Does it make sense to learn mathematical concepts as you encounter them rather than in a fixed progression?...












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I understand the fundamentals of algrebra, but have very limited knowledge of geometry and trigonometry. I wish to learn calculus at this point.



Is it reasonable to begin learning calculus, and learn these other concepts as I encounter them rather than learning the prerequisites in the standard fixed progression (i.e. Algebra I -> Algebra 2 -> Geometry -> Trigonometry, etc)? How difficult will it be to learn these concepts without the prescribed linear progression?










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closed as primarily opinion-based by Matthew Towers, mrtaurho, Cesareo, TheSimpliFire, Don Thousand Dec 25 '18 at 15:38


Many good questions generate some degree of opinion based on expert experience, but answers to this question will tend to be almost entirely based on opinions, rather than facts, references, or specific expertise. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.















  • $begingroup$
    Related question: math.stackexchange.com/questions/42152/…
    $endgroup$
    – littleO
    Dec 24 '18 at 7:30










  • $begingroup$
    This is basically what I've done since being in pre-algebra in 7th grade. At that time I was getting in to programming video games, and I needed algebra, geometry & trigonometry concepts beyond my current education level, but I only taught myself what I needed to know from a practicality standpoint.
    $endgroup$
    – peaceoutside
    Dec 24 '18 at 17:14






  • 1




    $begingroup$
    First you think you understand algebra, then you get to abstract algebra. Then you think you understand calculus, and you get to real analysis. I'm not sure where I'm going with this, except that if you're interested in mathematics try to start proof-heavy work as early as possible in whatever area you find easiest.
    $endgroup$
    – user3067860
    Dec 24 '18 at 23:06
















24












$begingroup$


I understand the fundamentals of algrebra, but have very limited knowledge of geometry and trigonometry. I wish to learn calculus at this point.



Is it reasonable to begin learning calculus, and learn these other concepts as I encounter them rather than learning the prerequisites in the standard fixed progression (i.e. Algebra I -> Algebra 2 -> Geometry -> Trigonometry, etc)? How difficult will it be to learn these concepts without the prescribed linear progression?










share|cite|improve this question











$endgroup$



closed as primarily opinion-based by Matthew Towers, mrtaurho, Cesareo, TheSimpliFire, Don Thousand Dec 25 '18 at 15:38


Many good questions generate some degree of opinion based on expert experience, but answers to this question will tend to be almost entirely based on opinions, rather than facts, references, or specific expertise. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.















  • $begingroup$
    Related question: math.stackexchange.com/questions/42152/…
    $endgroup$
    – littleO
    Dec 24 '18 at 7:30










  • $begingroup$
    This is basically what I've done since being in pre-algebra in 7th grade. At that time I was getting in to programming video games, and I needed algebra, geometry & trigonometry concepts beyond my current education level, but I only taught myself what I needed to know from a practicality standpoint.
    $endgroup$
    – peaceoutside
    Dec 24 '18 at 17:14






  • 1




    $begingroup$
    First you think you understand algebra, then you get to abstract algebra. Then you think you understand calculus, and you get to real analysis. I'm not sure where I'm going with this, except that if you're interested in mathematics try to start proof-heavy work as early as possible in whatever area you find easiest.
    $endgroup$
    – user3067860
    Dec 24 '18 at 23:06














24












24








24


7



$begingroup$


I understand the fundamentals of algrebra, but have very limited knowledge of geometry and trigonometry. I wish to learn calculus at this point.



Is it reasonable to begin learning calculus, and learn these other concepts as I encounter them rather than learning the prerequisites in the standard fixed progression (i.e. Algebra I -> Algebra 2 -> Geometry -> Trigonometry, etc)? How difficult will it be to learn these concepts without the prescribed linear progression?










share|cite|improve this question











$endgroup$




I understand the fundamentals of algrebra, but have very limited knowledge of geometry and trigonometry. I wish to learn calculus at this point.



Is it reasonable to begin learning calculus, and learn these other concepts as I encounter them rather than learning the prerequisites in the standard fixed progression (i.e. Algebra I -> Algebra 2 -> Geometry -> Trigonometry, etc)? How difficult will it be to learn these concepts without the prescribed linear progression?







calculus algebra-precalculus ordinary-differential-equations soft-question






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edited Dec 24 '18 at 6:11









Kemono Chen

2,9801740




2,9801740










asked Dec 24 '18 at 5:56









Thor EtherThor Ether

1295




1295




closed as primarily opinion-based by Matthew Towers, mrtaurho, Cesareo, TheSimpliFire, Don Thousand Dec 25 '18 at 15:38


Many good questions generate some degree of opinion based on expert experience, but answers to this question will tend to be almost entirely based on opinions, rather than facts, references, or specific expertise. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.






closed as primarily opinion-based by Matthew Towers, mrtaurho, Cesareo, TheSimpliFire, Don Thousand Dec 25 '18 at 15:38


Many good questions generate some degree of opinion based on expert experience, but answers to this question will tend to be almost entirely based on opinions, rather than facts, references, or specific expertise. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.














