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A comment on Learning algebra in my 60s. Parent comment

Re:Learning algebra in my 60s by bowsamic on Monday August 08, 2022 @03:46PM (#32390157)
I disagree. My favourite lecturer for general relativity said the important thing is fluency, which comes from repetition. It’s great to know everything, but you should be able to do the basics, such as calculus or algebra, very quickly and without thinking. You will need that brain power for the new stuff. The best way to gain mathematical fluency is by lots of practise.
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Re:Learning algebra in my 60s by Viliam1234 on Monday August 08, 2022 @06:08PM (#32391735)
You can understand something first, and practice for the speed later. Understanding does not prevent practice.

I know the result of 8×8 immediately, and I don't think I would ever forget it. But, hypothetically speaking, if I ever made a mistake here, I have the option to slow down and verify the result. If I wouldn't have the option, there is a risk that I would make a mistake and then keep making the same mistake forever, because once the lessons are over, there would be nothing to correct me.

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