it’s so hard for me to learn more advanced math. has anyone hit a brick wall when trying to level up in math, and if so how did you get by it?

i’m scheduled for calculus classes that are required for my major and i’m having an awful time preparing because it simply makes no sense no matter what i do. i want to be good at math, but it’s becoming hellish to keep up.

math is like an instrument. it takes practice and time.
keep at it. it may seem overwhelming the first time, but go back over it and you'll be surprised at how much more clicks and how much more manageable it seems since you have some idea of the scope of the concepts you are studying.

also, try to keep a big picture view. you are studying rates of change and signed areas more or less.

1. Calculus is not advanced math.
2. Work on your algebra. Use AOPS’s prealgebra + intro to algebra. It’s a skill you can learn. I got sick of hearing weaker students saying they can’t do “algebraic manipulation” necessary to solve a problem. Algebra is essential for calculus.
3. Problem solving skills are a bit more difficult. You can try Paul Zeitz, Larson, Polya books. But reading the strategy and tips (heuristics) doesn’t mean you can solve problems. This is something that comes with experience. Solve (attempt) more problems.
4. If it’s a proof-based calculus course, it may not be a bad idea to grind proof writing basics. Hammack’s Book of Proof is free. Do all of its exercises. You need to make certain proof writing steps borderline automatic for you. That way you don’t waste your brain on them.

Anyways, less shitposting on 4chan, and more solving problems. You know this. So do it.

>>16715570 (OP)
>>16715571
>math is like an instrument
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRJQJcy3f8w
Can you hear the music, nigga?

>>16715570 (OP)
Professor Leonard lectures on youtube (he uses Thomas' 9th or 10th edition book, can't remember which now but they're both on libgen). Watch the lectures and do questions from the book. As >>16715573 said, make sure your algebra and trig are on point. If not, work on it using the resources that anon suggested.

>>16715570 (OP)
You've just hit your natural limit. It's ok. There's other easier things you can study

Maybe you can change your major. (or just collect NEETbux or something)

Keep in mind, calculus class is only one intelligence filter in your path. There will be other difficult classes, job interviews, performance reviews. If you're having trouble now, it's only going to get worse. If you're not smart enough, you'll get filtered out sooner or later.

>>16715570 (OP)
>and if so how did you get by it?
I didn't. But imo, you need to give it a honest effort. As in come to classes, ask questions, do problems. The stuff expected from a student. Just so that you won't have any regrets.

Explain fractions to me

Calculus is not that hard. There are simple rules for integration and derivation and you simply apply them. It is about finding the slope and area of curves, that's it.

>>16716695
Can you memorize this? Yes, of course you can. Then you can do calculus.

If it seems overwhelming most of the time the teacher isn't teaching what actually matters or there's a lot more to memorize than you think there is or there's a lot more to memorize that you'll figure out after you work out what works after doing a lot of practice problems(that the teacher should have seen coming and should have prepared you for but didn't because they're lady and/or retarded).

>>16716697

>What is the derivative of x squared?

Power rule:

The exponent (2) is the coefficient.

Subtract 1 from the exponent.

>The derivative of 2^x is 2x

There, you have done calculus.

>>16716705

>The derivative of x^2 is 2x

Correction, flipped x and 2.

Every derivative is like this.

Find the correct rule and apply it.

Same with doing integration.

Learn the rules, one at a time, apply them.

Calc is basic bitch tredded waters math with a shit ton of content made by retards on YouTube and all over the internet. You probably have a shitty teacher.

>>16716705
Who are you quoting?

>>16716706
Derivative of x^x?

>>16715570 (OP)
there's so many possible answers, here are a few suggestions
first, i think >>16716707 this anon is likely correct, your teacher or other learning resource is more than likely just bad and doesn't really reflect on you necessarily.
if your issue is memorizing formulas/algorithms, consider checking out spaced repetition software like anki or strategies like memory palaces (and get evaluated for ADHD).
if your issue is not getting it generally, consider trying proof-based math instead of applied/calculated math. in this case, you'd want to study analysis rather than calculus.
if your issue is problem solving, practice your lateral thinking (e.g. relating common qualities of one thing to common qualities of another and considering shared qualities; like analogies but with concepts) skills, as i find that reasoning the kind i use most when intuit math.

in a video game, you're generally expected to master basic game rules before being introduced to more complicated uses of the rules. understanding the physics of movement, basic interactive mechanics, etc. you are prepared by being given situations or scenarios to experiment with the game logic. math is exactly the same. you need to be creative *and playful*. do practice problems, try toying around with problems you're given (e.g. what happens if i make this thing this value?). most problems in math demand changing your perspective.

and on that note, make sure the above applies to your fundamentals as well. do you REALLY understand basic math, or did you just rote-memorize approaches to problems?

>>16717954
I am just explaining the basic sort of problems for learning calculus. It really is not that hard when you learn the rules, one by one, and apply them. You do them over and over until it clicks.

>>16717955

These rules.

1. x = e^ln(x)

2. ln(x^y) = y * ln(x)

3. chain rule

Apply the first rule:

x^x

turns into:

e^ln(x^x)

See how we used x^x for "x" in the first rule.

Now let's use the second rule. We get:

e^(x * ln(x))

So, d() meaning derivative:

d(x^x) = d(e^(x*ln(x)))

Finally, apply the chain rule:

d(e^(x*ln(x))) = e^(x*ln(x)) * (ln(x) + (x*(1/x))

Simplified:

x^x * (ln(x) + 1)

>>16718425

>e^(x*ln(x)) * (ln(x) + (x*(1/x)))

Extra parenthesis on the end there.

This is a tricky one. Visualizations help as well.

A derivative is a slope. It is the rate of change at a single point.

>>16718429

Integral is the area under a curve.

Don't let the symbols scare you.

Just take your time to break it down.

>>16715570 (OP)
Watch professor Leonard's videos on youtube. He has full lectures on all calculus courses and other topics as well. Amazing teacher. I literally got through calculus because of him. Just search professor leonard on youtube. Good luck on your courses. You'll get through it dont worry.

>>16718783
dude is jacked

What’s your problem with the difference quotient? Critical part of calculus

>>16715570 (OP)
I'm currently smashing my head against it right now, well not calculus but still a big fat filter, I received some good advice recently that I'd like to pass on

Embarrassment, anger, fear, resentment, and disappointment are all normal emotions to feel when things are hard, but cut yourself some fucking slack

The most important things are to have a plan, to follow your plan, and for your plan to be sustainable, you can do it, I can do it, we're all gonna make it brah

Your fluid is low lol

>>16715570 (OP)
Why didn't you try harder when you were younger?