  • $begingroup$
    Related question: math.stackexchange.com/questions/42152/…
    $endgroup$
    – littleO
    Dec 24 '18 at 7:30










  • $begingroup$
    This is basically what I've done since being in pre-algebra in 7th grade. At that time I was getting in to programming video games, and I needed algebra, geometry & trigonometry concepts beyond my current education level, but I only taught myself what I needed to know from a practicality standpoint.
    $endgroup$
    – peaceoutside
    Dec 24 '18 at 17:14






  • 1




    $begingroup$
    First you think you understand algebra, then you get to abstract algebra. Then you think you understand calculus, and you get to real analysis. I'm not sure where I'm going with this, except that if you're interested in mathematics try to start proof-heavy work as early as possible in whatever area you find easiest.
    $endgroup$
    – user3067860
    Dec 24 '18 at 23:06


















  • $begingroup$
    Related question: math.stackexchange.com/questions/42152/…
    $endgroup$
    – littleO
    Dec 24 '18 at 7:30










  • $begingroup$
    This is basically what I've done since being in pre-algebra in 7th grade. At that time I was getting in to programming video games, and I needed algebra, geometry & trigonometry concepts beyond my current education level, but I only taught myself what I needed to know from a practicality standpoint.
    $endgroup$
    – peaceoutside
    Dec 24 '18 at 17:14






  • 1




    $begingroup$
    First you think you understand algebra, then you get to abstract algebra. Then you think you understand calculus, and you get to real analysis. I'm not sure where I'm going with this, except that if you're interested in mathematics try to start proof-heavy work as early as possible in whatever area you find easiest.
    $endgroup$
    – user3067860
    Dec 24 '18 at 23:06
















$begingroup$
Related question: math.stackexchange.com/questions/42152/…
$endgroup$
– littleO
Dec 24 '18 at 7:30




$begingroup$
Related question: math.stackexchange.com/questions/42152/…
$endgroup$
– littleO
Dec 24 '18 at 7:30












$begingroup$
This is basically what I've done since being in pre-algebra in 7th grade. At that time I was getting in to programming video games, and I needed algebra, geometry & trigonometry concepts beyond my current education level, but I only taught myself what I needed to know from a practicality standpoint.
$endgroup$
– peaceoutside
Dec 24 '18 at 17:14




$begingroup$
This is basically what I've done since being in pre-algebra in 7th grade. At that time I was getting in to programming video games, and I needed algebra, geometry & trigonometry concepts beyond my current education level, but I only taught myself what I needed to know from a practicality standpoint.
$endgroup$
– peaceoutside
Dec 24 '18 at 17:14




1




1




$begingroup$
First you think you understand algebra, then you get to abstract algebra. Then you think you understand calculus, and you get to real analysis. I'm not sure where I'm going with this, except that if you're interested in mathematics try to start proof-heavy work as early as possible in whatever area you find easiest.
$endgroup$
– user3067860
Dec 24 '18 at 23:06




$begingroup$
First you think you understand algebra, then you get to abstract algebra. Then you think you understand calculus, and you get to real analysis. I'm not sure where I'm going with this, except that if you're interested in mathematics try to start proof-heavy work as early as possible in whatever area you find easiest.
$endgroup$
– user3067860
Dec 24 '18 at 23:06










5 Answers
5






active

oldest

votes


















32












$begingroup$

Here's a description of how Peter Scholze (a Fields medalist) learns math:




At 16, Scholze learned that a decade earlier Andrew Wiles had proved
the famous 17th-century problem known as Fermat’s Last Theorem, which
says that the equation $x^n + y^n = z^n$ has no nonzero whole-number
solutions if $n$ is greater than two. Scholze was eager to study the
proof, but quickly discovered that despite the problem’s simplicity,
its solution uses some of the most cutting-edge mathematics around. “I
understood nothing, but it was really fascinating,” he said.



So Scholze worked backward, figuring out what he needed to learn to
make sense of the proof. “To this day, that’s to a large extent how I
learn,” he said. “I never really learned the basic things like linear
algebra, actually — I only assimilated it through learning some other
stuff.”




So, I'd say that this backtracking approach to learning math is fine if you enjoy it and it comes naturally to you. But be sure to aim for true, deep understanding of the topics you're interested in rather than rote memorization.






share|cite|improve this answer









$endgroup$













  • $begingroup$
    "(...) be sure to aim for true, deep understanding of the topics you're interested in rather than rote memorization." That sentence alone deserves more than a +1. Great example, btw.
    $endgroup$
    – Enzo Ferber
    Dec 24 '18 at 12:10






  • 4




    $begingroup$
    +1 even though what works for fields medalists and what works for normal people does not necessarily overlap
    $endgroup$
    – Ant
    Dec 25 '18 at 10:01



















11












$begingroup$


How difficult will it be to learn these concepts without the prescribed linear progression?




