How to Change the World One Math Problem at a Time

[@alreadyghosts7727]

I was in my thirties, working for a car rental company, and raising a family. My education was limited to a liberal arts degree from my early twenties. I had no mathematical background beyond rudimentary algebra. But for some reason - probably had something to do with being bored and disappointed with my job - I started studying math from old college text books that could be found at used book stores. I always made sure I got one that had the answers in the back so I could check my work. I studied and worked problems every day, sometimes even if it was just for five minutes a day. I would find time in the morning and on lunch breaks. Started out with college algebra and worked my way up to calculus and physics. In my late thirties, the company I was working for axed my department. Suddenly I had no job, no career prospects, and I had to start all over again professionally. By then, however, I think all that math had completely reformatted my brain. Long story short, for the last decade and a half I have been working quite happily in software (and still studying math on my lunch breaks!).

[@robinzclark]

Wow! This is a great life story. Thank you for sharing it.

[@MenofMathematica]

I'm in your shoes too. At 18 years of age, a senior in high school, I wasn't able to multiply fractions. I'm 19 now. I started studying 40 hours a week, and I made my way quickly from Algebra 1 to Algebra 2 to College Algebra to Trigonometry to Calc. I plan on finishing Calc 3 this year. Though, I'm going to go back and learn geometry.

[@alreadyghosts7727]

@@MenofMathematica Excellent. While it's never too late, certainly the earlier the better. Also, even if you are not interested in a software career, definitely devote some time to becoming competent at least at one application development stack. I found that this supplements the mental training you get from math. Programming really trains your brain to be able to look at a highly complex problem and very quickly break it down into its simpler component parts, solve all of those, then reassemble them back into a solution for the entire problem. Good skill to have in any field.

[@patriciagreen2365]

Self study is an excellent way to learn math. I am glad you found a job that is rewarding. I wish you the best in your academic endeavors.

[@tod3632]

I hated highschool, joined the military at 17, just turned 30 and am still in the forces. Just before my birthday I got news that I'd won a scholarship from the military to get an online degree in my own time. I'm a comp sci major but have really enjoyed getting back into math again too. The curiosity to understand the intersections between math, physics and computer science keeps me up at night. Thank you for your videos and book suggestions. They've all been immensely helpful to me. If one person learning a bit of math everyday can change the world, think about how much you change the world by influencing hundreds of thousands of people to learn math.

[@Spider70465]

I am a civil engineer I do math daily with nonstop actually this makes me feel relaxed. As you said in your video doing math is just a great idea . I encourage everyone to do math because it makes huge w differences in all ways . Feeling relaxed thinking wisely . Finding solution for practical complications in daily life etc …

[@abrevas]

I’m sixty years old now. I bought the Pre-Algebra & Algebra 1 book on Amazon. While reading it and doing the math problems I felt my brain flash back over forty years in time to where I was when I first learned the principles. I took algebra, geometry, trig, and statistics in college. I got back into math because I was finally able to acquire a few antique Slide Rules and realized I needed to re-learn math to be able to effectively use them. The Slide Rule was the mechanical calculator for over 300 years before it became obsolete overnight when the electronic hand held digital calculator went mainstream in the early 1970’s.

[@fullc0de]

Both the slide rule and the abacus fascinate me, and I want to learn them both someday. I found a couple of old slide rule guides on the Internet Archive and saved the links for future reference.

[@Chandan_kumar1986]

I did not like solving problems. But your videos are very inspiring. I have started doing mathematics every morning and solving some problems. I am very grateful to you.

[@patriciagreen2365]

Learning math teaches us discipline and critical thinking skills.

[@michaelcutler6118]

Also, math teaches you how to think analytically.

[@patriciagreen2365]

@@michaelcutler6118 Hi Mchael, Thank you for replying to my comment. You are absolutely correct that, math teaches us to think analytically. Best wishes to you. I hope you have a great day.

[@satyavivekanandbattula1091]

Thanks for sharing Sir . That's true math impact on our daily life . Without math we can't imagine the world.

[@LoperamideTV]

Learning math teach yourself to see the world very VERY differently. You don’t see a mountain, you see a slope and how it’s changing under your eyes. You don’t see a deck of cards, you see a very large number of arrangements. You don’t see a wall, you see all the forces pushing. And the list goes on and on. Maybe you don’t like math just because it’s math, but, at the end, it’s a powerful and amazing toolbox to understand what’s going on around us

[@SciFiPi]

Started studying Calculus and been at it for two weeks now. I'm on page 2, and loving it! Yes, I'm only on page 2, because I have to refresh my Algebra and Trig continually. It really is calming and feels like a Super Power or a Secret almost. This may not make sense, but Math does change your perspective about the world around you, my coffee cup is no longer a coffee cup, its Topology.

