<p>Real Analysis will be the most rigorous, proof-based course I've taken for my math major, and I'm concerned because a lot of people at my school HATE the course.</p>
<p>Any tips on preparation? Surviving?</p>
<p>Have you had other proof-oriented math courses yet?</p>
<p>Some math departments recommend or require taking less difficult proof-based math courses before taking real analysis. Examples (depending on the department):</p>
<ul>
<li>A lower division “proof practice” math course.</li>
<li>A lower division discrete math course that emphasizes proof practice.</li>
<li>A lower division honors math course (calculus, multivariable calculus, linear algebra, or differential equations) that goes into more theory and proofs than the normal lower division math course.</li>
<li>An upper division proof-oriented math course that is considered less difficult than real analysis, such as upper division linear algebra.</li>
</ul>
<p>Oh yes, I’ve taken linear algebra, combinatorics, probability, and discrete math. However, I’ve heard this course takes the difficulty to a new level!</p>
<p>Was linear algebra a proof-intensive upper division or honors lower division course (as opposed to a regular lower division course that did not emphasize proofs)? Did discrete math emphasize proofs and proof techniques?</p>
<p>If so, you are probably about as well prepared for real analysis as anyone can be. If not, you may want to see what other proof-intensive courses that are not as difficult as real analysis are available to take before taking real analysis.</p>
<p>Linear was more computational, but there were some proofs. Discrete had a pretty decent focus on proofs, and it’s the only pre-req for analysis. Moreover, my discrete professor will be the analysis professor, so I’d imagine he taught us with the thought of preparing us for analysis in the back of his head.</p>
<p>Would you suggest self-studying or anything?</p>
<p>Thanks for your responses so far!</p>
<p>The biggest favor you can do yourself is to pay close attention, and be honest if you don’t understand something! Either raise your hand then and there (easiest in small classes), or make sure and go afterwards and figure it out with someone who does understand it. Analysis can be great fun, once you get the hang of the basics. Preparation-wise, I shouldn’t think you’ll need much more than what you have. Best of luck!</p>
<p>If you like or don’t mind doing proofs, then you should be as prepared as you can be for the course. If you wish, you can start reading books like this one: [Basic</a> Analysis: Introduction to Real Analysis](<a href=“http://www.jirka.org/ra/]Basic”>Basic Analysis: Introduction to Real Analysis) or this one: [Introduction</a> to Analysis (Dover Books on Mathematics) (9780486650388): Maxwell Rosenlicht](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Analysis-Dover-Books-Mathematics/dp/0486650383]Introduction”>http://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Analysis-Dover-Books-Mathematics/dp/0486650383) or the book used in your class, which may be this classic: [Principles</a> of Mathematical Analysis, Third Edition (9780070542358): Walter Rudin](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Principles-Mathematical-Analysis-Third-Edition/dp/007054235X]Principles”>http://www.amazon.com/Principles-Mathematical-Analysis-Third-Edition/dp/007054235X)</p>
<p>Well, you’re certainly in for some “fun” if the class ends up using Rudin!</p>
<p>(it’s actually a really good book, but it is hard for an intro text)</p>
<p>As UCBAlumnus pointed out, taking a “proof practice” course is ideal before going into real analysis. As a math major from 20+ years ago, we did NOT have those proof-practice courses…straight from DiffEq to Analysis/Advanced Calculus. I have noticed that my alma mater now has 1 or 2 “prep” courses before taking on Analysis/Advanced Calculus.</p>
<p>I think those type of courses would be good to take so you don’t have to learn how to construct proofs “on the fly”.</p>
<p>Looks like the OP’s school’s math department bundled the proof techniques and practice in with the discrete math course and made it a prerequisite for real analysis and presumably other proof-oriented upper division math courses.</p>
<p>Thanks again for the responses. I’m a big believer in that I can pass anything I spend enough time studying - it looks like this class will precisely that.</p>