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Stanford University

Introduction to Mathematical Thinking

Learn how to think the way mathematicians do – a powerful cognitive process developed over thousands of years. Mathematical thinking is not the same as doing mathematics – at least not as mathematics is typically presented in our school system. School math typically focuses on learning procedures to solve highly stereotyped problems. Professional mathematicians think a certain way to solve real problems, problems that can arise from the everyday world, or from science, or from within mathematics itself. The key to success in school math is to learn to think inside-the-box. In contrast, a key feature of mathematical thinking is thinking outside-the-box – a valuable ability in today’s world. This course helps to develop that crucial way of thinking.

Status: Mathematics and Mathematical Modeling
Status: Calculus
IntermediateCourse39 hours

Featured reviews

GD

5.0Reviewed May 9, 2017

Great course ! Provided new skills on how to think about maths and improved my overall confidence with the subject. I feel like I can go further in the study of mathematics thanks to this.

JJ

5.0Reviewed Apr 15, 2019

In the last lecture, based on what he previous taught, the professor give us the definition of limitation which is the beginning of the Calculus. I wish I taken this course before university.

MF

5.0Reviewed Aug 25, 2017

Great course, it's really shows the way how to think in mathematical rigor. It gave me an intuition about what Mathematics is itself. Thank you Profesor Keith Devlin, you are a great teacher !

PD

5.0Reviewed Jun 29, 2020

It has help evaluate what I put into decision in any applicable context. Since I've noted what decision I make and how outcome can be made to vary when I consider all components in a isolated manner.

AS

5.0Reviewed Nov 16, 2022

It was an excellent course and it is something that I love in the end. It teaches a lot about the idea of math is a subject that should not be feared. It is a subject that should be understood.

SI

5.0Reviewed Mar 25, 2025

Great course that everyone should take in their lives. Teaches skills that are necessary not just in math, but in all walks of life. Excellent pacing and course material. Teaches the topics very well.

KR

5.0Reviewed May 5, 2020

We are still in the early days of MOOCS. Prof. Devlin Makes sure that you get the best possible education despite the limitations of the platform. You'll really learn something here.

AV

5.0Reviewed Sep 26, 2019

One of the best online course i have ever taken. Thanks to Keith sir for explaining all the concepts so engagingly and in detail. Looking forward for course's like this on coursera.

ID

4.0Reviewed Jul 9, 2022

Although I'm a 9th grade student and found many concepts hard, the course was very informative and interesting. Thank you coursera for offering me the opportunity to take this course with stanford.

RC

5.0Reviewed Mar 4, 2018

It is nice to see connections among mathematical theories, and this course it is very well designed to accomplish this. I highly recommend if you want to improve your mathematical skills.

VV

5.0Reviewed Apr 23, 2018

With the help of this course, my grade for fundamental mathematics at school raised from C to A. Really thankful. This course truly helped me better understand the abstruse conceptions.

JT

5.0Reviewed Sep 3, 2022

The course seemed excellent. I had started it a few years ago but hadn't finished it. I am an Electrical Engineering graduate from some years ago. I find the first few chapters very valuable.

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