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The Math Sorcerer

This is a University Level course on Selected Topics in Advanced Calculus/Real Analysis with a major focus on WRITING PROOFS:)

Note: Advanced Calculus(aka Real Analysis) is typically considered the HARDEST course a mathematics major will take.

This course is a step above a general mathematics course. Students should have familiarity with writing proofs and mathematical notation.

Basically just,

1) Watch the videos, and try to follow along with a pencil and paper, take notes.

Read more

This is a University Level course on Selected Topics in Advanced Calculus/Real Analysis with a major focus on WRITING PROOFS:)

Note: Advanced Calculus(aka Real Analysis) is typically considered the HARDEST course a mathematics major will take.

This course is a step above a general mathematics course. Students should have familiarity with writing proofs and mathematical notation.

Basically just,

1) Watch the videos, and try to follow along with a pencil and paper, take notes.

2) Try to learn to write the proofs as I do. If you understand the proofs then you have learned a great deal. If you can write the proofs on your own then you have really graduated to the next level.

3) Repeat.

If you finish even 50% of this course you will know A LOT of Advanced Calculus and more importantly your level of mathematical maturity will go up tremendously.

Advanced Calculus is a beautiful yet notoriously difficult subject to learn and teach. I hope you enjoy watching these videos and working through these problems as much as I have:)

Note this course has lots of very short videos. If you are trying to learn math then this format can be good because you don't have to spend tons of time on the course every day. Even if you can only spend time doing 1 video a day, that is honestly better than not doing any mathematics. You can learn a lot and because there are so many videos you could do 1 video a day for a very long time. Remember that math can be challenging and time consuming, so if you just do a little bit every day it can make your journey much more enjoyable. I hope you enjoy this course and learn lots of mathematics.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Advanced Calculus
Sets and Notation
Triangle Inequality Proof
Reverse Triangle Inequality Proof
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Download the file below:)

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Focuses heavily on writing proofs, which is a core skill for advanced mathematics and theoretical computer science, and is often required in upper-level coursework
Covers topics such as sequences, limits, continuity, differentiation, and series, which are fundamental concepts in real analysis and essential for further study in mathematics
Includes a comprehensive treatment of delta-epsilon proofs, which are a cornerstone of real analysis and require a solid understanding of mathematical rigor
Features numerous short videos, which can be beneficial for learners who prefer to study in small increments and maintain consistent engagement with the material
Requires familiarity with writing proofs and mathematical notation, suggesting that it is designed for students who have already completed introductory proof-based courses
Presents advanced calculus as a notoriously difficult subject, which may discourage some learners who are not prepared for the level of mathematical maturity required