It's not really a linear progression, not at all. All of these subjects actually deal with the same thing. Mathematics is all connected.



Algebra (as it's defined by educators), geometry and trigonometry are taught separately because someone down the line thought it is the best way to teach. It's not. Those subjects just offer different methods/instruments to solve the same problems.



However, you don't really need to know everything that's taught in geometry/trigonometry by heart. Mostly it's all just some particular theorems which are hardly ever used in practice.



What you really need is to have a good grasp on the connections between all of these subjects. For example, all of these complicated trigonometric formulas are derived with the help of algebra together with a small set of rules, connecting $sin$ and $cos$.



Any geometric problem is eventually reduced to an algebraic one, and any algebraic problem (for example, solving an equation) can be represented in geometric terms. Not to mention, that $sin$ and $cos$ are usually first defined through their geometric meaning.



An example: the general solution for a cubic equation can be defined in radicals (with lots of square and cubic roots) or it can be defined in trigonometric form, which looks much neater.





Now, in practice, if you want to study a new subject and are not sure about the prerequisites, just start learning (through textbooks or some other way) and see if you encounter some unclear concepts or methods you don't know. Then use the internet or the help of a tutor to see what you need to learn/remember to understand them.



That's what I do when I need to solve an unfamiliar problem now that I am not longer a student: I just try and search for new methods if needed. It's a fine way to learn, but then again, I do have years of formal education behind me, which helps to recognize the connections I have mentioned.






share|cite|improve this answer









$endgroup$





















    6












    $begingroup$

    I'd like to add that learning is not linear no matter what. Even if you learn things in a sequence at the end of the sequence there might be some gain (sometimes huge ones) in revisiting older stuff later on with new conceptual tools and a broader understanding of a field.



    There's no obvious path to optimally learn, but I'd say there is at least one mistake that is crucial to avoid: don't hold yourself back thinking that if you don't go deep enough or devote enough time to something than it's not worth looking at. Allow yourself to peek and spend some time in multiple direction. You don't need to learn all there is to know about trigonometry or be highly proficient in using prostaferesis formula to benefit from it. Sit down one afternoon and do a bit of studying and practice some simple trig equation and definition. When you get bored or concerned with time pick up your calculus and go ahead with it. At some point you'll find an integral of a cosine and you will benefit a great deal from just having seen a cos(x) function once. Also, remember that stopping learning a specific tool today doesn't stop you from picking it up again later on.



    The more you advance, the more you'll be able to discriminate between when it's time to go deep and what you want to just skim over and use.






    share|cite|improve this answer









    $endgroup$





















      1












      $begingroup$

      Calculus mostly deals with functions: that is what their derivatives are amd what their integrals are.



      Whereas trigonometry deals with triangles and angles between two lines, and geometry deals with circles lines, ellipses, again triangles. As these are something one has encountered in life as opposed to functions geometry and trigonometry are easy to see why they could be useful what their applications are.



      So it is advisable to study trigonometry and geometry. All illustrations in calculus are mainly using functions of trigonometry and geometry (tangents of curves). In this order understanding would be easier.






      share|cite|improve this answer









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        1












        $begingroup$

        Having a personal goal in mind very motivating, and backtracking to learn what you need for specific goals as they come up is fantastic way to learn... as long as you have the time for it.



        If you're in a hurry to get something done, though, it can be incredibly frustrating to interrupt your progress for long periods of time.



        If you're trying to keep up with your peers in calculus, it can be incredibly frustrating if you have stop, go back, and learn some basics while your peers are pushing forward. Then you have to rush to catch up.



        Nonetheless, I think goal-oriented learning is generally much more efficient. The benefit of having a broad base of basic knowledge in a wide variety of subjects is that you never have to backtrack too far.



        To answer your specific case: yes, you can learn the fundamentals of calculus without knowing too much about geometry or algebra. You will be at a disadvantage, mostly due to lack of practice on algebra and geometry problems, but it will be easier to work though that than to practice algebra and geometry first with no specific goals in mind.






        share|cite|improve this answer









        $endgroup$




















          5 Answers
          5






          active

          oldest

          votes








          5 Answers
          5






          active

          oldest

          votes









          active

          oldest

          votes






          active

          oldest

          votes









          32












          $begingroup$

          Here's a description of how Peter Scholze (a Fields medalist) learns math:




          At 16, Scholze learned that a decade earlier Andrew Wiles had proved
          the famous 17th-century problem known as Fermat’s Last Theorem, which
          says that the equation $x^n + y^n = z^n$ has no nonzero whole-number
          solutions if $n$ is greater than two. Scholze was eager to study the
          proof, but quickly discovered that despite the problem’s simplicity,
          its solution uses some of the most cutting-edge mathematics around. “I
          understood nothing, but it was really fascinating,” he said.



