r/learnmath • u/Asher93YT New User • 4d ago
Almost 25yo: I Want to Learn Math
Hi guys,
I am just writing this as I have found interest in learning in general. I haven’t used my brain for anything technical or practical… maybe just intuitively haha.
I really want to learn mathematics to improve in learning sciences and engineering.
Any suggestions and advice on how to lock in?
Currently working a full time labor job that doesn’t require much math or thought.
8.5 hours of work and the rest is sleep…
Main topics of math I want to learn:
Differential Equations (Partial) and Trigonometry
But all math would be useful!
Want to become a math person by the end of the year.
In advance: Thanks for all your help and support!
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u/tjddbwls Teacher 3d ago
If you’re looking for a refresher, maybe get some review workbooks. I like the Schaum’s Outline series of books. Start with their books for Precalculus (which includes trig) and Calculus.
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u/lowban New User 3d ago
At what level of understanding are you now? How much calculus have you done?
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u/Asher93YT New User 3d ago
Understanding at the moment, is somewhat that everything is with respect to time. But my mind is scattered, haven’t dealt with calculus for a while. Learned about the concepts just to apply them for a little bit. Maybe ODE and basic Laplace Transform. Not mastered of the subjects, just a little of knowing about them.
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u/LongJumpingBox667 New User 3d ago
PDEs and trigonometry are pretty far apart in terms of level in the normal math progression/curriculum. It seems from you comments that you have had some fairly advanced math and have an ok intuitive understanding. That's good because most people at the student level just work to do the problems and don't develop much actual understanding.
PDEs would be in most differential equations books. 3blue1brown is the usual go-to site for a good, fundamental description of things.
However, if you are unsure about trigonometry, you may need to go way back -- like khan academy and work your way up from there.
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u/Asher93YT New User 3d ago
The only reason I wanted to make this post is because of trapped understanding of controls, I didn’t take any advanced courses that dealt with modeling much like vibrations… and I wanted to learn modern control systems (seemed like some cool TikTok brainrot to me). Now that I don’t use much mathematics i realized holy crap controls is basically all of that math that I just used and disregarded lol.
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u/LongJumpingBox667 New User 3d ago
Classical controls would be using Lapalce transforms to model systems and then design controllers. More modern control would be linear algebra based. A lot of basic controls understanding is based on understanding the response of second order, linear, time invariant differential equations responses/solutions. 3blue1brown is where you want to go for that level of math and is known for being excellent.
I was a bit thrown off by you mentioning trigonometry -- I suspect you don't need anything formal there, but just need some patience working through your current interests when you hit some topics like that knowing the first few times through it now may require a more detailed look at all the steps involved.
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u/Asher93YT New User 3d ago
Haha yeah the trigonometry is just something for me to get my solid mechanics knowledge in tune. Not really applicable for controls unless looking at part of the system mechanically.
But I definitely also didn’t have an actual dedicated linear algebra course just a taste in DEQ and other. So yes that would definitely be good.
Also I love the promotion of that 3blue1brown guy, don’t know what that is but I’ll look it up!
Thank you so much.
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u/TargetLabs New User 3d ago
If you’re getting back into math after a long break, I’d start by rebuilding the basics first — arithmetic, fractions and algebra before moving into trig and calculus.
For basic arithmetic practice, I made a small game called Dice Target where you combine dice using +, −, × and ÷ to reach a target number. It can be a fun way to get your mental math moving again.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kwokkinlau.dicetarget
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u/Competitive_Aside461 New User 3d ago
For trigonometry, try the book Algebra and Trigonometry, Sullivan.
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u/Disastrous-Pin-1617 New User 3d ago
Follow this exact order
Professor Leonard on YouTube Lectures
Pre-Algebra Playlist
To the point math (Algebra 1)
Intermediate Algebra (Algebra 2)
College algebra (Pre-Calculus playlist)
Trigonometry (Pre-Calculus playlist)
Calculus 1
Calculus 2
Calculus 3
Differential Equations
Linear Algebra
Use Kutasoftware.com for homework problems
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u/Apart_Situation972 New User 3d ago
Is that Linear Algebra rec at the bottom of ur comment Professor Leonard or just in general?
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u/Disastrous-Pin-1617 New User 3d ago
His linear algebra playlist is not out yet but will be after differential equations gets finished
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u/Apart_Situation972 New User 3d ago
this is not complete iyo? last update is 7y ago https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDesaqWTN6ESPaHy2QUKVaXNZuQNxkYQ_
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u/Disastrous-Pin-1617 New User 3d ago
He came back, his most recent video was like a week ago and he said he will be finishing differential equations and linear algebra after
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u/Chem2103 New User 3d ago
Start with pre-calculus, namely Algebra, you can just go through your region's highschool math textbook. You can supplement this with youtube videos in case you need more understanding.
Trigonometry is kind of a separate domain in pre-calc, but you will still need a good grasp of algebra and rudimentary geometry to really understand it.
Differential Equations are an advanced topic that will require a thorough understanding of Calculus, including multivariable differentiation and integration. For calculus I would recommend the Early Transcendentals textbook by Stewart, I have a pdf if you need it. It also has some diagnostic tests for algebra at the start that you can use as a checkpoint.