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I am looking for good textbooks in physics, algebra, and trigonometry textbooks that are up to date and a good read. I heard that Feynman’s Lectures was really good. Is it still up to date enough?
Any opinions?
Any opinions?
I want to reach the level of a real physicist but can’t pay for school. I’m more of a hobbyist.Depends on what your goals and current knowledge is.
What progress have you made since this thread of yours? https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/best-intermediate-algebra-textbooks.983712/ and this one https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/best-trigonometry-books-for-beginners-and-self-study.1010436/ and this one https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/best-beginner-physics-books.1008762/
Seems to me you have asked this question several times /year for two years. You have to read and study in order to learn, even if you do not have the most perfect book at hand.
As far as algebra and trig goes, do you know if Algebra and Trigonometry by Blitzer is any good? Apparently there are also a lot of online vids to accompany the book too. I mainly learn on YouTube because I tend to lose my focus on books a lot, but I would like both to help solidify my understanding.You are not far enough along to handle Feynman's lectures, I am afraid. Not while you also want to learn algebra and trig. Feynman assumes facility with calculus.
I am. I do the math as I go along with the video.You need to do math and physics in order to learn, just not reading / watching videos.
You have to solve hundreds of problems and exersices.I am. I do the math as I go along with the video.
Do you know any websites where I can do a lot of problems?You have to solve hundreds of problems and exersices.
the Schaum's Outline series books are almost entirely "problems" to be worked. The books have a very brief outline of the theory, then a set of worked problems, and then a large number of problems to be solved for practice.a lot of problems
Loads of free books here with excersices.Do you know any websites where I can do a lot of problems?
Also do you know any online algebra and trig syllabuses that can help guide my learning?
What about geometry? Is that necessary too?Loads of free books here with excersices.
https://openstax.org/subjects
After you have mastered basic algebra and trig, you need to study calculus in order to do physics
Basic geometry is required for trig so yes of course. You need to master the basics about angles and triangles like this https://www.khanacademy.org/math/geometryWhat about geometry? Is that necessary too?
I already know prealgebra, So I’ll start with normal algebra. I just need to review long division I think.Basic geometry is required for trig so yes of course. You need to master the basics about angles and triangles like this https://www.khanacademy.org/math/geometry
You could start with "prealgebra" and then do "Algebra and trigonometry" and after that Calculus 1, 2 and 3. Then you can do the University physics 1, 2 and 3.
Remember: an undergrad degree, bachelor, in physics is 3 years full time studies. As hobbyist, be prepared that it will take you more than twice that time.
99.9% of theoretical physics is geometry ;-).What about geometry? Is that necessary too?
Everything boils down to geometry at some point yes :)99.9% of theoretical physics is geometry ;-).
if you do not know long division, then you do not know prealgbra...I already know prealgebra, So I’ll start with normal algebra. I just need to review long division I think.
I know factoring and stuff, and algebraic long divisions (surprisingly when I don’t remember long division) In aI’m just having a hard time remembering long division. I probably still remember it just fine since I can do algebraic long division. I haven’t practiced them in years. I’ve gotten pretty good at factoring. I have gotten to the point I can do a lot of problems in my head.if you do not know long division, then you do not know prealgbra...
Yeah, that would be appropriate for you. After that, you could study calculus and calc-based physics at the same time. You could also read "The Theoretical Minimum" by SusskindAlgebra and Trigonometry by Blitzer
this is against site policy, unless the copyright of a book has expired. in this instance, it has not.Does anyone know where I can find free samples of “Algebra and Trigonometry” by Blitzer?
Hard to be certain exactly. I learned "Long Division" while studying it along with basic Algebra in high school; although we were all supposed to have already learned Long Division before we reached Algebra in high school. On the positive side, I myself was better able to learn Division shortly after reaching high school. I had by then learned better how to study things about numbers and basic arithmetic.if you do not know long division, then you do not know prealgbra...
You may find a old G.E.D. Mathematics textbook (I believe by Stech-Vonn, and by Contemporary) which provided excellent instruction for Long Division (part of Basic Arithmetic).I know factoring and stuff, and algebraic long divisions (surprisingly when I don’t remember long division) In aI’m just having a hard time remembering long division. I probably still remember it just fine since I can do algebraic long division. I haven’t practiced them in years. I’ve gotten pretty good at factoring. I have gotten to the point I can do a lot of problems in my head.
YES, YES!You also mentioned that you know Pre-Algebra, so it would be worth having something on the level of Elementary Algebra and Intermediate Algebra, if you feel you need to bridge the gap to College Algebra level.
Again, yes. That is very true.Normally, there's a lot of overlap between Elementary Algebra and Intermediate Algebra textbooks. I find having one of the combined ones work great, as I find there's not much overlap, as it picks up right after PreAlgebra, and ends right before College Algebra and Trigonometry.