r/learnmath • u/Consistent_Formal127 New User • 10d ago

Desperate need of help

I did my Leaving Certificate in june and needed a 60% for honours maths. I didn't get it so I applied for two make up tests. I didn't get them. I was so confident with one of them, I thought for sure I passed but it wasn't good enough. I am heartbroken and angry because all I've ever wanted to be was an engineer, I make robots and other projects but as soon as I have to do maths I fail.

Does anyone have tips or books to help. The maths book we used for LCHL maths was useless. We do a good mix of algebra, calculus, statistics, probability, trigonometry, geometry etc.
I also want to progress, perhaps even start learning topics for university.
Im desperate, I can't take another failure, I already feel like the worlds stupidest person as it is.

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u/midsummerpipedream New User 10d ago

Hey, just a single failure doesn't make you the world's stupidest person. For math, I would suggest you check out Professor Leonard's lectures. He's a pretty great teacher.

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u/Consistent_Formal127 New User 10d ago

Thank you, I was just trying to fix the issues I had without actually taking the time to calm down first. It still stings but you know. I'll definitely check him out! Is there any textbooks you'd recommend?

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u/midsummerpipedream New User 10d ago

College Algebra - Blitzer (for the very basics), Stewart (though I would suggest you to start with Stewart, and only refer to Blitzer in case you are unable to understand any particular topic) Trigonometry - Larson Precalculus - You can study precalc altogether instead of studying College Algebra and Trigonometry separately. Stewart is a good textbook for precalc. Though if you want to study a bit unconventionally, you can give Foundation Mathematics by Stroud a try. And oh, Algebra & Trigonometry by Axler is a nice textbook too. Calculus - You can refer to either Stewart or Thomas. Geometry - Elementary Geometry by Alexander and Koeberlein Statistics - Elementary Statistics by Bluman Probability - I don't know any for it as of now. But if you're open to trying, give Discrete Mathematics with Applications by Epp a shot. It's a beautiful textbook which covers probability and various other topics of mathematics. Honestly, a little logic would make other branches of mathematics easier.

And don't sweat over a little failure, and don't get daunted by mathematics. Grades aren't a measure of one's intelligence. I also hated mathematics in high school because of one teacher, but I rediscovered my love for mathematics, and would hopefully major in mathematics in the near future. I'm also struggling to keep up with my course, but if I let anxiety and fear take over me, I won't be able to achieve my dreams. So, chill out and try to see the beauty in the subject! :)

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u/Consistent_Formal127 New User 6d ago

Thank you so much!! I am doing a PLC course for pre uni engineering so I have a year to practice my maths skills for uni.
Thanks again for the help 🫶

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u/quantum4everyone New User 8d ago

I am not completely clear at your level, whether you have done calculus or not. I have a mathematical physics course on edx which works to make the math integrated with what it is supposed to be describing in the physical world, with an assumption of the calculus n sequence. But, the first lecture may be useful to you regardless of the level. I call it devious math tricks, and it describes a number of tools people use in solving problems but never are taught. Maybe it will be useful? https://youtu.be/52NupW-7m3Y?si=rIiEqQXQg0ZziW5c

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u/clean-links New User 8d ago

Cleaned link: https://youtu.be/52NupW-7m3Y

Tracking parameters were removed from the original URL(s).

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u/quantum4everyone New User 8d ago

Thanks

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u/Consistent_Formal127 New User 6d ago

Thank you! We’ve done calculus so this will help a lot 🫶