Welcome to ELI5’s first “Ask Me Anything!” We’re inviting expert educators to respond to your questions here on ELI5. Today the topic will be mathematics, brought to you by University of Oxford maths professor Tom Crawford (u/tomrocksmaths). Dr. Crawford has asked us to share [his video about exponential growth, and why it’s so important to take every step to slow the spread of COVID-19](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUVERo2xpH4), and [another video about the SIR model for epidemics](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKMHhm2Zbkw).
This thread is your opportunity to ask questions about mathematics and the teaching of mathematics. Please remember that we will still be enforcing the rules, especially Rule 1. In this case, Rule 3 is amended: top level comments are reserved for questions. We ask that you guys try to stay on topic for Dr. Crawford – keep in mind that although Dr. Crawford may be discussing how diseases spread, this is **not** a topic about the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
And a big thanks to Dr. Crawford for helping us. Check out his YouTube channel, [Tom Rocks Maths](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRfo-DAifrP3lzcxUHtGm_A)!
In: Mathematics
What are your views on entrance exam based institutions?I think the spirit of learning is lost when approaching with competition in mind.
Which field of mathematics, equation haunted you mostly, make you confused or seems unanswered now and then? Thanks
What advice would you like to give to a 16 year old interested in mathematics?
Thoughts on how machine learning / AI will impact or change the landscape of pure math?
Do you think anyone could develop a mind for numbers? Or would most of us work only to make math tolerable?
Any advice for a budding mathematician who isn’t sure if they want to go into industry or academia? I know picking up programming is an invaluable skill but anything else I should know?
What’s your way to celebrate math/nerd culture?
I’m interested in sports betting and the math that goes into developing models people use to try to find an edge. Where could i learn the statistics skills necessary to begin working on my own model?
What careers might a math enthusiast hope to get into?
Hi Tom,
For someone who was really poor in math in highschool and actively avoided it in university, but now finds themselves in a finance job dealing in an investments industry, where would you recommend getting started?
I truly believed I didn’t have the mind for math all those years but I think my brain has matured and my ability to concentrate has increased, and I’m looking to get my feet wet again. Both in general and specifically more financial mathematics. Any small pointers are greatly appreciated. 🙂
Latest Answers