Lost wandering lover of math, looking for advice

[Jarik25]

I've been searching for ways to start getting deep into math. I love it with all my being. My problem is this: I'm just stabbing around in the dark. Any advice on how to learn more?

Thank you!

P.S. Has anyone read "The Calculus Wars"?

 

[galactus]

No, I haven't read it, but it's about the battle between Newton and Leibniz, isn't it?.

2 other good book for you to read is "Prime Obsession", by John Derbyshire and "Euler, Master of Us All", by William Dunham.

 

[Jarik25]

Oh, yeah, it's a very good book. I'm on Ch5. I havn't come across those books in our library yet, but I'll keep an eye out for them. I'm always looking for math history books. It does give some idea of where I need to go in it.

 

[merlin2007]

An out of date reply

Hey Jarik,

If you have the passion to pursue mathematics on your own, and you want it without the incomprehensible notation of ordinary textbooks, I would recommend the Art of Problem Solving Books. They're not particularly cheap, but they cost less than most textbooks, and they lead you through mathematics in a manner that focuses on intuitive understanding. They can be ordered at http://www.artofproblemsolving.com.
I would also recommend The Art and Craft of Problem Solving - which can be bought on amazon.

There are excerpts for the first one on their website.


Hope this helps.

 

[galactus]

Yes, the Art of Problam Solving books are nice.

Try "Inroduction to Number Theory and Introduction to Counting and Probability".