[@juliusfucik4011]

I have recently had to revisit quarternions to use them to calculate the rotations of 3D objects. It had been a while. I could have easily used Euler angles, but I decided not to. I was glad I did, because it saved me a lot of time. After having solved this, I implemented a Monte Carlo algorithm to sample these 3D objects. It was a thrill to get it all working and then optimize the code. I find helping my kids with their high school math is also very entertaining. It is the small successes that make my day better!

[@dhickey5919]

Sounds like fun. I've been working with Java language to manipulate 3D objects. What language are you using?

[@juliusfucik4011]

A combination of Python and C++. C++ for the math and Open3D (Python) for the visualization.

[@dhickey5919]

Thank you, Math Sorcerer! It's true. Studying math and discrete math helps organize your thinking. I would also suggest picking up any old physics textbook and study physics with math. One subject helps the other. At some point, numbers and problems of everyday life will switch into Easy Mode.

[@abhisheksoni9774]

Hello Prof. Thank you so much for answering this question which I was wondering for a long time Mainly it's about two things - Sharpen your brain - Think clearly and logically about every single aspect which will help the humanity and this world to become a better place

[@kokwahtan8577]

I am 57 . Started on april without knowing how to do fraction. Now few mths later. Doing Linear equation. Though still struggle too.

[@mamavscience2977]

This is no exaggeration! Returning to math as an older adult, I discovered that it got me into an alpha state, like meditation. And conversely, that there's no point trying to rush through it if you want to have a true experience of it (any more than you would rush through love-making). Math is therapeutic. Math is about *relationships.* Math gives you a visceral experience of the dynamics of the universe.

[@guitaristxcore]

One thing I've noticed for myself is that the more mathematics I study the more my everyday problems seem easier to work through. And my own experience mirrors the statement in the video that studying math makes you sharper. I feel more intellectually involved in what's going on around me when I've been studying math. I'm a student in college preparing to become a math teacher. And this is what I plan to tell my students once I've earned my cert and am teaching. You are learning math because the problem solving skills and the critical thinking skills you gain from that study will help you in every aspect of your life.

[@Wolf-if1bt]

I need math to be happy. Math is beauty, beauty is vital. Abstraction is fascinating. And when you look further at the profound nature of reality, everything is math.

[@Starlight12120]

I don't like math that much but after seeing him i totally changed now math is my favourite subject!!! Thank u sir ❤

[@quirk1559]

I think the math sorcerer has figured out KZbin. These video topics these past few weeks are exactly what we need.

[@baconman9418]

One useful aspect of studying math closely is an applied experience with the real and ideal which forces the student to be attentive of which realm they find themselves in. Once you realize that the mathematical world relies equally on concretely observable outcomes and infinite processes whose behaviors must be extrapolated, it becomes clear that there is some sort of spectrum from the concretely observable to the seemingly true. As you work your way through the more easy to accept results of the mathematical corpus you eventually stumble upon more and more surprising, yet difficult to falsify, statements that expand your idea of what is possible. If you remain aware of your locale as you traverse the mathematical universe, whether ideal or real, you will develop a strong sense of "place" in your own logical world; or rather, you will become more ambiently aware of the number and strength of logical threads holding together a given notion. I have found this to be very useful in all facets of life, as a higher awareness of ones dependence on logic enables a greater understanding of their experience of the world as a whole.

[@haimbenavraham1502]

I like to combine, Math & Philosophy; they actually complement each other. Deep in your subconscious, you come to realize such harmony.

[@NoobleeGt]

I agree. The brain needs to train to become sharper, like everything else. And yes, I'm reading the book by Velleman and it's really awesome. It makes writing proofs become almost an easy task... And the explanations are so clear. Everyone with a bit of mathematical background should read at least the three first chapters of the book.

[@victorcenteno5301]

The true math sorcerer is the one who guides, thanks again

[@brightsideofmaths]

Training your brain with solving problems :)

[@PowerK1]

Or gaining some self confidence and a little bit of an ego about your intelligence

[@brightsideofmaths]

@@PowerK1 That never worked for me in this way :D

[@SteveRuprecht]

Bright side x math sorc Collaboration video coming anytime soon?

[@robinzclark]

Another fabulous video that I will listen to multiple times. I feel the same way about dog training as you do about math. I'm slowly collecting books and started to add math into my daily routine along with listening to your videos. You always give me hope and raise my spirits. Thanks for that.

