# mathematica for learning? [duplicate]

This question already has an answer here:

Mathematica looks like an extremely powerful tool. I would love to have it in my toolbox. Unfortunately, I can hardly add two numbers together. I think the application of math through programming is the best way to learn. Is there any book that takes you from no math skills to advanced levels through the lens of Mathematica?

-

## marked as duplicate by Jens, rcollyer, Artes, m_goldberg, R. M.♦Jun 8 '13 at 14:04

This question was marked as an exact duplicate of an existing question.

The best way to learn maths is thru good books and (if you are lucky) classes. No software needed. – Dr. belisarius Jun 7 '13 at 17:55
it's important to understand that you don't need to know any math to use Mathematica. basically you just F1 all over the place (i am not joking, this is very important). the name "Mathematica" is particularly bad here. it's a much more general system than that name implies. for example, it has a lot of image processing stuff. you don't need any math to understand what Blur[ColorNegate[img]] does. even when you play around with, say, ImageTransformation which takes a function, it's not rocket science. 'mathematics' is simply not a factor in general Mathematica usage. – amr Jun 7 '13 at 18:10
The question is sufficiently general that I believe any answers would best fit into the Q&A here: Where can I find examples of good Mathematica programming practice? – Jens Jun 7 '13 at 18:17
If you are looking to learn how to use Mathematica, look at Jens's link. If you are looking to learn about math, I'd say: focus on math itself and not Mathematica. Look for books on math, and not math with Mathematica, as that's likely to distract you and you might end up just programming in the end. You can still use a computer to aid you in studying if you wish, no matter what math book you choose. Also, decide what you're interested in. There are many branches of math. Some problems can be understood by a middle school kid, but they couldn't be solved ... – Szabolcs Jun 7 '13 at 19:54
@amr in the review panel one can vote to leave the question open, which doesn't exactly negate close votes but does age them more quickly so that more need to accrue in the same time to achieve closure. Actually, I'm just about to vote to leave open, because IMO there is a clear distinction here: this OP wants to use Mathematica as a vehicle for learning more mathematics, not (as is the usual case) to learn Mathematica for its own sake while already having at least some familiarity with mathematical techniques in general. – Oleksandr R. Jun 7 '13 at 21:22