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For a truly "from scratch" and deeply empowering introduction to the basic notions in calculus (and all mathematics), I've found nothing better than Burn Math C

by pugio 7y ago

For a truly "from scratch" and deeply empowering introduction to the basic notions in calculus (and all mathematics), I've found nothing better than Burn Math Class[1] by Jason Wilkes. It assumes nothing but basic arithmetic, and proceeds to guide you through how to invent maths for yourself. [1] https://www.amazon.com/Burn-Math-Class-Reinvent-Mathematics/dp/0465053734 https://www.amazon.com/Burn-Math-Class-Reinvent-Mathematics/...

garmain 7y ago
I agree
rhizome31 7y ago
Thank you for the recommendation. As an adult learning mathematics I'm half way through "Mathematics Rebooted" by Lara Alcock and I really like it so far. It's a good read to complement school books, video lectures and Khan Academy. Burn Math Class seems like a great candidate to be next on my math reading list.
cgriswald 7y ago
I bought it with high hopes but ended up really disliking it. My main criticism is his decision to invent his own notation. For readers new to the subject, it's a great intro to the concepts, but afterwards they've got to learn the proper notation anyway. Why obfuscate it? For readers not new to the subject, the unfamiliar notation just gets in the way.
- pugio 7y ago
  I've found the opposite to be the case, in my own experience – by first starting with brand new notation, and only later introducing the "standard" notation, he removes the absolute mystique which often surrounds existing notation, and frees you up to realize that a notation is just _a_ way of expressing an underlying idea. He also does mention existing notation, and has a discussion on the strengths and weaknesses of various notation forms, e.g.: comparison of dM/dx vs ΔM/Δx vs M′. After reading it, I feel much more comfortable with the soup of new (and re-defined) notation one encounters when reading maths papers. With this presentation, notation becomes just a tool I know how to use, rather than some strange Math fiat delivered from on high.
  - lonelappde 7y ago
    How can you learn a pile of complicated mathematics but not be able to learn 5 minutes of notation definitions that were chosen for their usability over centuries?

by pugio 7y ago

garmain 7y ago

I agree

rhizome31 7y ago

Thank you for the recommendation. As an adult learning mathematics I'm half way through "Mathematics Rebooted" by Lara Alcock and I really like it so far. It's a good read to complement school books, video lectures and Khan Academy. Burn Math Class seems like a great candidate to be next on my math reading list.

cgriswald 7y ago

I bought it with high hopes but ended up really disliking it. My main criticism is his decision to invent his own notation. For readers new to the subject, it's a great intro to the concepts, but afterwards they've got to learn the proper notation anyway. Why obfuscate it? For readers not new to the subject, the unfamiliar notation just gets in the way.

pugio 7y ago
I've found the opposite to be the case, in my own experience – by first starting with brand new notation, and only later introducing the "standard" notation, he removes the absolute mystique which often surrounds existing notation, and frees you up to realize that a notation is just _a_ way of expressing an underlying idea. He also does mention existing notation, and has a discussion on the strengths and weaknesses of various notation forms, e.g.: comparison of dM/dx vs ΔM/Δx vs M′. After reading it, I feel much more comfortable with the soup of new (and re-defined) notation one encounters when reading maths papers. With this presentation, notation becomes just a tool I know how to use, rather than some strange Math fiat delivered from on high.
- lonelappde 7y ago
  How can you learn a pile of complicated mathematics but not be able to learn 5 minutes of notation definitions that were chosen for their usability over centuries?