[@robcubed9557]

My personal opinion: Math is the mental equivalent of lifting weights. Nobody disputes the benefits of lifting weights and/or having a strong musculoskeletal system. Likewise, math increases logical capabilities. Being able to think logically is beneficial characteristic.

[@nareksargsyan183]

I love your videos.

[@nhyiraboateng6878]

Love this man so much😊

[@niteman555]

I've been reviewing calculus to prepare for an engineering masters. I've been doing 10 problems/day out of the Stewart book. I could probably skip ahead to vector calc since that's what I'd use the most in my program, but I haven't studied calculus in 10 years now.

[@genemiller3678]

I agree, better critical thinking ability can help everyone. I have a MS in math with specializion in foundations. But one thing that was missing in my education was statistics. I eventually mastered statistics for my work in social science research, and I found statistics enables reasoning under uncertainty, which is quite different than math. Statistics obviously plays a big role in understanding health policy, business, and many other areas of concern So yes, math PLUS statistics.

[@douglasstrother6584]

Start with something fun & visual like Tessellations (or Tilings), straightedge & compass constructions, spirals, Platonic Solids, Flower of Life, and other Sacred Geometry stuff. Then dive into Number Theory (Primes, Algebraic Numbers, Transcendentals, etc.) and Georg Cantor's infinite sets.

[@alfredhitchcock45]

Math is High impact activity Helps you with clarity of thought Broadens your thinking Expands your mind

[@kanpurunplugged9970]

I want to balance the tasks and chores to find time to study for an exam any motivation like this is great help

[@SequinBrain]

1:15 speaking of time, that was one of the first things I noticed. I had no idea math would make life changes that seemingly had nothing to do with math, but after algebra in 2005, my decision making was noticeably faster, resulting in less time wasted gelling out over a not really that complex decision. so I agree 100%

[@tommiest3769]

I certainly agree that mathematics can be used to sharpen human thinking. Reason, however, is a necessary but not a sufficient condition for changing the world. When it comes to changing the world in a way that might allow our species to persist, I believe that a change in human values (how we relate to each other and the natural world) will also be necessary. As philosopher David Hume said: "Reason is, and ought only to be the slave of the passions, and can never pretend to any other office than to serve and obey them."

[@Steve_Stowers]

Note that the concept of a "necessary but not a sufficient condition" is one that many of us learned about from studying math.

[@tommiest3769]

@@Steve_Stowers True. I learned it in a philosophy class.

[@rich_in_paradise]

I was reading the Susanna Epp Discrete Mathematics book and struggled with the explanation of 'proof by strong mathematical induction'. Felt like it was overly complex. I looked it up in the Vellman book which I also bought because of this channel. It has the exact same explanation. Only the Jay Cummings Proof book had a good explanation. As such it's the only proofs book I'd recommend to a learner.

[@anthonyzinnanti7933]

Mathematics is elegant and amazing. Simply, it is the relationships among quantities. It is to be discovered, not invented. I've spent 25 years in practice as a lawyer and on and off as a budding astrophysicist. (Most lawyers are math-a-phobic.) Math is the bedrock of our communication and should be embraced. There's nothing to fear.

[@stuartabel5710]

Thank you - great video at a great time for me . I’m 46 and just started learning maths ( stuff that teenagers will do in school ) and I’m really enjoying it - I’m tearing through Khan academy Maths to help me with the advanced higher biology course that let me in- I couldn’t understand the linear equations we have to do and dilution equations . I found that I really like Algebra - who would have thought ? :) I will definitely be doing at least 1 problem every day

[@michelef406]

I started my journey at Khan Academy after dropping out from med school before graduation, less than 5 years later I got a wonderful job in tech and I couldn't be happier. You picked a very nice place to start, I wish you all the best for your future endeavors :)

[@stuartabel5710]

@@michelef406 Thank you and I wish you all the best too :)

[@humanbeing4945]

I agree with you. I think humanity could evolve to a rational kind species. In 12 billion years or so

[@surrealistidealist]

Literally everything at least has a quantitative *side* to it, if not a quantitative *core* at its very essence. And we all have ideas about all kinds of things. But just *having* an idea is not the same thing as *thinking* about an idea. So if you want to think deeply in general, math is inescapable.

[@Mathematica702]

Nice video. I’m in agreement with your ideas. Makes me want to get some more math going. Thanks! 👍🏽

[@InsaneSnipez12]

Awesome video!

[@wburris2007]

Computer programming helps make the math more fun. I have lots of old books on computer graphics and fractals, and have fun exploring the ideas by writing code. Bing Chat is also a great help for translating old code and understanding the math.

