Thread: Looking to develop a good general understanding of Mathematics

Hi guys,

So I just finished my degree and I'm sad to think that it's over (it was in Accounting). I'd like to continue learning as I move into my professional career.

What would be a good book or resource to start reading in my spare time on Mathematics? My aim at the moment is to just get a basic understanding as my level of maths is extremely poor!

Can your Accounting teacher not suggest something? Knows you better than anyone here.

Mathematics is often compared to a chain in the way it is learned. If you miss a link, the whole chain will fall apart. To get a good understanding for any subject, you first need to have a solid base. If you don't have a solid base, it'll be really hard to build up. That said, mathematics is more like a chain of chains that looks more like a tree than a chain. If we take the tree analogy further, the roots and stem are the base and then the branches are specializations. In accounting, you have probably covered some of the base and some branches. If you want to get a good understanding of mathematics, you will need to visit and revisit subjects like linear algebra (one of the most important subject in math imo), calculus and differential equations. At this point it'll be helpful if you list some of the mathematical subjects that you've studied and if you feel confident about the material that you've learned from them.

Hi guys,

Thank you so much for your responses. To be very honest, my Accounting was extremely basic and focused much more towards simple addition and subtraction.

I think Vlasev hit the 'nail on the head' in terms of my aims. I would like to learn the basics, and work my way up. Is there any resource or book that you would recommend I look into?

Thanks,

Walkio.

"Calculus", by Apostol is a 2 volumes book that contains most of the basics (calculus, linear algebra, probability and, iirc, numerical analysis)

Originally Posted by ModusPonens

"Calculus", by Apostol is a 2 volumes book that contains most of the basics (calculus, linear algebra, probability and, iirc, numerical analysis)

The book is slightly expensive. Anything cheaper?

Anyone?