Best Book for learning Algebra 2

[Tyler133]

I am a freshman in high school I would like to major on physics and most likely in mathematics in college so I figured it would be worthwhile to start learning more math. In school I am currently learning geometry and next year my class will cover Algebra II. I was wondering what would be the best book for me to learn and hopefully master Algebra II. I have heard of Gelfand's book, Algebra. Would that give me a complete understanding of Algebra II or would I need an actually Algebra II textbook for understanding Algebra II, if so what would be the best textbook. I would also like to keep the price of the book to around 20 dollars or less.

 

[Jorriss]

I don't know any Algebra II texts but based on your goals you might be interested in

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0387967877/?tag=pfamazon01-20

none-the-less.

 

[eumyang]

I like the Algebra series by Lial/Hornsby/McGinnis. These are textbooks for remedial math students in college, but they have been used by homeschooled students. The book that corresponds to Algebra 2 is called Intermediate Algebra. The latest edition in paperback is the 10th edition; do not get this. Instead, find an earlier edition for cheap. Here is a link for the 8th edition at Amazon. Note that Intermediate Algebra does not include linear systems, matrices, or trig. The authors cover those topics in their Precalculus book.

Another book that is popular for homeschooled students is Algebra and Trigonometry by Foerster. This book does include linear systems, matrices, and some trig. The book is out of date in that there is no correlation with graphing calculators, but that may be a good thing. At the moment the cheapest copy at "www.amazon.com/dp/0131657100"[/URL] is a little under $30.

 

[dustbin]

I have heard a lot of good things about The Art of Problem Solving books.

 

[eumyang]

I have heard a lot of good things about The Art of Problem Solving books.

As have I. I can't believe I forgot to mention those earlier.

 

[Natassha]

I have heard a lot of good things about The Art of Problem Solving books.

These are Practice books with lots of AMC & AIME questions, this can't serve as good as a Text/Reference Book. Use the Higher Algebra by Hall & Knight.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1402179650/?tag=pfamazon01-20

 

[dustbin]

I was talking about the AoPS curriculum, not the contest prep books. They have texts on algebra, probability, number theory, geometry, calculus, etc. I don't see why these books would not be good on their own. If you mean their contest prep books, then I agree.

 

[Tyler133]

I'm now thinking of using Algebra and Trigonometry by Foerster it seems to be getting very good reviews. Do you think this book would give me a complete understanding of Algebra II?

 

[Tyler133]

Is this a good Algebra II book?

I'm a freshman in high school and I want to learn Algebra II. I'm now thinking of using Algebra and Trigonometry by Foerster it seems to be getting very good reviews. Do you think this book would give me a complete understanding of Algebra II? If/once I finish this book what would be the next book I should get? I want to eventually learn calculus.

 

[mathwonk]

I have no way to review this book since I don't have a copy of many elementary books. The reviews on amazon look favorable however. I myself am currently reading Elements of Algebra, by Euler, available free online.

http://archive.org/details/elementsalgebra00lagrgoogI also like A treatise on algebra by C. Smith, from 1895 or so.

http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?an=c.+smith&sts=t&tn=a+treatise+on+algebra

 

[berkeman]

(two threads merged)