          So Scholze worked backward, figuring out what he needed to learn to
          make sense of the proof. “To this day, that’s to a large extent how I
          learn,” he said. “I never really learned the basic things like linear
          algebra, actually — I only assimilated it through learning some other
          stuff.”




          So, I'd say that this backtracking approach to learning math is fine if you enjoy it and it comes naturally to you. But be sure to aim for true, deep understanding of the topics you're interested in rather than rote memorization.






          share|cite|improve this answer









          $endgroup$













          • $begingroup$
            "(...) be sure to aim for true, deep understanding of the topics you're interested in rather than rote memorization." That sentence alone deserves more than a +1. Great example, btw.
            $endgroup$
            – Enzo Ferber
            Dec 24 '18 at 12:10






          • 4




            $begingroup$
            +1 even though what works for fields medalists and what works for normal people does not necessarily overlap
            $endgroup$
            – Ant
            Dec 25 '18 at 10:01
















          32












          $begingroup$

          Here's a description of how Peter Scholze (a Fields medalist) learns math:




          At 16, Scholze learned that a decade earlier Andrew Wiles had proved
          the famous 17th-century problem known as Fermat’s Last Theorem, which
          says that the equation $x^n + y^n = z^n$ has no nonzero whole-number
          solutions if $n$ is greater than two. Scholze was eager to study the
          proof, but quickly discovered that despite the problem’s simplicity,
          its solution uses some of the most cutting-edge mathematics around. “I
          understood nothing, but it was really fascinating,” he said.



          So Scholze worked backward, figuring out what he needed to learn to
          make sense of the proof. “To this day, that’s to a large extent how I
          learn,” he said. “I never really learned the basic things like linear
          algebra, actually — I only assimilated it through learning some other
          stuff.”




          So, I'd say that this backtracking approach to learning math is fine if you enjoy it and it comes naturally to you. But be sure to aim for true, deep understanding of the topics you're interested in rather than rote memorization.






          share|cite|improve this answer









          $endgroup$













          • $begingroup$
            "(...) be sure to aim for true, deep understanding of the topics you're interested in rather than rote memorization." That sentence alone deserves more than a +1. Great example, btw.
            $endgroup$
            – Enzo Ferber
            Dec 24 '18 at 12:10






          • 4




            $begingroup$
            +1 even though what works for fields medalists and what works for normal people does not necessarily overlap
            $endgroup$
            – Ant
            Dec 25 '18 at 10:01














          32












          32








          32





          $begingroup$

          Here's a description of how Peter Scholze (a Fields medalist) learns math:




          At 16, Scholze learned that a decade earlier Andrew Wiles had proved
          the famous 17th-century problem known as Fermat’s Last Theorem, which
          says that the equation $x^n + y^n = z^n$ has no nonzero whole-number
          solutions if $n$ is greater than two. Scholze was eager to study the
          proof, but quickly discovered that despite the problem’s simplicity,
          its solution uses some of the most cutting-edge mathematics around. “I
          understood nothing, but it was really fascinating,” he said.



          So Scholze worked backward, figuring out what he needed to learn to
          make sense of the proof. “To this day, that’s to a large extent how I
          learn,” he said. “I never really learned the basic things like linear
          algebra, actually — I only assimilated it through learning some other
          stuff.”




          So, I'd say that this backtracking approach to learning math is fine if you enjoy it and it comes naturally to you. But be sure to aim for true, deep understanding of the topics you're interested in rather than rote memorization.






          share|cite|improve this answer









          $endgroup$



          Here's a description of how Peter Scholze (a Fields medalist) learns math:




          At 16, Scholze learned that a decade earlier Andrew Wiles had proved
          the famous 17th-century problem known as Fermat’s Last Theorem, which
          says that the equation $x^n + y^n = z^n$ has no nonzero whole-number
          solutions if $n$ is greater than two. Scholze was eager to study the
          proof, but quickly discovered that despite the problem’s simplicity,
          its solution uses some of the most cutting-edge mathematics around. “I
          understood nothing, but it was really fascinating,” he said.



          So Scholze worked backward, figuring out what he needed to learn to
          make sense of the proof. “To this day, that’s to a large extent how I
          learn,” he said. “I never really learned the basic things like linear
          algebra, actually — I only assimilated it through learning some other
          stuff.”




