Learning Mathematics (Specifically Statistics)

[Atlas Shrugged]

---

Members do not see this ad.

My worst grades in undergrad have been in mathematics classes (C+ in college algebra and a B in calculus). I have a 3.8 cGPA and close to that for sGPA as a biology major and a 32 MCAT (11,11,10).

I am currently taking statistics and it's kicking my ass. Every mathematics class really, from elementary school until now has been difficult for me. I do very well in understanding the conceptual components of biology, chemistry, and physics etc., but I have always had to brute force the mathematics portions of these subjects through shear repetition of problems.

And even when I can do problems, I don't understand them the way I can like the conceptual portions. I can usually estimate how something is going to work out, but if you ask me to back it up with calculations I can't.

Is there anything I can do to understand mathematics? A different way of learning? Or should I just keep doing problem after problem ad nauseum because that is the way it is?

 

[chinsucl]

1. Read James Stewart's books - solve examples while reading
2. Outline the concepts
3. Think of the concept - Don't use formulas like a machine. Understand it!
4. Remember requirements by which the concept exists.
Ex: a function is considered as continuous at a point (x,y) when 3 requirements must be met:
1/ f is defined at x (x - value of that point is in domain of f)
2/ limit of f at x exists (left-hand limit = right-hand limit)
3/ f(x) = y
5. Like chemistry, practice makes perfect.

 

[edgerock24]

If you got a B in Calculus then you can surely get an A in Statsistics. Stats is much easier (at least, in my opinion it is), as it is an extremely 'applied' science. Make sure you do your best to understand the material at first, because it will lead you to success later on. Practice problems are key (like calc+physics). Essentially, you can memorize what formulas/arithmetic to use in stats based on what the question is asking you -- moreso than any other math course.

 

[PinknGreenMD]

various practice problems incorporating different theories forcing you to think logically which theorem you should apply

 

[PittNeuro21]

Khan Academy is the best for anything math related, IMO.

 

[Lil Mick]

Practice problems. When I taught statistics, I tried to give as many examples as possible to help struggling students begin to see the patterns behind the formulas. Also, look on line for other resources/books. Some books are better than others at explaining mathematics (personally don't know the Rice book on stats, but Ross is pretty good).