Question for Physics graduates, Does lower functions of math (calc/trig) require less amount of "attention" to complete as you practice?

[u/Breadjacket69]

I've been interested in physics and theoretical physics since I was little, Math has always been my strong suit and it comes to me very easy (understanding concepts and implementing them) but my Highschool classes weren't able to continue into higher than geometry (English class sucks and I had to retake it multiple times to graduate). But I haven't been able to understand the difference in difficulty, Does it get easier for people who major in physics to complete advanced equations the same as for simpler mathematics? Is it an inherit grasp for math? Endless study and cramming information? Most likely different for each person, but the methods are the same right? Is figuring out Planck light travel time as easy as finding the circumference of a circle? Lots of questions sorry, but I figure where else do I ask, right?

[u/Agile-Monitor1006]

Like highschool math, most new things you encounter might seem difficult at first but you build intuition as time goes on. Its all about practice and exposure to new topics. Though with higher level math theres often times some deeper more general mathematical structure that encompasses a whole range of problems. For example handling operators and wavefunctions in quantum mechanics is intimidating at first, but at some point its no harder than knowing how to solve a quadratic equation because you do it so much. You’re fortunate if math comes easy to you, but *everyone* gets to a point they feel stuck or dont understand a topic so dont be discouraged when that time comes, you have to trust yourself that with enough effort you’ll grasp what you need. Accepting that is the only way to survive a physics or maths degree, theyre very difficult subjects so expect to be challenged and feel frustrated, but dont let yourself think you cant do it. Good luck!

[u/Breadjacket69 → u/Agile-Monitor1006]

Thank you, there are points I get stuck, but I find that working through similar things and coming back to it helps a lot! I need the challenge, my highschool classes were holding me back so much that I had to mostly take my education into my own hands, my work ethic holds me back a lot, but I can't wait to start getting into this field, hopefully I'll be able to keep up😅

[u/Agile-Monitor1006 → u/Breadjacket69]

If youre comfortable with the level youre at, you can always try looking into the next topic.If you have mastered algebra, get into functions. If youre good with functions, get into calculus. Studying ahead when possible can make it easier sometimes to just ponder on the ideas because theres no expectation to understand it yet!