/sci/ - Science & Math

I have a stupid question about Calculus III/Vector Calculus! Generally, I have to understand the concept to practice and engage it. However, my professor is really shit at teaching, and he is more fond to write down formulae, and immediately goes over textbook problems rather than explain what the formula(e) mean(s). Pic related. I didn't do TOO good on 3D space and vector exam (80% or something). I mostly just went over practice problems and did them until I got a fair understanding of what's being asked.

My question relates to self studying in a progressive way. I'm reading through Advance Calculus Demystified, and it aids me more than my current textbook. What can also help me self study to understand ideas in a conceptual level that isn't fully formulae? What can help me "be" smarter in understanding regurgitated formulae? Sorry for the long tl;dr.

And a bonus question! Could someone explain vectors in 2d and/or 3d space? As stated before, my professors talked about vectors without actually talking about what it is. I understand it's a form of direction that starts in origin, but I don't understand beyond that. It also perplexes me that parallelograms can be conveyed using vector coordinates. SORRY FOR THE HUGE TL;DR AGAIN