What to Study

Two Hundred Eighty Sixth Post: What to Study

Well as you have seen in the math problems on Constructor’s Corner, most of the math problems rely only on elementary mathematics. There is a little calculus mixed in as alternate solutions, but the majority of content has used trigonometry or geometry. I believe that there is still many things to be explored in elementary mathematics. After all it is what more advanced mathematics are based on. Some pretty powerful answers can be found in the simplest of math. And things like series and linear algebra have there basis in college algebra.

Only having elementary problems on Constructor’s Corner may change. There will always be content in the basics, but as I move on to study things like linear algebra and dynamics the problems will focus on the things I learn and the questions I have. I have always been puzzled by the related rate, salt tank in calculus. To this day I can’t figure it out. Worse yet is my attempts in dynamics to figure out the instantaneous center of rotation and related rates. The topics are difficult. I do have a lot of work I did on a instantaneous velocity, but a lot of it was just plain wrong.

I have had trouble with these problems back when I was in college. The instructor would lead us through the problem, but I could not master them. I have a text on dynamics that explains the theory well, but has problems which are at a high level of difficulty.

I haven’t stopped learning yet. I am going to master these problems. But first I want to learn linear algebra because of its applications. I really only have dabbled in it, touching the surface. I know some of the basics. One thing that I learn from as a self study is Schaum’s Outlines. They are the cheapest way to get good outlines. It is an easy way to learn. And with new subjects learned, there will be lot’s of mathematical hunches. Hopefully I will have a bunch of new problems for the community of Constructor’s Corner to work on.

So as Constructor’s Corner expand to cover new subjects... May the Creative Force be with You