<p>Hello.
I'm a high school senior right now. But, I am most likely going into Computer Science and/or Computer Engineering. If I can, I might do a math minor (or major in it if I don't do engineering). Anyways, I have a huge interest for math and computer science. However, this enthusiasm for these subjects came relatively recently (maybe a year or two ago). I've always been 'okay' at math and comp sci, going to AIME a couple of times and took some college level data and algorithm classes. I've been looking for some books to further my knowledge xD. Any suggestions?
As for math, I've done the standard stuff (for asians), such as 2nd year calc, AP stats, introductory lin. alg. and almost done with multivariable calc. As for Comp Sci, its a bit harder to list, but I have taken comp sci AB, and (as stated earlier) a data structure and algorithm class. I am most "fluent" in Java and C. I have also gone through the famous C programming book by K&R.
My senior year is a bore (although my math class gets interesting at times). AP stats is a joke, since there are no proofs involved... I pretty much have no hw, or atleast I do not do much of them. I really want to use my time well and seeing as I have some money to waste on books, I really appreciate any suggestions. Thanks guys.</p>
<p>Never mind. I just found my dad’s stash of computer and mathematics textbooks he used as an undergrad and grad student.</p>
<p>You sound like a math genius… I think you are ready for math major! Good news is upper division math courses are totally different from lower division courses which are also different from highschool level. </p>
<p>High school math even at calculus level should be relatively much easier than what you will take as a math major! At lower level, you use the results of some theories, at higher level, you develop and make the theories by proving it. Example, calculus is more on applying formula to do differentiation and integration, at real analysis level, you prove the existence of limit, prove the work behind differentation and integration.</p>
<p>You’re probably 5 classes away from a math major.</p>
<p>Yamakira, I believe a good way to use your time is to try to work some linear algebra problems of difficulty, so you can really sharpen your understanding to the level you’ll need for college. It is one thing to have taken a course, and another thing to really have learned it to be able to use it in the future. One good way is to try to find schools’ linear algebra courses online, and try working problems from them. Try to actually recall and review the way the string of theorem of linear algebra fit together. This seems the best use you can make of your time. Try to learn your very first tiny bit of math theory really well.</p>
<p>Hey, thanks for the advise. I just went through my dad’s library of math textbooks and found some interesting problem set books. There are also some stuff on upper level Linear Algebra! I’m gonna need my dad to help me through this, but it looks like I found a good way to spend my time.
Btw, I am no math genius. I just spend alot of time doing math things (like during english class xD).
Having tasted an introductory discrete/proof mathematics, I know college math is way harder than HS math. I loved the in depth thinking many problems required and the fact that it was not your usual “plug and chug” math. Yet, the difficulty seems to also act as a deterrent. Some people seem to “get” this stuff way better than me. Anyways, I’ll see if I am capable for the challenge in college.
Again, thanks for all the advise.</p>