For each assigned section you are responsible for both reading the text and watching the corresponding lecture video. Reading a math textbook is very different than reading any other book:

  1. Read every single word. Do not skim, do not skip right to examples. Do not skip examples. Go slow. If you get stuck, go back and re-read the material leading up to your sticky point. If it still doesn’t make sense make a note and be sure to get clarification from me or the TA.
  2. Take notes. What are the main concepts? What are the key formulas? What are key definitions?
  3. Read through every step of every example in the section. Make sure you understand every single step the author has laid out. If something is missing could you fill in the missing details?
  4. Study the graphs. Do they make sense? Do you understand why they are important to this topic?
  5. When you have finished reading the section you should be able to recognize the main objectives of the section. You should understand both the conceptual and mechanical points of the mathematics. If you don’t, then re-read the section.
  6. Be in touch with me or the TA’s for any points of clarification.