Mastering the Fundamentals of Mathematics

Watch Mastering the Fundamentals of Mathematics

  • 2012
  • 1 Season

Mastering the Fundamentals of Mathematics is an engaging and brilliantly executed video series that covers the basics of mathematics. The show is hosted by James A. Sellers, a seasoned educator and mathematician, who uses his years of experience to make the subject matter digestible for anyone looking to improve their mathematical proficiency or simply brush up on their understanding of the subject.

Over the course of the series, James A. Sellers carefully guides viewers through the intricacies of mathematical concepts through a multitude of engaging lectures. The lectures are punctuated by clear and concise explanations that help viewers capture the main ideas and concepts of each lesson. These explanations allow for full comprehension at any educational level, whether the student is struggling and requires remedial help or is simply seeking a more robust understanding of mathematical concepts.

One of the strengths of Mastering the Fundamentals of Mathematics is its ability to maintain a balance between the theoretical and practical dimensions of mathematics. Each lesson is rooted in an application and is demonstrated how it is used in real-life scenarios. This practical approach helps learners connect with the material and apply it to their everyday lives.

The show is divided into four main sections, each power-packed with vital mathematical principles. Starting with the first section, James A. Sellers presents fundamental mathematical concepts such as integers and rational numbers. The second section delves deeper and covers arithmetic principles and techniques, including order of operations and properties of numbers like the distributive property.

In the third section, viewers are introduced to algebraic concepts that involve variables and equations. James A. Sellers masterfully breaks down complex formulas into manageable and understandable pieces for students to grasp. Additionally, the topics covered in this section are aimed at building a strong foundation of algebraic concepts that will allow learners to tackle more advanced topics in the future.

The final section brings forth the foundation of geometry, which is a key element in any mathematical curriculum. Concepts such as areas, perimeter, volume, and angles are covered in this section, as well as a look at transformations and congruency.

James A Sellers' clear and articulate presentation, combined with an intuitive curriculum plan, make for an excellent learning experience, whether the viewers are studying solo or as part of a classroom environment. The show's production values are top-quality, with crisp, clean images and diagrams used alongside James A. Sellers' engaging explanations.

Overall, Mastering the Fundamentals of Mathematics is an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their mathematical proficiency, whether as part of a remedial program or simply as a refresher. The show offers learners an opportunity to build a solid foundation of mathematical principles, learn relevant terms and concepts, and apply that understanding to real-world problems.

The Great Courses Signature Collection boasts an impressive array of courses, and Mastering the Fundamentals of Mathematics is no exception. This series is a great choice for students of all ages who want to improve their mathematical proficiency and establish a strong foundation for their future mathematical pursuits. With its engaging presentation, well-crafted lessons, and expert instruction, Mastering the Fundamentals of Mathematics is a must-watch.

Mastering the Fundamentals of Mathematics is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (24 episodes). The series first aired on July 13, 2012.

