Look for archived 18.090 or 18.100A (Real Analysis) course pages to find syllabus structures and problem sets. Recommended Textbooks:
Mastering 18.090: A Deep Dive into MIT’s Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning
In high school and introductory college calculus (such as MIT 18.01 or 18.02), mathematics is predominantly computational. Students learn formulas, execute algorithms, and solve for specific numeric answers. Look for archived 18
: Unlike passive lectures, the course incorporates highly interactive recitations. Students work closely in small groups alongside TAs to untangle complex problem sets, cultivating collective critical thinking.
). A key exercise in the course is proving De Morgan's Laws for sets: : Unlike passive lectures, the course incorporates highly
, walked in and didn't write a single number. Instead, he wrote one word: "In this class," the professor began, "we stop asking the answer is and start asking we are allowed to believe it." The First Crack in the Wall
Set theory is the universal language of modern mathematics. 18.090 introduces the rigorous definitions that underpin all mathematical fields. A key exercise in the course is proving
4.5/5 One half-point deducted for not being a standalone resource and the occasional typo. Add back 0.5 if you already own a standard proof textbook.
While not strictly required, having some comfort with computational mathematics makes the transition to abstraction easier. Resources for 18.090