Intro Physics Introduction to Physics: Books for Non-Calculus Learners

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The discussion centers around recommendations for introductory physics books that do not require calculus. Participants emphasize that while some basic physics can be understood without calculus, a solid foundation in mathematics is essential for a comprehensive understanding of physics concepts. Texts like "Physics for Scientists and Engineers" by Tipler and Mosca are mentioned as accessible starting points, though they acknowledge that calculus will eventually be necessary for deeper learning. The conversation also touches on the importance of having a grasp of algebra and trigonometry before tackling physics. Suggestions include using resources like Khan Academy for foundational math skills. Participants agree that without a basic understanding of arithmetic and algebra, success in physics is unlikely. The need for a structured learning path that includes pre-algebra, algebra, and eventually calculus is highlighted, with a focus on building a strong mathematical background to support physics studies.
Neeleshatom
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Can you recommend books for introduction physics without calculus.That is basic.
 
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My first book in physics was the "Physics for Scientists and Engineers" by P. A. Tipler and G. Mosca, is really very very basic, but covers a very large range of physics without very much mathematical complications, of course, this is a very first introduction, and if you want to learn physics properly you will need calculus soon or later.
 
I cannot recommend any book claiming you can understand physics without calculus. Physics is simply not expressible without the adequate language, which is math (particularly geometry in a wide sense).
 
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Then recommend books from algebra trigonometry pre calculus to calculua
 
Actually, physics starts from Newtonian Mechanics and Newtonian Mechanics is just a very very mininal application of Calculus and vectors. As far as I know differential and integral Calculus is taught by using the concept of distance and speed only. So, it is very hard to avoid Calculus and learn the first course in Physics i.e. Mechanics. If you can give us more of your backhround then we can help you even more.

You can try some science books, there the concept of motion is developed. I think you should have a look at PSSC books, see if you can understand them.
 
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Neeleshatom said:
Can you recommend books for introduction physics without calculus.That is basic.

Typically, these introductory textbooks are titled 'College Physics', as opposed to calculus-based 'University Physics' titles.
 
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Something titled "Elementary Physics", from a few decades ago but I do not remember who was the author; the book was used in an Introductory or Elementary Physics course for college. Intermediate Algebra and some basic Trigonometry were needed.
 
Recommend books for
#pre algebra
#algebra
#trigonometry
#pre calculus
#calculus
#physics
 
Neeleshatom said:
Recommend books for
#pre algebra
#algebra
#trigonometry
#pre calculus
#calculus
#physics
What is pre-algebra?
 
  • #10
Adesh said:
What is pre-algebra?
Probably arithmetic.
 
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  • #11
archaic said:
Probably arithmetic.
Then I won't recommend going for physics too early. We should at least know the fundamental arithmetical operations !
 
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  • #12
Adesh said:
Then I won't recommend going for physics too early. We should at least know the fundamental arithmetical operations !
Someone already recommended Khan Academy to the OP on another post. I guess he's more eager to read books, though.
 
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  • #13
Adesh said:
What is pre-algebra?
Survey course, OR introductory material for Introductory/Elementary Algebra, and can often be the same as Introductory Algebra with some parts omitted or given reduced instruction emphasis. Pre-Algebra could often be skipped, because Introductory/Elementary Algebra is more complete, does the same as what "Pre-Algebra" will do, and is a better choice for most students. "Pre-Algebra" might be a good choice for a weaker student.

Yes, yes, yes, yes... Pre-Algebra can and should contain a condensed review of basic Arithmetic. The idea for designing such a course called "Pre-Algebra" is to teach a course which will prepare the student to study Algebra 1.
 
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  • #14
symbolipoint said:
Survey course, OR introductory material for Introductory/Elementary Algebra, and can often be the same as Introductory Algebra with some parts omitted or given reduced instruction emphasis. Pre-Algebra could often be skipped, because Introductory/Elementary Algebra is more complete, does the same as what "Pre-Algebra" will do, and is a better choice for most students. "Pre-Algebra" might be a good choice for a weaker student.
I think the notions of plus, minus, multiply, divide, fraction, LCM, HCF and the word problems regarding them are the only things that we need as an prerequisite for elementary algebra?
 