          So, I'd say that this backtracking approach to learning math is fine if you enjoy it and it comes naturally to you. But be sure to aim for true, deep understanding of the topics you're interested in rather than rote memorization.







          share|cite|improve this answer












          share|cite|improve this answer



          share|cite|improve this answer










          answered Dec 24 '18 at 7:39









          littleOlittleO

          29.6k645109




          29.6k645109












          • $begingroup$
            "(...) be sure to aim for true, deep understanding of the topics you're interested in rather than rote memorization." That sentence alone deserves more than a +1. Great example, btw.
            $endgroup$
            – Enzo Ferber
            Dec 24 '18 at 12:10






          • 4




            $begingroup$
            +1 even though what works for fields medalists and what works for normal people does not necessarily overlap
            $endgroup$
            – Ant
            Dec 25 '18 at 10:01


















          • $begingroup$
            "(...) be sure to aim for true, deep understanding of the topics you're interested in rather than rote memorization." That sentence alone deserves more than a +1. Great example, btw.
            $endgroup$
            – Enzo Ferber
            Dec 24 '18 at 12:10






          • 4




            $begingroup$
            +1 even though what works for fields medalists and what works for normal people does not necessarily overlap
            $endgroup$
            – Ant
            Dec 25 '18 at 10:01
















          $begingroup$
          "(...) be sure to aim for true, deep understanding of the topics you're interested in rather than rote memorization." That sentence alone deserves more than a +1. Great example, btw.
          $endgroup$
          – Enzo Ferber
          Dec 24 '18 at 12:10




          $begingroup$
          "(...) be sure to aim for true, deep understanding of the topics you're interested in rather than rote memorization." That sentence alone deserves more than a +1. Great example, btw.
          $endgroup$
          – Enzo Ferber
          Dec 24 '18 at 12:10




          4




          4




          $begingroup$
          +1 even though what works for fields medalists and what works for normal people does not necessarily overlap
          $endgroup$
          – Ant
          Dec 25 '18 at 10:01




          $begingroup$
          +1 even though what works for fields medalists and what works for normal people does not necessarily overlap
          $endgroup$
          – Ant
          Dec 25 '18 at 10:01











          11












          $begingroup$


          How difficult will it be to learn these concepts without the prescribed linear progression?




          It's not really a linear progression, not at all. All of these subjects actually deal with the same thing. Mathematics is all connected.



          Algebra (as it's defined by educators), geometry and trigonometry are taught separately because someone down the line thought it is the best way to teach. It's not. Those subjects just offer different methods/instruments to solve the same problems.



          However, you don't really need to know everything that's taught in geometry/trigonometry by heart. Mostly it's all just some particular theorems which are hardly ever used in practice.



          What you really need is to have a good grasp on the connections between all of these subjects. For example, all of these complicated trigonometric formulas are derived with the help of algebra together with a small set of rules, connecting $sin$ and $cos$.



          Any geometric problem is eventually reduced to an algebraic one, and any algebraic problem (for example, solving an equation) can be represented in geometric terms. Not to mention, that $sin$ and $cos$ are usually first defined through their geometric meaning.



          An example: the general solution for a cubic equation can be defined in radicals (with lots of square and cubic roots) or it can be defined in trigonometric form, which looks much neater.





          Now, in practice, if you want to study a new subject and are not sure about the prerequisites, just start learning (through textbooks or some other way) and see if you encounter some unclear concepts or methods you don't know. Then use the internet or the help of a tutor to see what you need to learn/remember to understand them.



          That's what I do when I need to solve an unfamiliar problem now that I am not longer a student: I just try and search for new methods if needed. It's a fine way to learn, but then again, I do have years of formal education behind me, which helps to recognize the connections I have mentioned.






          share|cite|improve this answer









          $endgroup$


















            11












            $begingroup$


            How difficult will it be to learn these concepts without the prescribed linear progression?




            It's not really a linear progression, not at all. All of these subjects actually deal with the same thing. Mathematics is all connected.



            Algebra (as it's defined by educators), geometry and trigonometry are taught separately because someone down the line thought it is the best way to teach. It's not. Those subjects just offer different methods/instruments to solve the same problems.



            However, you don't really need to know everything that's taught in geometry/trigonometry by heart. Mostly it's all just some particular theorems which are hardly ever used in practice.



            What you really need is to have a good grasp on the connections between all of these subjects. For example, all of these complicated trigonometric formulas are derived with the help of algebra together with a small set of rules, connecting $sin$ and $cos$.



            Any geometric problem is eventually reduced to an algebraic one, and any algebraic problem (for example, solving an equation) can be represented in geometric terms. Not to mention, that $sin$ and $cos$ are usually first defined through their geometric meaning.



            An example: the general solution for a cubic equation can be defined in radicals (with lots of square and cubic roots) or it can be defined in trigonometric form, which looks much neater.





            Now, in practice, if you want to study a new subject and are not sure about the prerequisites, just start learning (through textbooks or some other way) and see if you encounter some unclear concepts or methods you don't know. Then use the internet or the help of a tutor to see what you need to learn/remember to understand them.



