R for Math
Overview
This short module provides an introduction to the R programming language. You will solve a number-related math puzzle, and various aspects of the language will be revealed as you work through the puzzle in each chapter.
R is an incredibly powerful language, yet it is easy to learn. My students with no prior background can solve relatively complex problems for beginners with only one or two days of traning. This maintains their interest in learning more, because they are not frustrated with syntax errors and debugging issues common for other languages.
Oddly professional programmers describe R as a difficult language. This reputation developed for two reasons. First, R is primarily associated with statistics, and therefore most books and tutorials expect some level of proficiency in the subject. Programmers from other backgrounds may find this barrier hard to overcome. Second, the programming style of R, a functional language operating on vectors, is different from Python, Java and other popular languages. Therefore, the transition from other languages requires overcoming a learning curve.
Skills You Acquire
- You wil learn R by solving a math puzzle, and -
- learn about vectors, functions and plotting in R,
- install and load external packages (libraries),
- gain familiarity with the tidyverse ecosystem, and
- solve linear algebra by using the matlib package.
- This module is the prerequisite for all other R-related modules.
- You will also learn about the mathematical induction method.
Class Style
Prerequisites
Lessons
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Lesson 1
Welcome to the R for Math Module Status: Text complete, video in production
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Lesson 2
Vectors Status: Text complete, video in production
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Lesson 3
Installing External Packages and Tidyverse Status: Text complete, video in production
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Lesson 4
Functions, Conditions, Loops and Sapply Status: Text complete, video in production
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Lesson 5
Linear algebra Status: Text complete, video in production
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Lesson 6
Formal Proof of Nicomachus’s Theorem using Mathematical Induction Status: Text complete, video in production
