<p>How hard/time consuming is the Math 215 course? People told me that it's what most prospective math majors take (I want to major in math or ORFE). While I would like to take it and I have good experience in math, I am not 100% sure if I want to spend lots and lots of homework time proving theorem after theorem.</p>
<p>The 215 problem sets took me around 10 hours to do when I was a frosh, but I could probably bang them out in an hour or two now. The point is that it depends a LOT on your ability and mathematical maturity. </p>
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<p>Hate to break it to you, but this is what math majors do. If you want to major in math, then that’s something you need to be prepared for. It seems to me like you ought to figure out early on (by taking 215) if this is something you enjoy. If it’s not, then you’ll realize it very soon, and you can just drop the class with no adverse consequences.</p>
<p>Professor Sarnak’s teaching 215 this fall. I’ve spoken to several Princeton students about 215, and all of them have absolutely raved about Sarnak and his exceptional ability to explain mathematical concepts. One said that having Sarnak for 217 and 218 was a major reason he decided to major in math. Another said that even if you think you know the material, you should still take 215 simply because Sarnak is teaching it.</p>
<p>So I guess if you’re even considering a math major and have the aptitude for 215, you should take the course. That way you can learn from one of the best professors in the department and, if you end up not liking 215 that much, you will know for sure that a math major probably isn’t your best option.</p>
<p>Thanks guys for telling me about the problem set length and professor. I think I am going to try 215 in the fall and see how it goes and figure if I want to be a math major.</p>
<p>Is Principles of Mathematical Analysis by Rudin the standard textbook for Math 215?</p>
<p>If so, I will probably buy it soon. Just making sure before I buy it. Does anyone know?</p>
<p>have been told by several math majors that rudin’s pma is the goldstandard for second year mathematics :]</p>
<p>Yes Rudin’s PMA is the text used in 215.</p>
<p>Where do people buy Rudin’s PMA? Is there a campus bookstore? The text seems very expensive.</p>
<p>The campus bookstore sells it, but you can probably find it cheaper online. It’s not cheap, not matter where you buy it.</p>
<p>I got it online through Amazon in paperback for under $20</p>