            That's what I do when I need to solve an unfamiliar problem now that I am not longer a student: I just try and search for new methods if needed. It's a fine way to learn, but then again, I do have years of formal education behind me, which helps to recognize the connections I have mentioned.






            share|cite|improve this answer









            $endgroup$
















              11












              11








              11





              $begingroup$


              How difficult will it be to learn these concepts without the prescribed linear progression?




              It's not really a linear progression, not at all. All of these subjects actually deal with the same thing. Mathematics is all connected.



              Algebra (as it's defined by educators), geometry and trigonometry are taught separately because someone down the line thought it is the best way to teach. It's not. Those subjects just offer different methods/instruments to solve the same problems.



              However, you don't really need to know everything that's taught in geometry/trigonometry by heart. Mostly it's all just some particular theorems which are hardly ever used in practice.



              What you really need is to have a good grasp on the connections between all of these subjects. For example, all of these complicated trigonometric formulas are derived with the help of algebra together with a small set of rules, connecting $sin$ and $cos$.



              Any geometric problem is eventually reduced to an algebraic one, and any algebraic problem (for example, solving an equation) can be represented in geometric terms. Not to mention, that $sin$ and $cos$ are usually first defined through their geometric meaning.



              An example: the general solution for a cubic equation can be defined in radicals (with lots of square and cubic roots) or it can be defined in trigonometric form, which looks much neater.





              Now, in practice, if you want to study a new subject and are not sure about the prerequisites, just start learning (through textbooks or some other way) and see if you encounter some unclear concepts or methods you don't know. Then use the internet or the help of a tutor to see what you need to learn/remember to understand them.



              That's what I do when I need to solve an unfamiliar problem now that I am not longer a student: I just try and search for new methods if needed. It's a fine way to learn, but then again, I do have years of formal education behind me, which helps to recognize the connections I have mentioned.






              share|cite|improve this answer









              $endgroup$




              How difficult will it be to learn these concepts without the prescribed linear progression?




              It's not really a linear progression, not at all. All of these subjects actually deal with the same thing. Mathematics is all connected.



              Algebra (as it's defined by educators), geometry and trigonometry are taught separately because someone down the line thought it is the best way to teach. It's not. Those subjects just offer different methods/instruments to solve the same problems.



              However, you don't really need to know everything that's taught in geometry/trigonometry by heart. Mostly it's all just some particular theorems which are hardly ever used in practice.



              What you really need is to have a good grasp on the connections between all of these subjects. For example, all of these complicated trigonometric formulas are derived with the help of algebra together with a small set of rules, connecting $sin$ and $cos$.



              Any geometric problem is eventually reduced to an algebraic one, and any algebraic problem (for example, solving an equation) can be represented in geometric terms. Not to mention, that $sin$ and $cos$ are usually first defined through their geometric meaning.



              An example: the general solution for a cubic equation can be defined in radicals (with lots of square and cubic roots) or it can be defined in trigonometric form, which looks much neater.





              Now, in practice, if you want to study a new subject and are not sure about the prerequisites, just start learning (through textbooks or some other way) and see if you encounter some unclear concepts or methods you don't know. Then use the internet or the help of a tutor to see what you need to learn/remember to understand them.



              That's what I do when I need to solve an unfamiliar problem now that I am not longer a student: I just try and search for new methods if needed. It's a fine way to learn, but then again, I do have years of formal education behind me, which helps to recognize the connections I have mentioned.







              share|cite|improve this answer












              share|cite|improve this answer



              share|cite|improve this answer










              answered Dec 24 '18 at 7:48









              Yuriy SYuriy S

              15.8k433117




              15.8k433117























                  6












                  $begingroup$

                  I'd like to add that learning is not linear no matter what. Even if you learn things in a sequence at the end of the sequence there might be some gain (sometimes huge ones) in revisiting older stuff later on with new conceptual tools and a broader understanding of a field.



                  There's no obvious path to optimally learn, but I'd say there is at least one mistake that is crucial to avoid: don't hold yourself back thinking that if you don't go deep enough or devote enough time to something than it's not worth looking at. Allow yourself to peek and spend some time in multiple direction. You don't need to learn all there is to know about trigonometry or be highly proficient in using prostaferesis formula to benefit from it. Sit down one afternoon and do a bit of studying and practice some simple trig equation and definition. When you get bored or concerned with time pick up your calculus and go ahead with it. At some point you'll find an integral of a cosine and you will benefit a great deal from just having seen a cos(x) function once. Also, remember that stopping learning a specific tool today doesn't stop you from picking it up again later on.



                  The more you advance, the more you'll be able to discriminate between when it's time to go deep and what you want to just skim over and use.






                  share|cite|improve this answer









                  $endgroup$


















                    6












                    $begingroup$

                    I'd like to add that learning is not linear no matter what. Even if you learn things in a sequence at the end of the sequence there might be some gain (sometimes huge ones) in revisiting older stuff later on with new conceptual tools and a broader understanding of a field.



