One tip really helped me revisit math and made it less painful and easier to understand.
Context: I absolutely hated math. I opted out of it in the 10th grade and didn’t look at it for two years. No one on Earth could have convinced me to practice math every day.
But then I started my computer science studies, which forced me to learn math (probably the best thing that happened). More interestingly, studying math specifically around CS topics I was already familiar with made the initial learning process much less painful. In fact, I enjoyed it from day one.
This might be the key: instead of diving into raw math directly, especially when getting started, try approaching it through a field or concept you’re already interested in. Learn the math behind concepts you already understand. If you know the theory, try explaining or proving it with mathematical equations.
The first partial differential equation I solved on my own was Einstein’s field equation for a solar system model I was working on. I didn’t end up using it, post-Newtonian physics was enough but looking back, I’m pretty sure I’d never have solved it if I hadn’t enjoyed it.
So, in simple words: find a scientific or engineering concept with strong mathematical foundations, and practice with that.
This worked for me, but everyone is different. Just putting it out there—someone might find it helpful.