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Reviews summary

Rigorous introduction to real analysis proofs

According to learners, this course offers a rigorous introduction to Real Analysis, with a strong emphasis on learning to write mathematical proofs. Students appreciate the clear explanations provided by the instructor, often referred to as the Math Sorcerer, finding his approach engaging and motivating. However, some reviewers highlight that the subject matter is inherently difficult, as noted in the course description itself, and the course might require a solid background in proofs beforehand. The course is structured into many short videos, which some find helpful for fitting study into a busy schedule, while others feel the pacing can be quite fast, potentially requiring supplementary materials for deeper understanding.
Course is broken into many short, focused videos.
"The short videos are great for learning in small chunks, perfect for fitting into a busy schedule."
"Sometimes the videos feel a bit too short to fully digest a complex proof."
"I appreciate being able to watch just one or two videos when I don't have much time."
"The length of videos makes it easy to rewatch specific proofs."
Subject is challenging and demands significant effort.
"As expected, Real Analysis is very hard, and this course doesn't shy away from the rigor."
"This is definitely not for the faint of heart; be prepared to work hard."
"The material is dense and requires serious focus and dedication."
"It's challenging, but the difficulty is appropriate for Advanced Calculus."
"Expect to spend a lot of time reviewing and practicing."
Instructor's explanations are clear and engaging.
"The Math Sorcerer explains complex topics clearly, making hard proofs understandable."
"His passion for math is evident and makes the lectures engaging."
"I really like the instructor's teaching style; it keeps me motivated through difficult concepts."
"His explanations helped me grasp concepts I struggled with elsewhere."
Course effectively teaches mathematical proof techniques.
"This course really focuses on how to write proofs, which is exactly what I needed for Real Analysis."
"Learning to write proofs was a key takeaway for me; the instructor's method is very effective."
"I feel much more confident tackling proofs after going through the examples in this course."
"The emphasis on proofs is great; it’s crucial for this subject."
"This course delivers on its promise to teach proof writing in advanced calculus."
May require supplementing with textbooks or other resources.
"I found myself needing to consult a textbook for additional examples and practice problems."
"This course is a great starting point, but you'll likely need other resources for full mastery."
"To really understand the concepts, I had to supplement with extra reading."
"The course is good, but don't expect it to be the only resource you need."
Requires solid prior familiarity with mathematical proofs.
"While it states familiarity is needed, I felt I needed a bit more background in proofs coming in."
"Make sure you are comfortable with basic proof techniques before starting."
"If you're completely new to proofs, this might be too fast-paced."
"A strong foundation is key to keep up with the material presented."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Advanced Calculus/Real Analysis with the Math Sorcerer with these activities:
Review Proof Techniques
Strengthen your understanding of fundamental proof techniques to better grasp the concepts and proofs presented in the course.
Browse courses on Mathematical Induction
Show steps
  • Review definitions of proof methods.
  • Practice writing simple proofs.
  • Identify proof structures in examples.
Read 'How to Prove It' by Velleman
Improve your ability to construct and understand mathematical proofs, a core skill emphasized in the Advanced Calculus course.
Show steps
  • Read the book chapter by chapter.
  • Work through the examples and exercises.
  • Apply the techniques to course material.
Practice Delta-Epsilon Proofs
Reinforce your understanding of limits and continuity by working through delta-epsilon proofs, a challenging but essential topic in Advanced Calculus.
Show steps
  • Review the definition of a limit.
  • Solve delta-epsilon problems from textbooks.
  • Check solutions and understand errors.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Collaborate on Proofs
Enhance your understanding of course material by discussing and working through proofs with peers, fostering a deeper comprehension of the concepts.
Show steps
  • Form a study group with classmates.
  • Select problems from course assignments.
  • Present and critique each other's proofs.
Create a Proof Wiki
Solidify your knowledge by creating a wiki page explaining a specific theorem or concept from the course, including its proof and applications.
Show steps
  • Choose a theorem from the course.
  • Research the theorem and its proof.
  • Write a clear and concise explanation.
  • Include examples and applications.
Read 'Understanding Analysis' by Abbott
Deepen your understanding of real analysis concepts and proof techniques by studying this well-regarded textbook.
Show steps
  • Read the book chapter by chapter.
  • Work through the examples and exercises.
  • Compare the presentation to course material.
Tutor Underclassmen
Reinforce your understanding of Advanced Calculus by tutoring students in introductory calculus courses, explaining concepts and helping them with problem-solving.
Show steps
  • Volunteer as a tutor at your university.
  • Prepare for tutoring sessions by reviewing material.
  • Explain concepts clearly and patiently.

