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Comparing basic calculus to number theory is like comparing long division to calculus. Saying "oh I know how to take the derivative" is a bit different than kno
by juiceandjuice 14y ago
Comparing basic calculus to number theory is like comparing long division to calculus. Saying "oh I know how to take the derivative" is a bit different than knowing how to take the derivative of a complex expression by applying a taylor expansion to estimate the rate of change within .01%.
For number theory, there's a few things you could pick up fairly easily, like understanding what 1 and 3 mod 4 primes are, but there's no way you could do the homework in 1 weekend unless you've aced real analysis, and then maybe you could finish 10-20% of the homework (proofs) in a book in a weekend or so.
Many engineers I've met can't even handle using proof by induction to solve a proof.
- vinceguidry 14y agoIf you read his words carefully, he said he "read a book on number theory." He didn't claim mastery. Ditto for differential geometry. He simply absorbed source material and took notes. Quite feasible.
- Glyptodon 14y agoIt's not the proof by induction is a hard concept, though. Rather, writing out any formal proof is monotonous, tedious, lengthy, and prone to minor screw-ups, and to someone with an engineering mindset, not useful in any practical sense.
- reycharles 14y agoHow does »acing real analysis« help understanding number theory? As far as I'm aware they're not really related at all.
- eru 14y agoI agree. One thing: How does acing real analysis help with number theory?