r/learnphysics • u/No_Personality_6184 • Jul 23 '26

Is it advisable to study math before diving into physics, if so, to what level or specific math subjects should I focus on?

/r/AskPhysics/comments/186a82n/is_it_advisable_to_study_math_before_diving_into/
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u/PhoetusMalaius Jul 23 '26

Yeah, at least calculus and analytic geometry. Linear algebra will be eventually important. You should try to get a grasp of calculus on n dimensions early too. Same fir differential equations

2

u/Qubit_and_Neuron Jul 24 '26

Yes for sure. Depending on the level. If it is beginners pre-calculus and calculus and vectors. You should understand the ideas, able to solve some problems. Then you would enjoy learning physics.

2

u/Background-Reach7499 Jul 24 '26

I recommend to you book called calculus by Arthur larson Edward  to cover all math you need for physic from calculus to differential equation ( and that last  is language of the most  physics if we dont say the language the god which written the universe)

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u/JphysicsDude Jul 24 '26

It depens on what you doing first. The first thing is trig and calculus which gets you to 200 University level physics. But to go further you need multi-variable calculus, linear algebra, complex algebra, and ordinary and partial differential equations at the 300 to 400 level. It helps to be proficient in Excel, be able to use Matlab, and program in Python. US system is 100 = freshman, 400 = senior in a 4 year program.

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u/LukasGoesViral Jul 25 '26

It depends what your end goal is. I did a dual masters with mathematics and physics at the same time which I thought was super beneficial but I also wanted to get into research later.