Career center

Learners who complete Advanced Calculus/Real Analysis with the Math Sorcerer will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Mathematical Modeler
Mathematical modelers create and analyze mathematical representations of real-world systems to gain insights and make predictions. This course on Advanced Calculus/Real Analysis helps build a firm foundation in the mathematical principles underlying modeling techniques. The emphasis on writing proofs helps ensure that the modeler rigorously validates their models and understands their limitations. The course covers a wide array of topics important to mathematical modelers, from limits to continuity to differentiation to series. The mathematical modeler might find that the concepts of pointwise and uniform convergence may be helpful in their career.
Financial Quantitative Analyst
A financial quantitative analyst constructs mathematical models to understand and predict the behavior of financial markets. This course on Advanced Calculus/Real Analysis helps build a firmer and more nuanced understanding of the concepts these models rely on. The course will be particularly helpful for financial quantitative analysts, where the major focus is on writing proofs. Topics such as sequences, Cauchy sequences, and limits are all helpful for analyzing financial markets. For many, advanced calculus, or real analysis can be challenging. By just watching the videos and trying to follow along closely with pencil and paper, one can build a lot of knowledge.
Applied Mathematician
Applied mathematicians use mathematical theories and techniques to solve practical problems in various fields, often involving complex modeling and simulations. This course on Advanced Calculus/Real Analysis provides a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles that underpin these models. The course's focus on writing proofs may be especially useful, as it enables the applied mathematician to rigorously validate their models and ensure their reliability. A student benefits from the course's coverage of topics like limits, sequences, series, and continuity, all while gaining a firm grasp on the math beyond general courses.
Theoretical Physicist
Theoretical physicists develop mathematical models and theories to explain the fundamental laws of the universe. This course on Advanced Calculus/Real Analysis helps build a strong foundation in the mathematical tools needed to construct and analyze these theories. A key aspect of theoretical physics is proving the consistency and validity of new theories. The course’s emphasis on writing proofs provides a solid foundation for this task. Studying limits, continuity, and differentiation helps the theoretical physicist analyze the behavior of physical systems. The course is a step above, and for some, this provides the right mix of theory and practice.
Data Scientist
A data scientist relies heavily on mathematical principles and rigorous proofing to develop models and extract insights from data. This course on Advanced Calculus/Real Analysis helps build a strong foundation in understanding the theoretical underpinnings of many data science algorithms. The ability to write proofs, which is a major focus of the course, is directly applicable to validating models and ensuring their reliability. Data scientists can leverage the knowledge gained in this course to tackle complex analytical problems and develop innovative solutions, especially given how the course steps above general mathematics. By working through the course's examples on limits, sequences, and continuity, learners can deeply understand the mathematical concepts essential for data analysis.
Machine Learning Engineer
Machine learning engineers design, develop, and deploy machine learning models, requiring a solid understanding of the underlying mathematics. This course in Advanced Calculus/Real Analysis helps build a strong understanding of the mathematical foundations behind these models. For example, the course's treatment of limits, continuity, and differentiation is crucial for understanding optimization algorithms used in training machine learning models. The ability to write and understand proofs, emphasized throughout the course, enables a machine learning engineer to rigorously test and validate the performance of these models. Someone wishing to become a machine learning engineer benefits by diving deeply into the course, which covers topics like uniform convergence and multivariable limits.
Cryptographer
Cryptographers design and analyze encryption algorithms to secure data. This course on Advanced Calculus/Real Analysis helps build expertise in the mathematical techniques used in cryptography. The course's emphasis on writing proofs is directly applicable to verifying the security properties of cryptographic systems. Cryptographers may find the topics covered, like sequences and limits, valuable in analyzing the performance and robustness of encryption algorithms. By understanding mathematical notation, such as the notation described in the first syllabus item, the work of the Cryptographer can be even more impactful.
Financial Engineer
Financial engineers use mathematical and computational tools to solve complex financial problems. This course on Advanced Calculus/Real Analysis helps build a strong foundation in the underlying mathematical principles used in financial modeling. The course’s emphasis on writing proofs and mathematical rigor is directly applicable to ensuring the stability and accuracy of financial models. The course's treatment of limits, continuity, and differentiation can be applied to pricing derivatives and managing risk effectively. By learning to recreate these proofs, the financial engineer can reach the next level.
Bioinformatics Scientist
