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I am a seventh grade student and I am currently taking algebra 1. I am tired of being stressed out and i decided over winter break to study LOTS of math. I’m currently working on a precalculus textbook and I’m doing ok. I wanted to ask if there is any way I can think of the problems differently so that later on it becomes easier. Any methods I could use, anything that would help me for later on. Thanks! (this is my first question)

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    See https://math.stackexchange.com/questions/4157288/looking-for-a-book-for-mathematical-thinking/4157290#4157290 – Ethan Bolker Jan 01 '25 at 21:54
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    As you do problems you will gain insight, ways of thinking that work for you. You will see starting points and routes through problems more quickly. There is nothing specific, just practice and things will get simpler and more logical for you. – Paul Jan 01 '25 at 21:54
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    If you plan on studying pure math at a university some day, I recommend familiarizing yourself with mathematical proofs! To that end, I would recommend Liebeck's "A Concise Introduction to Pure Mathematics." That being said, it's probably a bit advanced for a 7th grader. For now, your best strategy might be to familiarize yourself with middle school mathematics and build a strong foundation of those basic concepts. – JMM Jan 01 '25 at 21:55
  • What would you consider middle school concepts? Also, I understand the concepts a lot of time and can tell you off of memory how to do what I have learned in class, but I always deal with these stupid errors, like forgetting the negative sign. Is there any way to fix those or make them less frequent? –  Jan 01 '25 at 22:10
  • One big skill you can't easily learn on your own is math communication. It really takes experience to start having mathematical intuition, but when your intuition tells you an answer, it can be hard alone to know how to explain your answer to others. Really, the best thing you can do is look for programs for, people who want to learn similar, so you can talk with others. – Thomas Andrews Jan 01 '25 at 22:12
  • Perhaps look at the Dolciani books Modern Algebra. Structure and Method. Book 1 and Modern Algebra and Trigonometry. Structure and Method. Book 2 (the 1960s editions are probably best for what you're looking for). Also, the U.S. School Mathematics Study Group books -- see here and here. – Dave L. Renfro Jan 01 '25 at 22:15
  • Many of us lose minus signs all the time. We do so less frequently, but it is a life-long challenge to not make the odd calculation error.' You do get better, but again, experience is a big part of it. – Thomas Andrews Jan 01 '25 at 22:15
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    @WillJagy Thanks. Got a new wider iPad, and have been having trouble adjusting to the wider keyboard and new layout. – Thomas Andrews Jan 01 '25 at 22:17
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    Practice, practice, practice. Grab a variety of Shaum’s outlines—your choice—and work through the chapters, examples, and problems. – A rural reader Jan 01 '25 at 22:18
  • Can anyone explain why my question got closed? I’m new to this and did I do something wrong? –  Jan 01 '25 at 22:18
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    @JonahMcBride It is explained in the blue banner across the top. Questions which ask for personal advice are not on-topic here. The question is also quite broad, and is not really one which has an authoritative, objectively correct answer. The question is not a good fit for the format here. – Xander Henderson Jan 01 '25 at 22:20

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