I need some advice regarding books (Math, Physics)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around seeking advice on books for studying mathematics and physics in preparation for upcoming scholarship exams. The focus is on pre-calculus and calculus topics, as well as resources for physics study.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster is studying number theory and pre-calculus, expressing a need for additional resources to solidify their understanding of pre-calculus and gain basic calculus skills.
  • Some participants suggest various pre-calculus books, including titles like "Pre-Calculus: A Prelude to Calculus" and "Precalculus Math in a Nutshell," indicating these may be beneficial.
  • There are recommendations for "Quick Calculus: A Self-Teaching Guide" as a suitable resource for basic calculus knowledge.
  • One participant mentions Sheldon Axler as a noteworthy author, suggesting that his works could be valuable if referenced in studies.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the usefulness of certain pre-calculus and calculus books, but there is no consensus on a single best resource. Multiple suggestions are provided without clear agreement on which is superior.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of familiarity with the suggested books and their effectiveness, but specific limitations or assumptions regarding the suitability of each book for the original poster's needs are not fully explored.

Alejandro Ramos
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Hello, I'm currently studying for some scholarship exams (Math, Phy, Chem) that take place in june 16~20.

As for Math, I'm studying number theory from Serge Lang's Basic Mathematics, and went through stewart's pre-calculus book (but I think I may be going over it again since I didn't master it completely yet).
The thing is, I'm having some trouble deciding on books to improve even more on pre-calculus and to get a basic knowledge on Calculus (I need to be able to differentiate, integrate and find maxima and minima, not that hard)
I was thinking about buying Quick Calculus: A self teaching guide By Kleppner&Ramsey (https://www.amazon.com/dp/0471827223/?tag=pfamazon01-20)
Because the test only needs a basic knowledge of Calculus and I've got so little time. Any advice on this? And is there a better book on pre-calculus than stewart's?
(These are some example math exams from 2014 and 2015 exams: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/1j6f4rplsv3b33h/AADv1SM3kbGWk4r3_IJbDrXFa?dl=0)

And as for physics, I'm currently studying and taking notes from Walter Lewin's MIT lectures. And doing some exercises on the Sears & Zemansky University Physics book I purchased.
(Physics 2014/2015 exams: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/txqv20qwguyn33z/AAByidzZS8onloqYwk38rJBma?dl=0)So, is my approach correct? Or should I attempt to change it? What is your opinion?

Thank you for reading this wall of text, I appreciate any help or advice you would give me.
 
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smodak said:
I see, the Pre-Calculus: A prelude to Calculus book seems pretty good, as well as the Precalculus math in a nutshell, I think I'll purchase those two and go through them. Thank you very much, friend. As for Calculus I think I will go for the Quick Calculus: A Self-Teaching Guide, 2nd Edition for now, as it seems to fit my goals better. Thanks again!
 
Alejandro Ramos said:
I see, the Pre-Calculus: A prelude to Calculus book seems pretty good, as well as the Precalculus math in a nutshell, I think I'll purchase those two and go through them. Thank you very much, friend. As for Calculus I think I will go for the Quick Calculus: A Self-Teaching Guide, 2nd Edition for now, as it seems to fit my goals better. Thanks again!
Good luck on your Journey!
 
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Alejandro Ramos said:
I see, the Pre-Calculus: A prelude to Calculus book seems pretty good, as well as the Precalculus math in a nutshell, I think I'll purchase those two and go through them. Thank you very much, friend. As for Calculus I think I will go for the Quick Calculus: A Self-Teaching Guide, 2nd Edition for now, as it seems to fit my goals better. Thanks again!

Sheldon Axler is a very good writer. If one of his books or papers is referenced in your studies, it's worth paying attention to.
 
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