                    There's no obvious path to optimally learn, but I'd say there is at least one mistake that is crucial to avoid: don't hold yourself back thinking that if you don't go deep enough or devote enough time to something than it's not worth looking at. Allow yourself to peek and spend some time in multiple direction. You don't need to learn all there is to know about trigonometry or be highly proficient in using prostaferesis formula to benefit from it. Sit down one afternoon and do a bit of studying and practice some simple trig equation and definition. When you get bored or concerned with time pick up your calculus and go ahead with it. At some point you'll find an integral of a cosine and you will benefit a great deal from just having seen a cos(x) function once. Also, remember that stopping learning a specific tool today doesn't stop you from picking it up again later on.



                    The more you advance, the more you'll be able to discriminate between when it's time to go deep and what you want to just skim over and use.






                    share|cite|improve this answer









                    $endgroup$
















                      6












                      6








                      6





                      $begingroup$

                      I'd like to add that learning is not linear no matter what. Even if you learn things in a sequence at the end of the sequence there might be some gain (sometimes huge ones) in revisiting older stuff later on with new conceptual tools and a broader understanding of a field.



                      There's no obvious path to optimally learn, but I'd say there is at least one mistake that is crucial to avoid: don't hold yourself back thinking that if you don't go deep enough or devote enough time to something than it's not worth looking at. Allow yourself to peek and spend some time in multiple direction. You don't need to learn all there is to know about trigonometry or be highly proficient in using prostaferesis formula to benefit from it. Sit down one afternoon and do a bit of studying and practice some simple trig equation and definition. When you get bored or concerned with time pick up your calculus and go ahead with it. At some point you'll find an integral of a cosine and you will benefit a great deal from just having seen a cos(x) function once. Also, remember that stopping learning a specific tool today doesn't stop you from picking it up again later on.



                      The more you advance, the more you'll be able to discriminate between when it's time to go deep and what you want to just skim over and use.






                      share|cite|improve this answer









                      $endgroup$



                      I'd like to add that learning is not linear no matter what. Even if you learn things in a sequence at the end of the sequence there might be some gain (sometimes huge ones) in revisiting older stuff later on with new conceptual tools and a broader understanding of a field.



                      There's no obvious path to optimally learn, but I'd say there is at least one mistake that is crucial to avoid: don't hold yourself back thinking that if you don't go deep enough or devote enough time to something than it's not worth looking at. Allow yourself to peek and spend some time in multiple direction. You don't need to learn all there is to know about trigonometry or be highly proficient in using prostaferesis formula to benefit from it. Sit down one afternoon and do a bit of studying and practice some simple trig equation and definition. When you get bored or concerned with time pick up your calculus and go ahead with it. At some point you'll find an integral of a cosine and you will benefit a great deal from just having seen a cos(x) function once. Also, remember that stopping learning a specific tool today doesn't stop you from picking it up again later on.



                      The more you advance, the more you'll be able to discriminate between when it's time to go deep and what you want to just skim over and use.







                      share|cite|improve this answer












                      share|cite|improve this answer



                      share|cite|improve this answer










                      answered Dec 24 '18 at 14:58









                      Three DiagThree Diag

                      1898




                      1898























                          1












                          $begingroup$

                          Calculus mostly deals with functions: that is what their derivatives are amd what their integrals are.



                          Whereas trigonometry deals with triangles and angles between two lines, and geometry deals with circles lines, ellipses, again triangles. As these are something one has encountered in life as opposed to functions geometry and trigonometry are easy to see why they could be useful what their applications are.



                          So it is advisable to study trigonometry and geometry. All illustrations in calculus are mainly using functions of trigonometry and geometry (tangents of curves). In this order understanding would be easier.






                          share|cite|improve this answer









                          $endgroup$


















                            1












                            $begingroup$

                            Calculus mostly deals with functions: that is what their derivatives are amd what their integrals are.



                            Whereas trigonometry deals with triangles and angles between two lines, and geometry deals with circles lines, ellipses, again triangles. As these are something one has encountered in life as opposed to functions geometry and trigonometry are easy to see why they could be useful what their applications are.



                            So it is advisable to study trigonometry and geometry. All illustrations in calculus are mainly using functions of trigonometry and geometry (tangents of curves). In this order understanding would be easier.






                            share|cite|improve this answer









                            $endgroup$
















                              1












                              1








                              1





                              $begingroup$

                              Calculus mostly deals with functions: that is what their derivatives are amd what their integrals are.



                              Whereas trigonometry deals with triangles and angles between two lines, and geometry deals with circles lines, ellipses, again triangles. As these are something one has encountered in life as opposed to functions geometry and trigonometry are easy to see why they could be useful what their applications are.



                              So it is advisable to study trigonometry and geometry. All illustrations in calculus are mainly using functions of trigonometry and geometry (tangents of curves). In this order understanding would be easier.






