Essential Books for Algebra, Pre-Calc & Trigonometry Learning for Kids

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for books suitable for children learning algebra, pre-calculus, and trigonometry. Participants share various titles and express differing opinions on the appropriateness of certain texts for younger learners.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about suitable books for a child with some prior knowledge in algebra, geometry, and functions.
  • Another participant suggests "Topics in Algebra" by I. N. Herstein for algebra and "Thomas Calculus" for calculus, describing it as heavy but good for beginners.
  • A different participant challenges the suggestion of Herstein's book, arguing it is too advanced for a child and recommends "Basic Mathematics" by Serge Lang and Gelfand's books on algebra and trigonometry instead.
  • Another suggestion includes Barron's books such as "Algebra the Easy Way" and "Trigonometry the Easy Way," which are presented in a story format to aid understanding.
  • Additional titles mentioned include "What is Mathematics," "Calculus Made Easy" by Silvanus Thompson, and the "Princeton Companion to Mathematics," with a note on the suitability for AP preparation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the appropriateness of certain books for children, with no consensus reached on the best recommendations. Some participants advocate for more accessible texts, while others suggest more advanced materials.

Contextual Notes

Some recommendations may depend on the child's specific learning needs and prior knowledge, and there is uncertainty regarding the suitability of advanced texts for younger learners.

Viktoriooo
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Hi, I am new to this forum and i was wondering which books is good to Get a better understanding/learning Algebra, pre-calc and trigonometry for a kid who knows some algebra geometry and functions?
 
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I don't any books for geometry or trignometry, but for calculus you can try Thomas calculus. It is a really heavy, but good book for beginners in calculus, real analysis and functions.
For algebra my lecturer suggested me Topics in algebra by I. N. Herstein. You might give it a try.
 
Abhilash H N said:
For algebra my lecturer suggested me Topics in algebra by I. N. Herstein. You might give it a try.

Really?? You're suggesting an abstract algebra book to a kid who is asking for books in algebra and precalculus? Sigh.

Please don't listen to the above advice. A good book that I recommend is "basic mathematics" by Lang. Other good books are written by Gelfand. For example, you have "Algebra" and "Trigonometry" by Gelfand. (Do be careful, Gelfand has written very advanced texts too, so be careful what you use).
 
To get a general understanding of these subjects, I would suggest that you start with the Barron's books Algebra the Easy Way, Trigonometry the Easy Way, and Calculus the Easy Way, all by Douglas Downing (I think they may have been renamed as E-Z Algebra, E-Z trig, etc.). They present these topics in the form of a story.

Then, once you've gotten the flavor of these subjects, you can dive into proper textbooks, like the ones micromass suggested.
 
Books you can consult

What is Mathematics.

Basic Mathematics by Serge Lang.

Calculus Made Easy by Tompson.

Princeton Companion to Mathematics.

and If you are Planning to write AP then Thomas / James Stewart Calculus.
 
I second the recommendation for Calculus Made Easy by Silvanus Thompson. It introduces you to calculus in a really intuitive way.
 

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