Did Not Learn Algebra At School

[nycmathguy]

I learned algebra fortunately by not
learning it at school, and knowing
that the whole idea was to find out
what x was, and it didn’t make any
difference how you did it.—Physicist
Richard Feynman (1918–1988) in
Jagdish Mehra’s The Beat of a Dif-
ferent Drum (New York: Oxford
University Press, 1994)

You say?

 

[MathLover1]

Richard Feynman was one of the greatest American-born theoretical physicists of the twentieth century.

 

[nycmathguy]

Richard Feynman was one of the greatest American-born theoretical physicists of the twentieth century.

Yes, we know this to be true. However, what do you think about what he said? He did not learn algebra at school. This means Richard learned algebra at home on his own. What do you think? Better to learn algebra through self-study or in a classroom?

 

[MathLover1]

read this:

"Feynman attended Far Rockaway High School, which was also attended by fellow Nobel laureates Burton Richter and Baruch Samuel Blumberg.[20] Upon starting high school, Feynman was quickly promoted to a higher math class. "

To study Physics he has to use a lot of math. Physics without Mathematics is like a body without soul in it. Mathematics helps to understand Physics in practical. The numerical of Physics require knowledge of Mathematics and Physics without numerical is nothing.

 

[nycmathguy]

read this:

"Feynman attended Far Rockaway High School, which was also attended by fellow Nobel laureates Burton Richter and Baruch Samuel Blumberg.[20] Upon starting high school, Feynman was quickly promoted to a higher math class. "

To study Physics he has to use a lot of math. Physics without Mathematics is like a body without soul in it. Mathematics helps to understand Physics in practical. The numerical of Physics require knowledge of Mathematics and Physics without numerical is nothing.

Far Rockaway in NYC? I lived in Far Rockaway for a few months years ago. Try to understand my question: Is it better to study algebra alone at home or in a traditional classroom? Some people learn better through self-study. A classroom setting is not a right fit for all students. You say?

 

[MathLover1]

you can study algebra alone at home, but it is much better to do it in a traditional classroom
if a classroom setting is not a right fit for some students, they can take private classes and work with teacher one-o-one which is even better

 

[nycmathguy]

you can study algebra alone at home, but it is much better to do it in a traditional classroom
if a classroom setting is not a right fit for some students, they can take private classes and work with teacher one-o-one which is even better

I guess you have never taught in a NYC public school where students and parents run the show. In a corrupt public school system, SOCIAL PROMOTION is the greatest divide, the biggest harm to students of all ages. Are you familiar with social promotion?

 

[nycmathguy]

you can study algebra alone at home, but it is much better to do it in a traditional classroom
if a classroom setting is not a right fit for some students, they can take private classes and work with teacher one-o-one which is even better

Can you check out my post Cubic Equations?