How to read math textbooks
If you find yourself on this page, then chances are that you need practice learning how to read math textbooks. This is how.
Step 1. While it is tempting to
click on a textbook and start working right away,
DO NOT DO THIS. The very first thing you should do to prepare to read math is
get a pencil or pen and paper.
Step 2. Open the textbook to whichever section you would like to study.
Step 3. Quickly read through the section to get a general idea of what it covers. To keep yourself focused, write down (clearly) any theorems or formulas that you see, especially if they are boxed or labelled as important in some way.
Step 4. Go back to the beginning of the section. Reading more carefully this time, work through any examples that are covered in the text. To do this:
Attempt to solve (on paper) before looking at the solution.
Work through the solution given in the text. If you do not understand a step, go back through the text to see if the authors explain it in advance.
If you need more practice with a problem (which may happen very often!), take a quick look at the exercises at the end of the section to find a similar problem and try it on your own.
Step 5. Try as many problems (ideally with solutions, so you can compare your answers) as you need until you feel comfortable with the material. Do not move on to the next section until you have completed this step.
Step 6. Congratulate yourself on learning something new!
