Damsel wrote:
>
>>"Damsel" > wrote in message
. ..

> I have to understand *why* math works. I know this probably sounds odd,
> but I don't trust formulas and other "truths" at face value. I have to
> work it all out the long way. I have yet to run across anyone else who has
> a basic mistrust of math. LOL!

Come on, *every* mathematician distrusts formulas, unless he is given
irrefutible proof that starts with 1=1, and leads to the formula in
question by applying previously proven theorems.

>
> My dad and I used to drive each other insane. He was a mathematical genius
> (helped his college professors figure out the things that they didn't
> understand), and I was, literally, learning disabled in that area. Many,
> many tears were shed at that kitchen table.
>
>

He taught you well. Don't trust the book, understand why the books says
it is this way. Regretfully science has progressed to a point where it
is virtually impossible for a single individual to know and _understand_
all that has been discovered. So 50% of science consists of knowing
which book (or whom in the newsgroup) to trust