[@pauldavies7746]

One of the things I like about maths is that you do not need any really expensive equipment, just some basic stationery and a book to learn from, even a second hand one, and you can transform your life intellectually as well as in many other ways.

[@alanguages]

There are actual corresponding workbooks for the two Big Fat Notebooks you recommended in this video. Both are currently available now. The Big fat notebook Algebra 2 and companion workbook is currently in production.

[@bruhbruhbruhbruh8396]

Could you do a review on the Art of Problem Solving calculus textbook? I’ve heard quite a bit of intriguing things about it, but it seems relatively obscure and I can’t find any further desired information. Huge fan of your content!

[@javierfernandoagudelogomez1794]

0:25 The quick answer is "because i love math, it´s not necessary for me to make money from it if i had a job that paid well", in my free time i can "do math"

[@yasserradi8625]

I study in the field of philosophy and I know that mathematics is important in philosophy because it teaches us logic and correct thinking that makes us reach the truth or at least prevents us from going towards error.

[@danielc.martin]

I think that the usual answers like "it makes you think" are not really an answer, are they? Why Math if it could be puzzles? To me, the reason why Math should be studied by every intelligent person is to add rigour to things. Math back every discipline that deserves to be studied and, in case of not being stupid and wanting to learn properly, Math is paramount.

[@betztech5816]

Am I the only one who thinks proof writing should be taught by doing math, like for instance through linear algebra or intro real analysis? I feel this could be more valuable than just a ''proof writing'' book and still teach you how to write proofs.

[@kokwahtan8577]

Tqvm.

[@Fatehakhrib]

I agree

[@_math_student_]

"There is no royal road to geometry" 💯

[@0lunia]

Math sorcerer… next miss congeniality movie for sure “world peace through math education” :)

[@shantanushekharsjunerft9783]

I wonder if you could do a video on how to find a good curated list of problems, that incrementally challenge us, on a particular mathematics topic where solutions are also available.

[@AbduL-wb4pz]

I have a question Mr Math sorcerer, I like to do mental math for speed. But recently I started noticing that for some 2 and 2 and 3 and 3 numbers my brain just sort of jumps to the answer. It turns out to be correct most of the time and like around 20% its wrong. My question is will this lead to me losing practice of actively thinking about the math problem ? and would something like this cause my math skills to deteriorate in the long run. I apologize for the long question just felt a bit concerned.

[@alexmataac8462]

Is Oppenheimer a bad mathematician?

[@billbez7465]

This is a non-sequitur, but could you please explain if the Riemann Hypothesis will be solved and what are the main roadblocks in solving the problem. Thank you!

[@hemrajue3434]

Math is easy in one way that it needs only verification of results and no experimentation. It's tough is tough in another way that it needs proofs.

[@ronaldjorgensen6839]

wow good motivations

[@tahntalus]

Can you reccomend a good book for linear algebra, diffentual equations and statistics/Probability

[@Blue-bb9ro]

Hey Math Sorcerer, what's your take on calculators?

[@mayeganfriends6678]

What are everyone's thoughts on ossu math?

[@docmadhattan]

"To not know math is a severe limitation to understanding the world." ―Richard Feynman “Whoever despises the high wisdom of mathematics nourishes himself on delusion.” ―Leonardo da Vinci "It is clear that the chief end of mathematical study must be to make the students think." ―John Wesley Young "Mathematics seem to endow one with something like a new sense." ―Charles Darwin “Mathematics is the music of reason. To do mathematics is to engage in an act of discovery and conjecture, intuition and inspiration." ―Paul Lockhart "Mathematics allows for no hypocrisy and no vagueness." ―Stendahl “Mathematical knowledge adds a manly vigor to the Mind, and frees it from prejudice, credulity and superstition.” ―John Arbuthnot "Mathematics, is, I believe, the chief source of the belief in eternal and exact truth, as well as a sensible intelligible world." ―Bertrand Russell "One reason why mathematics enjoys special esteem, above all other sciences, is that its laws are absolutely certain and indisputable, while those of all other sciences are to some extent debatable and in constant danger of being overthrown by newly discovered facts." ―Albert Einstein "Mathematics is a more powerful instrument of knowledge than any other that has been bequeathed to us by human agency." ―Rene Descartes "If people do not believe that mathematics is simple, it is only because they do not realize how complicated life is." ―John von Neumann "The understanding of mathematics is necessary for a sound grasp of ethics." ―Socrates "It is the exact experience of mathematics. Not merely the adding up of your grocery bill, or the daily uses that we make of numbers. But the great concept of a universal exactitude, that numbers are an instrument of magic. And by means of them, men can unlock all the wonders of the world." ―Manly P. Hall "Anyone who cannot cope with mathematics is not fully human. At best, he is a tolerable subhuman who has learned to wear his shoes, bathe and not make messes in the house.” ―Robert A. Heinlein

