So is Math essential?

rccaulfield

To have a true understanding of astronomy? I've recently seen a few vids that need a good grasp of calculus etc and so am trying to get enough inspiration to go back and learn the dreaded algebra so that learning calculus is even possible! Should i bother-does the Math side of Astronomy/physics enhance the whole experience?- Sorry if repost!

Nick Dolan

I got this book by Roger Penrose called The Road to Reality for the same reason. I wanted to learn a bit more after reading some popular science books but after two or three chapters i gave up. Reading about black holes and cool stuff is one thing , following the maths is a different kettle of fish. Theres less of the wow factor and more of the WTF factor.

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Nick Dolan wrote: »

I got this book by Roger Penrose called The Road to Reality for the same reason. I wanted to learn a bit more after reading some popular science books but after two or three chapters i gave up. Reading about black holes and cool stuff is one thing , following the maths is a different kettle of fish. Theres less of the wow factor and more of the WTF factor.

I had the same experience with this book over a year ago. Trust me, to get past the 9th chapter requires second year college level maths in order to truly understand it. This book is a long long term project & if you read some of the threads on physicsforums you'll see a lot of people think the same.

I couldn't even understand the first chapter when I first read it I was so bad at math but over time I got there, the main reason for this is www.khanacademy.org it erased 6 years of schooling & started a fresh foundation in about a month

Also, once you get the math there is more of a wow factor :cool:

Here are a heckload more links:

http://www.uccs.edu/~math/vidarchive.html (requires registration but is free)
http://www.ctl.ua.edu/Video/ctlisgreat/math112mtlc.asp
http://www.ctl.ua.edu/video/ctlisgreat/math113video.asp
http://www.ctl.ua.edu/video/ctlisgreat/math115.asp
http://www.sci.uidaho.edu/polya/math170/modules/?mod=1&sec=1&sub=0
http://www.learnerstv.com/course.php?cat=Maths
http://www.math.ncsu.edu/calculus/web/MA141lectures.html
http://www.math.ncsu.edu/mmc/videotape.php
http://courses.ncsu.edu/ma107/common/media/MA107Lectures.html
http://webcast.berkeley.edu/course_details.php?seriesid=1906978460

Nick Dolan

Cheers for those links head, as coincidence would have it Im one exam away from completing a second Second year at college. To be honest im really looking forward to not having to shove stuff into my brain for a few weeks (From Monday on its TV3, idle guitar twanging, Action movies, Boards.ie ) but Ill tackle it again in a few weeks and hopefully those links will fill in the gaps. I really want to get to grips with quantam stuff cos it sounds so nutty.

FISMA

RC - in what are you really interested - Astronomy, Astro-Physics, General Physics, Observing, ?...

If you understand the basics of algebra then move on. Same is true of trigonometry.

Calculus is not as difficult as it is made out to be. In fact, I found that Calc I was quite easy. It is the place where you learn why you took all of those math classes. It is where all of the pieces start to finally assemble.

The most difficult transition for anyone in maths class is to go from numbers to letters - first year of Algebra! If you made it over that hurdle, then the transition to Calc will not be anything that you cannot overcome.

I would suggest brushing up on the fundamentals of algebra and trigonometry and moving on. Spend the time on Calc.

I remember there was a book called brief calculus, or something like that. It was for finance people that did not want to really get down to the nitty gritty...

rccaulfield

Thanks for all info and links! I'm still wondering, is the calculus etc math side just for the top astro physicists and not the everyday observer who Sagan (dumbed himself down lets be honest) to get through to. What can Math do to improve my understanding of our current theories?

FISMA

RC,
Calc is not something for the elite, it is a fundamental tool. It is something that can help everyone, from the weekend stargazer to the day trader doing derivatives.

Again, it is really not that difficult. If you were able to handle algebra and a bit of trig, you'll do just fine with Calc.

It took a genius to invent it. However, anyone can understand it.

If you are determined to learn it, there should be no problem.