I want to teach myself Algebra and Geometry.

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  • Thread starter Thread starter LogicalAcid
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    Algebra Geometry
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around self-teaching Algebra and Geometry, particularly for a participant in 8th grade seeking resources suitable for high school freshman-sophomore level mathematics. The conversation includes recommendations for books and online resources, as well as considerations about the appropriateness of various materials.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant emphasizes the importance of learning at one's own pace and expresses a desire for textbooks that provide examples and problems.
  • Another participant suggests that the forum is better suited for discussing confusing concepts rather than self-study, implying that formal classes may be more beneficial.
  • A participant from Australia notes the potential differences in educational standards and recommends a website that offers a structured approach to learning mathematics from beginner to advanced levels.
  • One suggestion is to seek used books on Elementary Algebra and Geometry, stating that older editions can still be effective for self-study.
  • Another participant recommends incorporating recreational mathematics and historical perspectives into the study routine to enhance understanding and enjoyment of the subject.
  • A recommendation is made for I.M. Gelfand's high school mathematics books, highlighting their suitability for beginners, while cautioning against Dover books which may not meet the participant's needs.
  • A participant shares a link to Khan Academy as a popular free resource for learning mathematics online.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a variety of opinions on the best resources for self-teaching Algebra and Geometry, with no consensus on specific books or methods. Some participants recommend traditional textbooks, while others suggest online resources, indicating a range of approaches to the topic.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the importance of aligning study materials with educational standards, which may vary by region. There is also a discussion about the potential effectiveness of older textbooks compared to newer editions.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for middle school students interested in self-studying Algebra and Geometry, educators looking for resource recommendations, and anyone exploring different methods of learning mathematics independently.

LogicalAcid
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If you have not read my previous threads, you should know I am in 8th grade. For one, I have been wanting to do this for a while, but many people have said "wait until your in High school". Well what I say is, enough of that. I learn what I want to learn when I want to learn it, nothing wrong with that in the slightest. First things first, books are my favorite way of learning (second to actual one on one, which I cannot afford a tutor), so everyone has heard of Dover math books, the question is, which ones suit my needs? I'm not advanced, but not completely new either. Anyone willing to share books they find appropriate, in other words they have to have the textbook feel (give you examples and problems to do, along with teaching you first of course).

I want to learn High school freshman-sophomore algebra basically, AP or general, what ever you find fit.
 
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Hey Logical,

It's fantastic you want to learn all of this stuff, but this forum is made to teach people about concepts they find confusing, so it is best to use in conjunction with a class. The level of math in this forum goes beyond that of Analysis, which is undergraduate level mathematics, it is far beyond the Algebra II or pre-calc that you may have encountered in your middle school. If you get into high school and wish to help others or ask questions this forum would be better for you.
 
I can't recommend you any books as I'm from Australia and we probably have different standards to the US (which is where I'm assuming you're from) but I stumbled across a website set up by a past nobel piece prize winner in physics. The site basically starts you from step 1 of everything which is beginner algebra and then works you through to the more advanced concepts of maths and physics.

Here's the link:
http://www.phys.uu.nl/~thooft/theorist.html"

Good on you for wanting to start so young.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
LogicalAcid,

Just look for a used book on Elementary Algebra, and one on Geometry - the ones that high schools would have used. No real problem using an old book. They are still as good today as they would have been when they were new, maybe 10 to 25 years ago. In general, do not try to be too skimpy on which parts of the textbook you study. Some topics may be optional but many are essential. When you finish an Elementary Algebra book, then you can go directly to an Intermediate Algebra book and continue studying this. You can learn which topics are "essential" for a course from searching for and reading a few syllabi of the courses which may be available online or directly from some schools.

Basically then, yes, you can teach yourself Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Geometry. Used books are often just as good as new books, and are far less expensive.
 
While reading ahead of the high school curriculum it's good to also have a few books on recreational mathematics and math in history/culture. The sort of books that can be read anywhere in the middle and just enjoyed, but also give a different perspective on the topics you're learning (e.g. Gardner, Stewart, Kline, Hogben to name a few popular authors).
 
I.M. Gelfand has a collection of high school level mathematics books that I would recommend. When I was in high school I used his algebra and trigonometry book. They are very slim but great elementary mathematics books. Here is the amazon link to his Algebra book:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0817636773/?tag=pfamazon01-20

The math books published by Dover would not suit your needs most likely. They are mostly reprints of classic math books. Therefore usually about math above the high school level. There are a few high school level problem books such as, Challenging Problems in Algebra (I am not sure if that is the correct title.) but I would not recommend those when you are first learning algebra.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
yesterdaysjam said:
I can't recommend you any books as I'm from Australia and we probably have different standards to the US (which is where I'm assuming you're from) but I stumbled across a website set up by a past nobel piece prize winner in physics. The site basically starts you from step 1 of everything which is beginner algebra and then works you through to the more advanced concepts of maths and physics.

Here's the link:
http://www.phys.uu.nl/~thooft/theorist.html"

Good on you for wanting to start so young.

Wow!

This is a great site, thanks for the recommendation!
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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