[@docmadhattan]

"You must teach me a small part of what you know," said Dantes, "if only to prevent your growing weary of me. I can well believe that so learned a person as yourself would prefer absolute solitude to being tormented with the company of one as ignorant and uninformed as myself. If you will only agree to my request, I promise you never to mention another word about escaping." The abbe smiled. "Alas, my boy," said he, "human knowledge is confined within very narrow limits; and when I have taught you mathematics, physics, history, and the three or four modern languages with which I am acquainted, you will know as much as I do myself. Now, it will scarcely require two years for me to communicate to you the stock of learning I possess." "Two years!" exclaimed Dantes; "do you really believe I can acquire all these things in so short a time?" "Not their application, certainly, but their principles you may; Learning does not make one learned: there are those who have knowledge and those who have understanding. The first requires memory and the second philosophy" "But cannot one learn philosophy?" "Philosophy cannot be taught. Philosophy is the union of all acquired knowledge and the genius that applies it." - Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo (1844)

[@GordonSin411]

I give 20 math problems to my kids everyday. They are in 5th and 2nd grade.

[@feilongish]

The more I play the piano the better I get in math. Amazing.

[@mattlaw1350]

Funny that you mentioned Sudoku. I am doing a puzzle as I listen to you.

[@21ruevictorhugo]

I think you’re right, that doing math makes you think more clearly and makes you know that your first idea isn’t always the right idea. You have to think when you do math. But here’s the thing that I’ve noticed. Most people don’t want to have to think. They really don’t. It can be seen in the US by the plethora of idiotic politicians that millions of people voted for.

[@NolsMix1]

you legend.

[@julienarpin5745]

Im 27 but dreamt I failed a math test after watching this video

[@michael_toms]

I would like to learn maths to comprehend solar-lunar eclipse cycles. To comprehend how Swiss astronomer Jean Phillippe loyld de Chesaux came to his conclusions on eclipse cycles over long periods of time.

[@PhilippeOrlando]

Why do math? "Because math is the language the Universe speaks. " I don't remember who said that.

[@cosmos0909]

Thank you

[@HansPeter-cw3qv]

Do you think math makes more intelligent?

[@howmathematicianscreatemat9226]

It certainly raises the crystallized intelligence. However, raising fluid intelligence with it might also be possible but to a less degree. Studying maths a lot doesn’t necessarily enable you to solve completely novel math problems but it helps you to solve more and more at least somewhat analogous problems.

[@rudranshranta2570]

man you look like jeff bezoz.. just smart

[@suzukigsxfa9683]

If you're a good ethical person learn math to make you smarter. If you're not please don't learn math and continue screwing up.

[@psikeyhackr6914]

Can you figure out that economists cannot do algebra? What is NDP, Net Domestic Product? Economists: Do not mention NDP, Net Domestic Product. They subtract the depreciation of Capital Goods from GDP like industrial robots and 18-wheel trucks but Joe Blow's car can fall apart and not get noticed. Can economists tell the difference between a banana and an air conditioner? They are Consumer Goods, depreciation is irrelevant. NDP = GDP - Dcap (official economic delusion) NDP = GDP - (Dcap + Dcon) (reality) Dcap == Depreciation of Capital Goods Dcon == Depreciation of Durable Consumer Goods GDP == Grossly Distorted Propaganda So here we are, half a century after the Moon landing and economists cannot tell us the annual depreciation of consumer automobiles since Sputnik. The world runs on physics. Physics does not care if we get the math wrong. LOL

[@amoonlenka2872]

NGL u look like Walmart Newton

[@muhsinbazarce]

My father, i want you recept ☪️islam religion

[@muhsinbazarce]

B/c

[@davidoghenerobor]

I need more math friends 🙏 let's connect

[@howmathematicianscreatemat9226]

Hey David ! Nice to meet you! Which subdiscipline of maths are you currently most interested in to learn ?

[@davidoghenerobor]

​@@howmathematicianscreatemat9226 would that be okay?

[@howmathematicianscreatemat9226]

@@davidoghenerobor yes, i just want to make sure u are truly interested in the subject. So, which subdiscipline are you currently most interested in ?

[@davidoghenerobor]

@@howmathematicianscreatemat9226 Hey! I'm actually a college student and I'm in my second year second semester majoring in industrial mathematics. I currently am self studying about reading and writing proofs. I use the book by Daniel solow "how to read and do proofs". I'd love more friends to discuss math with for my improvement.

[@InsaneSnipez12]

Awesome video!