Fundamentals of physics extended 10th edition Halliday

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the mathematical prerequisites for studying "Fundamentals of Physics" (10th edition) by Halliday. Participants explore the necessary level of math knowledge, including algebra, calculus, and trigonometry, to effectively engage with the material in the book.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that basic algebra and a little bit of calculus are sufficient, emphasizing that knowledge of integration is not critical, but differentiation is important.
  • There are repeated inquiries about the suitability of "Calculus Made Easy" by Thompson for beginners, with mixed responses regarding its effectiveness.
  • Some participants mention the importance of basic trigonometry, specifically being comfortable with sine, cosine, and tangent definitions in the context of right triangles.
  • One participant notes that the math content required aligns with what is presented in the physics book itself.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the necessity of basic algebra and some calculus, but there is no consensus on the specific calculus book recommendations or the extent of trigonometry knowledge required.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about prior knowledge in calculus and trigonometry are present, but specific mathematical steps or definitions are not fully resolved in the discussion.

DistortedWorld00
Messages
2
Reaction score
1
Hello, what level of math should I have before learning this book?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Amos Dahm
Physics news on Phys.org
Basic algebra and little bit of calculus. It won't harm much if you don't know integration, just know differentiation.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: DistortedWorld00
Buffu said:
Basic algebra and little bit of calculus. It won't harm much if you don't know integration, just know differentiation.

Hello, sir. Is the Calculus made easy by Thompson, a good calculus book for beginners like me?
 
DistortedWorld00 said:
Hello, sir. Is the Calculus made easy by Thompson, a good calculus book for beginners like me?

I don't know I did not use that book but I don't think you can go wrong with any book in learning basic calculus.
 
DistortedWorld00 said:
Hello, sir. Is the Calculus made easy by Thompson, a good calculus book for beginners like me?
Yes. It is a very good book. For your purpose, however, this may be a better book.
 
You should also know basic trigonometry. At least, you should be comfortable with the definitions of sine, cosine and tangent in terms of a right triangle.
 
jtbell said:
You should also know basic trigonometry. At least, you should be comfortable with the definitions of sine, cosine and tangent in terms of a right triangle.
Yup. Basically whatever is in this book
 

Similar threads

Intro Physics Physics Introduction book
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Intro Physics Difference Between 3rd and 10th Editions of Halliday/Resnick?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
8K
Intro Physics What is the best conceptual high school physics book?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Intro Physics Looking for an Introductory Physics Book without Flashy Presentation?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
7K
Fundamentals of physics by David Halliday
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Classical Is there a major difference between 'Fundamentals of Physics' editions?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Classical Difference between 6th and 10th edition of Halliday/Renick/W
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Intro Physics Calculus based intro physics textbook recommendations?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
5K
Classical What is the Difference Between the 4th and 5th Edition of HRK Physics?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Good resources for learning basic surface tension
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K