How do you know if a degree in (pure) mathematics is right for you? I have always been good at math but I assume that is not enough. The highest level of math that I have taken is Calc I which is baby-tier. I am really enjoying Calc II so far, I am doing well in my engineering courses but the only thing that really gets me excited is Mathematics. It's the only course I dream about and really care to do on my own. Math majors of Veeky Forums can you tell what made you pursue a degree in applied or pure mathematics? And whether you think you made a good choice or not. What are rigorous proofs like? Please excuse me for the naive questions
Any Math Majors?
Ayden Wilson
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Aaron Sullivan
Take a proof based course and you will know.
And do applied math (especially if you have a background in engineering ). You will still get to do plenty of proofs, the only difference is that you will have a chance of being hired after graduation.
Benjamin Foster
Double major in pure math and engineering.
>applied math
>in undergrad
Those courses are nothing more than watered down pure math courses. If you want applications then double with engineering.
Nicholas Price
im an internet math gebius
Jason Ortiz
The first thing that steered me towards "real" math was competitions in high school. That sort of math can be a good indicator; if you love geometry you're probably going to like math in general. It's not foolproof (some contest babbies get frustrated and quit when they meet problems they can't solve in 5 minutes and a clever loophole) but it's pretty good.
Just try courses out to see if you like them. A good sampler would be something like intro analysis+abstract algebra+something like number theory or combinatorics. You'll almost certainly like at least one of those if you're going to enjoy anything further.
>What are rigorous proofs like?
It's not really anything unusual or arcane. You start with precise, formal definitions (these are more important than the theorems) and then you argue by step-by-step logic how they imply some basic theorems. Then you can use the basic theorems to argue more fancy ones and it all piles up on itself.
Austin Reyes
>proof based course
Americans are dumb
Leo Russell
If you really read your calculus book, you'll find many rigorous proofs as well as some exercises (which most likely you won't be assigned as homework but they'll be in the book nevertheless) that ask you to do rigorous proofs. Read the proofs in the book and then attempt the exercise proofs.
Elijah Cooper
You are right, but I assume anyone doing a b.s. in pure math is planning on grad school.
But on the chance that he isnt...go to graduate school! Otherwise you're only options are actuary and code monkey.
Cooper Kelly
Alright genius, how would you describe abstract Algebra and real analysis/adv calc?
Gavin Phillips
They are fundamnetal math courses faggot. The basics of your professional career. Taking three courses so you can take a derivative or an integral is a waste of time and should be asked for anyone entering STEM.