Math Questions

Two Hundred Eighty Fifth Post: Math Questions

I have put the start of the Math Hunches on Constructor’s Corner. I know it isn’t a lot yet, but I hope it intrigues your imagination. More is on the way. This is just a simple example how one takes a simple idea or concept and expands upon it to turn it into something meaningful. Often, one feels overwhelmed by the amount of math knowledge available to learn. But it is when you are learning that you ask the best questions. When learning things are ask that aren’t inhibited by pre-learned techniques. It is here when the interest of the subject is at it’s peak. Sometimes the questions may sound like the thinker does not know anything about the subject. However if these ideas are explored, the newbie just may have something other conventional thinkers have missed.

So what do you do? Simple, just keep a notebook handy when you are studying your math. Any odd idea or anything that “sticks out” in your mind and you find interesting write down. Then write a fake formula (you’re probably not going to be able to write a correct formula on the first try) and write down as detailed description as you can. Write things like why you think this is important, how it can possibly be solved, and what use knowing this information will have.

Almost as important as getting the ideas is how they are recorded and organized. You may find it useful to work in chronological order. Date everything. A journal with bound pages is best, but any old notebook will do as long as it is neat, ordered, and maintained. Over time you will see the importance of organization and maintaining a notebook. There is no possible way to remember every tried technique on a math problem. Reading previous entries will remind you of your thoughts at that time and also reading it again will spark new ideas.

That’s the basics on math hunches. But until you have a groundbreaking hunch... May the Creative Force be with You