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

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For those seeking resources to understand algebra, pre-calculus, and trigonometry, several recommendations emerged in the discussion. While "Topics in Algebra" by I. N. Herstein was suggested, it received criticism for being too advanced for beginners. Instead, "Basic Mathematics" by Serge Lang and books by I. M. Gelfand, specifically "Algebra" and "Trigonometry," are recommended as suitable alternatives. For a more accessible introduction, "Algebra the Easy Way," "Trigonometry the Easy Way," and "Calculus the Easy Way" by Douglas Downing are suggested, as they present concepts in a narrative format. Once foundational knowledge is established, users can explore more comprehensive texts like "What is Mathematics," "Calculus Made Easy" by Silvanus Thompson, and the "Princeton Companion to Mathematics." For those preparing for AP exams, "Thomas Calculus" or "James Stewart Calculus" are also recommended.
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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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