jedishrfu said:The introverted mathematician looks at his shoes as he/she walks.
The extroverted mathematician looks at other people's shoes.
1. Your non-math/science major friends don't understand the fact that you have classes on Friday when they never do.
2. Because of this, their regular Wednesday complaints about how they wish they didn't have their one Thursday class get old really fast, especially when you are trying to study for the three exams you have Friday. After a while, this is your response to them:
3. If you tutor another student, you spend most of the time tutoring thinking to yourself about how much you wish math was still this simple.
4. Thanks to math problems that take multiple pages, you go through at least a tree's worth of paper each week.
5. You know the above statement is not an exaggeration (OK maybe it is, but not by much!).
6. You solve problems with more letters than numbers in them.
7. In fact, you sometimes solve problems where numbers don't even exist.
8. This hyperbolic maze will drive you crazy, and you'll quickly become addicted (and frustrated) with it.
9. You question your sanity.
10. You are intrigued by the Poincaré disk model and other non-Euclidean geometries.
11. Most non-math majors mistakenly think you can do math without it hurting your brain.
12. In reality, this is how you feel during every math class:
13. And you consider it a miracle if you make it through a long day of math classes and homework without feeling like your brain exploded.
14. You've learned not to (or at least you try not to) overthink things because you know it usually makes assignments more difficult.
15. You own multiple calculators.
17. Proofs -- the reason you unofficially have a minor in writing and another reason why you indirectly kill a tree each week.
18. The math problems you have to solve are so complicated, your professor rarely gets through more than two examples in class.
19. You question how the math geniuses that have gone before you came up with these crazy-looking formulas.
20. You enjoy clever things like this limerick:
There are many job opportunities for math majors, including careers in data analysis, actuarial science, finance, teaching, and research. Additionally, many employers value the problem-solving and analytical skills that math majors possess, making them desirable candidates for a wide range of positions.
While a strong foundation in math can be beneficial for success in a math major, it is not always necessary. Many universities offer introductory courses for students who may not have a strong math background, and with hard work and dedication, it is possible to succeed in a math major without prior knowledge.
To prepare for a math major in high school, it is important to take courses that focus on algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. Additionally, participating in math competitions or joining a math club can help develop problem-solving skills and provide a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.
Some essential skills for a successful math major include a strong understanding of mathematical concepts, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently and in a team. Additionally, good time management and organization skills are important for keeping up with coursework and completing assignments on time.
A math major can lead to a variety of careers beyond teaching or research. Some other options include working in data analysis, finance, actuarial science, cryptography, or even software development. The critical thinking and problem-solving skills gained from a math major can be applied to a wide range of industries and positions.