I was just wondering if someone would be kind enough to tell me in what order (I know that there is no real "best order") one would most profitably study these subjects/books:
(edited to conform with suggested order of study)
- Pre-Algebra
- Algebra 1
- Geometry
- Algebra 2
- Pre-Calculus/Trig.
- Calculus 1
- Calculus 2
- Combinatorics: Topics, Techniques, Algorithms - Cameron, Peter J.
- Lectures on Probability Theory and Mathematical Statistics - Taboga, Marco
- Classical Mathematical Logic - Epstein, Richard L.
- Calculus, 4th edition - Spivak, Michael
- Linear Algebra - Shilov, G. E.
- Calculus On Manifolds: A Modern Approach To Classical Theorems Of Advanced Calculus - Spivak, Michael
- Naive Set Theory - Halmos, Paul R.
- Elementary Real and Complex Analysis - Shilov, Georgi E.
- Linear Algebra Done Right - Axler, Sheldon
- Ordinary Differential Equations - Tenenbaum, Morris
- Partial Differential Equations: Second Edition - Evans, Lawrence C.
- Abstract Algebra - Dummit & Foote
- Topology (2nd Economy Edition) - Munkres, James
- Introduction to Set Theory, Third Edition, Revised and Expanded - Hrbacek & Jech (only suggested for those with great interest in Set Theory)
Also, are there any books/subjects missing from a fairly well rounded advanced mathematics education?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
(edited in) P.S.
I think that I mistook Combinatorics for Discrete Mathematics. Can someone enlighten me on the difference and maybe suggest a good book for discrete mathematics (perhaps a supplement to Cameron's Combinatorics)?
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$\begingroup$I suggest you not try to stick to some specific order. If something interests you one day then read it. Forcing yourself to stick to a schedule will only cause you to be unmotivated and as a result not get as much out of it. Also, if your going to self study, try and still talk with people about what your doing or make videos in which your try to explain what you've learned. If you really want a challenge test your progress by trying to do problems here on MSE. I hope this helps and good luck. Also, search around for an ebook which shows you some elementary proof techniques because mathematics at this level requires a lot more time and understanding.
$\endgroup$ 3 $\begingroup$I believe the highly structured approach of modern day high school education hides the true nature of mathematics research: it is messy, chaotic and vast. The following is a typical way mathematics progresses at higher levels:
Distinct topics A and B are studied heavily, and a set of mature tools and techniques developed,
Certain problems in topic A is rewritten as a problem in problem B. Now the techniques of topic B can be applied to topic A,
A new topic BA is developed, which allows problems of A to be solved by techniques of B, and vice versa,
Generalising ideas encountered from AB leads to a topic C which appears as topic A when viewed in a certain manner, and B in another.
This and more intermingling of techniques keep on happening between different fields constantly, so by the time you read a certain topic- it might involve ideas and techniques inspired and abstracted from other areas. So, structuring topics in a rigid manner can be rather detrimental to the study of mathematics.
The way I see it is- study a topic, understand its techniques, read something else, and when possible- try to review the older topic from this new angle. A definition or a proof often makes a lot more sense when viewed from many angles, and this ability to switch your angle of approach is what makes for a good understanding of mathematical ideas.
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