                              share|cite|improve this answer









                              $endgroup$



                              Calculus mostly deals with functions: that is what their derivatives are amd what their integrals are.



                              Whereas trigonometry deals with triangles and angles between two lines, and geometry deals with circles lines, ellipses, again triangles. As these are something one has encountered in life as opposed to functions geometry and trigonometry are easy to see why they could be useful what their applications are.



                              So it is advisable to study trigonometry and geometry. All illustrations in calculus are mainly using functions of trigonometry and geometry (tangents of curves). In this order understanding would be easier.







                              share|cite|improve this answer












                              share|cite|improve this answer



                              share|cite|improve this answer










                              answered Dec 24 '18 at 7:27









                              P VanchinathanP Vanchinathan

                              14.9k12136




                              14.9k12136























                                  1












                                  $begingroup$

                                  Having a personal goal in mind very motivating, and backtracking to learn what you need for specific goals as they come up is fantastic way to learn... as long as you have the time for it.



                                  If you're in a hurry to get something done, though, it can be incredibly frustrating to interrupt your progress for long periods of time.



                                  If you're trying to keep up with your peers in calculus, it can be incredibly frustrating if you have stop, go back, and learn some basics while your peers are pushing forward. Then you have to rush to catch up.



                                  Nonetheless, I think goal-oriented learning is generally much more efficient. The benefit of having a broad base of basic knowledge in a wide variety of subjects is that you never have to backtrack too far.



                                  To answer your specific case: yes, you can learn the fundamentals of calculus without knowing too much about geometry or algebra. You will be at a disadvantage, mostly due to lack of practice on algebra and geometry problems, but it will be easier to work though that than to practice algebra and geometry first with no specific goals in mind.






                                  share|cite|improve this answer









                                  $endgroup$


















                                    1












                                    $begingroup$

                                    Having a personal goal in mind very motivating, and backtracking to learn what you need for specific goals as they come up is fantastic way to learn... as long as you have the time for it.



                                    If you're in a hurry to get something done, though, it can be incredibly frustrating to interrupt your progress for long periods of time.



                                    If you're trying to keep up with your peers in calculus, it can be incredibly frustrating if you have stop, go back, and learn some basics while your peers are pushing forward. Then you have to rush to catch up.



                                    Nonetheless, I think goal-oriented learning is generally much more efficient. The benefit of having a broad base of basic knowledge in a wide variety of subjects is that you never have to backtrack too far.



                                    To answer your specific case: yes, you can learn the fundamentals of calculus without knowing too much about geometry or algebra. You will be at a disadvantage, mostly due to lack of practice on algebra and geometry problems, but it will be easier to work though that than to practice algebra and geometry first with no specific goals in mind.






                                    share|cite|improve this answer









                                    $endgroup$
















                                      1












                                      1








                                      1





                                      $begingroup$

                                      Having a personal goal in mind very motivating, and backtracking to learn what you need for specific goals as they come up is fantastic way to learn... as long as you have the time for it.



                                      If you're in a hurry to get something done, though, it can be incredibly frustrating to interrupt your progress for long periods of time.



                                      If you're trying to keep up with your peers in calculus, it can be incredibly frustrating if you have stop, go back, and learn some basics while your peers are pushing forward. Then you have to rush to catch up.



                                      Nonetheless, I think goal-oriented learning is generally much more efficient. The benefit of having a broad base of basic knowledge in a wide variety of subjects is that you never have to backtrack too far.



                                      To answer your specific case: yes, you can learn the fundamentals of calculus without knowing too much about geometry or algebra. You will be at a disadvantage, mostly due to lack of practice on algebra and geometry problems, but it will be easier to work though that than to practice algebra and geometry first with no specific goals in mind.






                                      share|cite|improve this answer









                                      $endgroup$



                                      Having a personal goal in mind very motivating, and backtracking to learn what you need for specific goals as they come up is fantastic way to learn... as long as you have the time for it.



                                      If you're in a hurry to get something done, though, it can be incredibly frustrating to interrupt your progress for long periods of time.



                                      If you're trying to keep up with your peers in calculus, it can be incredibly frustrating if you have stop, go back, and learn some basics while your peers are pushing forward. Then you have to rush to catch up.



                                      Nonetheless, I think goal-oriented learning is generally much more efficient. The benefit of having a broad base of basic knowledge in a wide variety of subjects is that you never have to backtrack too far.



                                      To answer your specific case: yes, you can learn the fundamentals of calculus without knowing too much about geometry or algebra. You will be at a disadvantage, mostly due to lack of practice on algebra and geometry problems, but it will be easier to work though that than to practice algebra and geometry first with no specific goals in mind.







                                      share|cite|improve this answer












                                      share|cite|improve this answer



                                      share|cite|improve this answer










                                      answered Dec 24 '18 at 16:40









                                      Matt TimmermansMatt Timmermans

                                      23416




                                      23416















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