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How do I get better in math, being a programmer for several years

Possible duplicate:
How to improve my math skills to become a better programmer
The basic mathematical book for the programmer

So far I have had a rather strange career. First I graduated from medical school. Then I went to marketing (pharmaceuticals). And then, after some time, I decided to go to my (until then) hobby and became a "professional" programmer. Since then I have been quite successful. I have quite a few languages ​​"under my belt." I make good money, and I'm pretty active in the open source community.

The fact is that I suck math :). Well, not really, of course, since I'm doing my job. But I do not know how much I suck. And I don’t know how to find out.

In high and middle schools, mathematics has never been a priority. I only chose as much as I could afford, because I was always going to go to Medicine. Of course, I know the basics of algebra. Things like normal and quadratic equations. Also the basics of geometry. But ok, there are things that I missed. And lately I've been fascinated by things like probability theory, infinity, chaos / order, etc. But every time I try to learn something about these topics, I hit the wall of terminology, special characters, and some special kind of thinking, that is, just like mine (the programmer), but also differs a lot (and seems strange to me).

So which books would you recommend to me? It is very difficult to find something suitable. Everything I find is too light (and boring) or completely impenetrable.

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Assuming you have your own basic algebra, I start by computing a single variable. I used several calc books and found Larson's to be the best. Hope you can find it in the library.

We turn to linear algebra soon after. This book is free and very good.

Do not worry about mastering everything; you will probably want to return to linear algebra.

Then find a book that highlights evidence, sets, relationships, functions, and axioms. I liked the Analysis with an introduction to Lay's proof . Especially study the evidence by induction.

From here you can break the impenetrable wall that you are on. You will be armed with terminology to read almost any math textbook.

I recommend graph theory, combinatorics, and linear algebra for their applications in computer science.

Good luck

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Of course, I know the basics of algebra. Things like normal and quadratic equations. Also the basics of geometry. But well, there are things that I missed. And lately, I have been fascinated by things like probability theory, infinity, chaos / order, etc.

I find that math is a one-way door: if you don't get through early, it's hard to get back. It is impossible to pick up, but it is more difficult without discipline.

The key is making problems. You do not just read math books - you have problems with the work of mechanics in your brain. If you are just reading, I would say that it is impossible to find out.

It is better to return to what you know and what to do. If you are good at basic algebra and geometry, start thinking about intro calculus or statistics. Start with the basic material: one differential differential and / or integral calculus or statistics. You have a lot of problems and get convenience.

If you are a computer scientist, you will find discrete mathematics, graphs, numerical methods, and linear algebra.

Do not expect this to happen quickly, especially if you are not sure about it.

I would recommend two great resources:

Both are free; both are great.

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The basics:

  • A basic understanding of real and complex numbers, functions, sets, etc.
  • (Real) analysis in one variable
  • (Real) linear algebra
  • (Real) analysis in several variables
  • Discrete Math
  • Vector calculus
  • Comprehensive analysis
  • Complex linear algebra
  • Statistics and probability theory

More advanced stuff:

  • Abstract algebra
  • Fourier Analysis (far more important than you might think) (Stanford Basic Video Course)
  • Transformation Theory (except Fourier analysis)
  • Differential geometry
  • Functional analysis
  • Partial Differential Equations
  • Nonlinear phenomena and chaos
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You can check out some of the course materials available online from MIT .

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Learn math classes available at your local college. As a rule, they offer them during the day for enrolled students, but sometimes they also have night classes. Talk to the professor to find out if your math skills are sufficient for the class before enrollment, or if you will fight right out of the gate.

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