Reading

How to read math texts and technical papers without getting lost.

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Math Texts

  • Skim structure first: definitions, theorems, examples.
  • Redo one proof by hand per chapter.
  • Keep a running glossary; update weekly.
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Papers

  • Read abstract + figures first, then introduction.
  • Identify the single main contribution in one line.
  • Limit first pass to 20 minutes; mark sections to revisit.