbbells ,listen to music while studying and such enjoy it more 😊
Hello Math Sorcerer, My name is Alexandru, I'm 33 years old, I'm from Romania and I work as an automotive design engineer. I would like to ask you if I am proceeding correctly. I am passionate about mathematics, in high school and in college I studied mathematics but after I finished school I forgot a lot because I didn't use mathematics much. For a while I started to relearn mathematics and I started with Stewart's Precalculus. Is this book a good option? And what could I study in parallel with precalculus? Thank you!
Wait hold on, we learn this stuff in 11th grade in my country. we are taught calc in 11th grade. Wbu people . When do they teach calc in your country people?
Do what I do; blame the teacher or the teaching method. Both of those are highly flawed. Have you ever noticed how difficult it is to understand something when you're trying to learn it? And how ridiculously stupid it seems after you "get it"? Our system for teaching math is terrible. It's more of a culling than a teaching process. Back way from it and ponder. Relax. You will be the best.
This suggestion may make matters worse. If the student knows himself well enough to choose a math and science major as a preference, then choosing a not preferred major will not help. I have a B.A. in English with a creative writing concentration, and I am well-aware that technical students are more challenged by arts subjects than other students. A better suggestion would be to continue with technical subjects at a more basic, elementary level, master those fundamentals, then continue with the more advanced topics at the faster pace.