Bioinformatics scientists analyze biological data using computational tools and mathematical models. This course on Advanced Calculus/Real Analysis helps build a firmer grasp of the mathematical principles underlying these models. Proof writing, which is emphasized throughout the course, helps the bioinformatician to rigorously validate the correctness of their methodology. Concepts such as sequences and limits, which are covered in the syllabus, can enable them to analyze biological processes and interpret experimental results more accurately. Spending even a little time on the course each day helps to make the journey more enjoyable.
Operations Research Analyst
Operations research analysts use mathematical and analytical methods to help organizations make better decisions. This course on Advanced Calculus/Real Analysis helps build expertise in the optimization techniques used in operations research. The course’s emphasis on writing proofs strengthens the analytical skills required to model and solve complex problems. Operations research analysts may find the course's coverage of limits, sequences, and series particularly valuable in understanding optimization algorithms and their convergence properties. They may also find it useful when working through problems.
Econometrician
Econometricians use statistical methods to analyze economic data and test economic theories. This course on Advanced Calculus/Real Analysis helps build expertise in the mathematical foundations of econometric models. The course's emphasis on writing proofs may come in handy, strengthening the rigorous thinking required to validate econometric methods. Concepts covered in the course, such as limits, continuity, and differentiation, contribute to understanding the properties of estimators and test statistics. An econometrician will find the course beneficial for understanding advanced topics in asymptotic theory and statistical inference.
Statistician
Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data to solve real-world problems. A key component of the work is to establish a rigorous basis for statistical inference. This course on Advanced Calculus/Real Analysis may be useful to statisticians. The course's emphasis on proof-writing provides an understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of statistical methods. Statisticians might find the sections on sequences, limits, and continuity particularly helpful in understanding asymptotic properties and convergence results. The deep dive into mathematical notation helps statisticians communicate their findings effectively and defend their conclusions with mathematical rigor. The course helps build confidence in one's understanding.
Quantitative Analyst
Quantitative analysts, often working in the finance industry, use mathematical and statistical methods to assess risk and develop trading strategies. This course in Advanced Calculus/Real Analysis may be useful to those looking to enter this career. It is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to have a much deeper understanding of the mathematical models that they will encounter. The focus on writing proofs throughout the course sharpens the rigorous thinking required for verifying the correctness and stability of financial models. A quantitative analyst can use the concepts covered in this course, such as sequences and limits, to analyze market trends and optimize investment portfolios more effectively. Understanding the proofs and mathematical notation taught in the course enables the analyst to build confidence in their approaches.
Game Developer
Game developers, especially those working on physics engines or advanced graphics, benefit from a solid understanding of mathematical concepts. This course on Advanced Calculus/Real Analysis may be useful in grasping the underlying principles behind game physics and rendering algorithms. The course's focus on limits, continuity, and differentiation is applicable to creating smooth and realistic simulations. A game developer can use the proof-writing skills, which the course highlights, to verify the correctness of their algorithms and optimize performance. This is a valuable skillset whether the game developer focuses on 2D or 3D games, indie or AAA games. Even finishing 50% of this course is a big accomplishment.
Software Engineer
While a software engineer may not directly use advanced calculus in their daily tasks, a deeper understanding of mathematical principles may still be useful. This course in Advanced Calculus/Real Analysis may be useful in developing more efficient algorithms and solving complex computational problems. The course's focus on writing proofs sharpens logical reasoning skills that are valuable in software development. Software engineers looking to specialize in areas such as graphics, simulations, or data analysis may find the concepts covered in this course particularly relevant. By working to learn the proofs as presented, a software engineer can reach the next level.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Advanced Calculus/Real Analysis with the Math Sorcerer.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to mathematical proof techniques. It covers logic, sets, functions, relations, and various proof methods. It is particularly useful for students who are new to writing proofs or who want to improve their proof-writing skills. This book is often used as a textbook for introductory proof-writing courses.
Provides a rigorous and accessible introduction to real analysis. It covers topics such as sequences, series, continuity, differentiability, and integration. It is particularly useful for students who want a deeper understanding of the theoretical foundations of calculus. This book is commonly used as a textbook for undergraduate real analysis courses.

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