<p>There seems to have been intelligent discussion here lately concerning math, so even though this question is not UVA specific I'm thinking I can find some help here. What does it mean when people say college math is totally different that high school math? So then what skills does it take to be successful in different types of college level math/science/technology majors, i.e. statistics vs mechanical engineering vs computer science? DS is a great problem solver, logical thinker, mechanically oriented, loves chemistry and physics but is barely getting a B- in PreCalc. Most of his bad grades are from trouble memorizing formulas (and not handing in homework). SAT math 700 with no prep. UVA has options if he (by some miracle) got in but was not making it in engineering but some other tech schools he's considering don't have those options. Any insight into what it takes to be successful in upper lever math would be helpful. Thanks.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>That’s his problem. He’s trying to look at math the same way he looks at a big picture humanities subject. In history, you can get by having memorized some dates and their meaning. In math, memorizing formulas is not the answer. You have to understand what you’re doing as well as WHY you’re doing it, which rote memorization can’t help you with.</p>
<p>To test if your son really gets what’s going on, ask him to tell you what a derivative is. Does he tell you a long and complex equation/formula, or does he tell you that a derivative at point x is when the slope of a tangent lines touches that point? If it’s the former, you have a problem.</p>
<p>Math demands insight for all the topics covered in class. To develop this insight, you have to practice with the problems the teacher gives you. If you still don’t get it, look over a textbook before class, or stay after school for some help. Work on the problems until you’re comfortable with the problems no matter what numbers are in them. Then, quiz yourself on your understanding of important concepts (like the “what is a derivative?” question mentioned earlier).</p>
<br>
<br>
<p>For instance. Why are parallel lines “always the same distance apart” (in non-euclidean geo they’re not)? Why does the quadratic formula work and are you willing to memorize and learn how a cubic formula was derived? Why do multiples of 9 always have digits that sum to 9 (same for 3’s, and if you alternate 11’s that works also)? If you just like USING the formulas, higher level math is not for you. If you care about how the formulas were derived, that is a good sign you belong in higher level math.</p>
<p>Thanks! That helped a lot.</p>