jenko4292: What maths should I practice before a university physics degree?
I’m going to university in England in september, currently on a gap year in New Zealand and i can’t be carrying giant maths books around as i am back packing. When I get to uni i don’t want to be completely out of step with my maths so what would be the best stuff to practice? Differentiation trig differentiation integration? Please be specific if possible. Any useful websites would be good too but my college can provide me with plenty of questions if not.
Answers and Views:
Answer by Michael
Usually with a physics program at any college there’s also the need for a math program, and this math program will usually teach you both differential and integrative calculus, in one variable and multiple variables as well as vector calculus. When you get in there you should know algebra very well, as well as trigonometry and calculus how to differentiate and integrate. Linear Algebra and Discrete math will come later, as well as real analysis and advanced calculus if you need it, in physics though it is always beneficial to take a differential equations class because a lot of quantum physics stems from discrete mathematics and differential equations.
This might prove useful and not too heavy. (content or weight)
Mathematics for Physics by Michael M. Woolfson and Malcolm S. Woolfson (Paperback – 23 Nov 2006
This and lots of other stuff too available from Amazon .co … just search the book section “Maths for Physics”….. most are not too expensive.
Best of luck with your studies and the social side…. enjoy!
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