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Seasons
Introduction to Algebra
24. Introduction to Algebra
July 13, 2012
Professor Sellers reviews the importance of math in daily life and previews the next logical step in your studies: Algebra I (which involves variables). Whether you're planning to take more Great Courses in mathematics or simply looking to sharpen your mind, you'll be sent off with new levels of confidence.
Introduction to Probability
23. Introduction to Probability
July 13, 2012
Learn more about probability, a cousin of statistics and another mathematical field that helps us make sense of the seemingly unexplainable nature of the world. You'll consider basic questions and concepts from probability, drawing on the knowledge and skills of the fundamentals of mathematics you acquired in earlier lectures.
Introduction to Statistics
22. Introduction to Statistics
November 19, 2020
Get a solid introduction to statistics, one of the most useful areas of mathematics. Here, you'll focus on the four basic measurements statisticians use when gleaning meaning from data: mean, media, mode, and range. Also, see these concepts at work in everyday scenarios in which statistics plays a key role.
Number Theory - Divisibility Tricks
21. Number Theory - Divisibility Tricks
July 13, 2012
In this second episode on the world of number theory, take a closer look at the relationships between even and odd numbers, as well as the rules of divisibility for particular numbers. By the end, you'll be surprised that something as intimidating as number theory could be made so accessible.
Number Theory - Prime Numbers and Divisors
20. Number Theory - Prime Numbers and Divisors
July 13, 2012
Shift gears and demystify number theory, which takes as its focus the study of the properties of whole numbers. Concepts that Professor Sellers discusses and teaches you how to engage with in this insightful episode include divisors, prime numbers, prime factorizations, greatest common divisors, and factor trees.
Geometry - Polygons and Circles
19. Geometry - Polygons and Circles
July 13, 2012
Gain a greater appreciation for the interaction between arithmetic and geometry. First, learn how to recognize and approach large polygons, including hexagons and decagons. Then, explore the various concepts behind circles (such as radius, diameter, and the always intriguing pi), as well as methods for calculating their circumference, area, and perimeter.
Geometry - Triangles and Quadrilaterals
18. Geometry - Triangles and Quadrilaterals
July 13, 2012
Continue exploring the visual side of mathematics with this look at the basics of two-dimensional geometry. Among the topics you'll focus on here are the various types of triangles (including scalene and obtuse triangles) and quadrilaterals (such as rectangles and squares), as well as methods for measuring angles, area, and perimeter.
Graphing in the Coordinate Plane
17. Graphing in the Coordinate Plane
July 13, 2012
Grab some graph paper and learn how to graph objects in the coordinate (or xy) plane. You'll find out how to plot points, how to determine which quadrant they go in, how to sketch the graph of a line, how to determine a line's slope, and more.
Negative and Fractional Powers
16. Negative and Fractional Powers
July 13, 2012
What happens when you have to raise numbers to a fraction of a power? How about when you have to deal with negative exponents? Or negative fractional exponents? No need to worry! Professor Sellers guides you through this tricky mathematical territory, arming you with invaluable techniques for approaching these scenarios.
Introduction to Square Roots
15. Introduction to Square Roots
July 13, 2012
In this episode, finally make sense of square roots. Professor Sellers offers examples to help you sidestep issues many students express frustration with, shows you how to simplify radical expressions involving addition and subtraction, and reveals how to find the approximate value of a square root without using a calculator.
Negative and Positive Integers
14. Negative and Positive Integers
July 13, 2012
Improve your confidence in dealing with negative numbers. You'll learn to use the number line to help visualize these numbers; discover how to rewrite subtraction problems involving negative numbers as addition problems to make them easier; examine the rules involved in multiplying and dividing with them; and much more.
Exponents and Order of Operations
13. Exponents and Order of Operations
July 13, 2012
Explore a fifth fundamental mathematical operation: exponentiation. First, take a step-by-step look at the order of operations for handling longer calculations that involve multiple tasks, complete with invaluable tips to help you handle them with ease. Then, see where exponentiation fits in this larger process.
Ratios and Proportions
12. Ratios and Proportions
July 13, 2012
How do ratios and proportions work? How can you figure out if a particular problem is merely just a ratio or proportion problem in disguise? What are some pitfalls to watch out for? And how can a better understanding of these subjects help save you money? Find out here.
Percent Problems
11. Percent Problems
July 13, 2012
Use the skills you developed in the last episode to better approach and solve different kinds of percentage problems you'd most likely encounter in your everyday life. Among these everyday scenarios: calculating the tip at a restaurant and determining how much money you're saving on a store's discount.
Fractions, Decimals, and Percents
10. Fractions, Decimals, and Percents
July 13, 2012
Take a closer look at converting between percents, decimals, and fractions, all of which are areas of basic mathematics many people have a hard time with. After learning the techniques in this episode and using them on numerous practice problems, you'll be surprised at how easy this type of conversion is to master.
Multiplying and Dividing Decimals
9. Multiplying and Dividing Decimals
July 13, 2012
Investigate the best ways to multiply and divide decimal numbers. You'll get insights into when and when not to ignore the decimal point in your calculations, how to check your answer to ensure that your result has the correct number of decimal places, and how to express remainders in decimals.
Adding and Subtracting Decimals
8. Adding and Subtracting Decimals
November 19, 2020
What's 29.42 + 84.67? Or 643 + 82.987? What about 25.7 - 10.483? Problems like these are the focus of this helpful episode on adding and subtracting decimals. One tip for making these sorts of calculations easier: making sure your decimal points are all lined up vertically.
Dividing Fractions
7. Dividing Fractions
July 13, 2012
Professor Sellers walks you step by step through the process for speedily solving division problems involving fractions in this episode filled with helpful practice problems. You'll also learn how to better handle calculations involving different notations, fractions, and whole numbers, and even word problems involving the division of fractions.
Multiplying Fractions
6. Multiplying Fractions
July 13, 2012
Continue having fun with fractions, this time by mastering how to multiply them and reduce your answer to its lowest term. Professor Sellers shows you how to approach and solve multiplication problems involving fractions (with both similar and different denominators), fractions and whole numbers, and fractions and mixed numbers.
Adding and Subtracting Fractions
5. Adding and Subtracting Fractions
July 13, 2012
Fractions with the same denominator. Fractions with different denominators. Mixed numbers. Here, learn ways to add and subtract them all (and sometimes even in the same problem) and get tips for reducing your answers to their lowest terms. Math with fractions, you'll discover, doesn't have to be intimidating. It can even be fun!
Introduction to Fractions
4. Introduction to Fractions
July 13, 2012
Mathematics is also filled with parts of whole numbers, or fractions. In the first of several episodes on fractions, define key terms and focus on powerful techniques for determining if fractions are equivalent, finding out which of two fractions is larger, and reducing fractions to their lowest terms.
Long Division
3. Long Division
July 13, 2012
Turn now to the opposite of multiplication: division. Learn how to properly set up a long division problem, how to check your answers to make sure they're correct, how to handle zeroes when they appear in a problem, and what to do when a long division problem ends with a remainder.
Multiplication
2. Multiplication
July 13, 2012
Continue your quick review of basic mathematical operations, this time with a focus on the multiplication of whole numbers. In addition to uncovering the relationship between addition and multiplication, you'll get plenty of opportunities to strengthen your ability to multiply two 2-digit numbers, two 3-digit numbers, and more.
Addition and Subtraction
1. Addition and Subtraction
July 13, 2012
This introductory episode starts with Professor Sellers' overview of the general topics and themes you'll encounter throughout the series. Then, plunge into an engaging review of the addition and subtraction of whole numbers, complete with several helpful tips designed to help you approach these types of problems with more confidence. #Science & Mathematics
Description
Where to Watch Mastering the Fundamentals of Mathematics
Mastering the Fundamentals of Mathematics is available for streaming on the The Great Courses Signature Collection website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Mastering the Fundamentals of Mathematics on demand at Apple TV Channels and Amazon Prime and Amazon.
  • Premiere Date
    July 13, 2012