Expert: Paul Klarreich - 10/8/2005

Question
Hi.
I'm a college student studying biology. In the abstract I think math is a great thing and would like to understand it in a deeper way than I do. In practice, sometimes I like it and sometimes I get long stretches of finding it intolerable. A couple weeks ago I reviewed a calculus textbook for a couple hours and got quite a lot out of it, unfortunately at the expense of sleep. Ever since, I haven't been able to concentrate on anything mathematical for more than half an hour (I try maybe every other day), haven't been getting much out of it, and the experience is painful. When I get into stretches of mathematical distaste like this how would you suggest I circumvent them?  Also, do you have any recommendations for learning how to escape the tendency to think mechanically and narrowly in math and more easily grasp concepts. I'm willing to try a number of things and entertain several explainations so alternatives are welcome. Thank you much.

Answer
Hi, Lee,
I'm sorry you seem to be having trouble with enjoying math.  Of course, part of the enjoyment is struggling with a tough concept and finally mastering it.  (Sometimes the journey is its own reward.)  

I'm not sure why you would review a calculus textbook -- did you study calculus at some earlier time?  Is there some mathematical material you need for your biology study?  

It is never easy to just sit down and read a mathematics text.  Math books tend to be written in a rather terse style, expecting you to think a little about each item and verify that it is correct.  Of course, some books are notorious for this -- I could tell you stories -- but the best calculus texts are not so bad.  

But there are other branches of mathematics that you might find more interesting and enjoyable, and there are a number of 'popular' books about mathematics.  

About the thinking in mathematics, yes, it does tend to be very precise and demanding, but that is part of the reason we study mathematics in high school and college.  Even if we don't remember some of the facts, we retain the mental discipline that we can't get in any other subject.

I am not sure this helps, but if any more ideas pop up, I'll send them along.