  • #15
Just to be thorough with everything
 
  • #16
Adesh said:
I think the notions of plus, minus, multiply, divide, fraction, LCM, HCF and the word problems regarding them are the only things that we need as an prerequisite for elementary algebra?
Sure. I am just telling what is the course, "Pre-Algebra". See my previous post, since I edited to add something to it. The course is offered in many schools. I believe it is really for weaker students, and for students who can use a brief review of basic Arithmetic, before heading into Algebra 1.
 
  • #17
  • #18
Neeleshatom said:
Can you recommend books for introduction physics without calculus.

It sounds like you also want one without algebra as well. That is unlikely.
 
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  • #19
  • #20
Are openstax books any good?I have it from pre algebra to calculus.
 
  • #21
And have finished pre algebra🤔 in it
 
  • #22
Neeleshatom said:
Are openstax books any good?I have it from pre algebra to calculus.
And will finish pre algebra within the next three dayd
 
  • #23
Neeleshatom said:
Thank you
You are welcome!
 
  • #24
Neeleshatom said:
And will finish pre algebra within the next three dayd
As far as I have lived my life, I have found that completing something is very different from learning something which in its turn is totally different from using something.
 
  • #25
Start with a good calculus-based introductory textbook like Tipler or Haliday and Resnick. As I said before I do not recommend to learn "calculus-free" physics. It's a contradiction in itself. Physics cannot even be formulated or talked about without a minimum of calculus. To begin with classical mechanics you only need derivatives and integrals for functions of one variable.
 
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  • #26
Then recommend good pre calculus and calculus bookz
 
  • #27
vanhees71 said:
Start with a good calculus-based introductory textbook like Tipler or Haliday and Resnick.

For someone who doesn't even have algebra? Do you think he is likely to be successful?
 
  • #28
Adesh said:
Then I won't recommend going for physics too early. We should at least know the fundamental arithmetical operations !
"There's a saying attributed to Eichler that there are five fundamental operations of arithmetic: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and modular forms." - A. Wiles
 
  • #29
Vanadium 50 said:
For someone who doesn't even have algebra? Do you think he is likely to be successful?
I am always open to suggestions.You can also may help and recommend books on algebra
 
  • #30
I know pre algebra. But it is just a refresher course
 
  • #31
Vanadium 50 said:
For someone who doesn't even have algebra? Do you think he is likely to be successful?
Then he has to learn the necessary mathematics first. To really understand physics you cannot avoid it!
 
  • #32
vanhees71 said:
Then he has to learn the necessary mathematics first. To really understand physics you cannot avoid it!
I want to.But i just don't know where to begin.Could someone give me a complete map of everything about the maths and physics.
 
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  • #33
Like from The utmost basic maths(not that I need it) to calculus and physics
 
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  • #34
Please i want to learn physics .But I just don't know where to begin and where and what to learn.:cry:
 
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  • #35
Prof. Herbert Gross and very good explanations on elementary algebra on his website.
In which grade are you now?
 
  • #36
Adesh said:
Prof. Herbert Gross and very good explanations on elementary algebra on his website.
In which grade are you now?
9th
 
  • #37
Neeleshatom said:
9th
What problems are you getting with your current syllabus and teachings?
 
  • #38
Problems maths or real .Real nothing.
 
  • #39
Adesh said:
What problems are you getting with your current syllabus and teachings?
I always score above 95 percentile and have a good understanding of the topics covered.
 
  • #40
Neeleshatom said:
Please i want to learn physics .But I just don't know where to begin and where and what to learn.:cry:
Adesh said:
Prof. Herbert Gross and very good explanations on elementary algebra on his website.
In which grade are you now?
Neeleshatom said:
9th
The typical pathway is like this with some variation depending on what and how the institution offers:
  1. Basic General Arithmetic and Mathematics
  2. Introductory Algebra
  3. Geometry (Euclidean, with proofs)
  4. Intermediate Algebra
  5. Trigonometry
  6. College Algebra or College Algebra & Trigonometry(Pre-Calculus)
  7. Calculus & Analytic Geometry 1 (mostly differentiation)
  8. Calculus & Analytic Geometry 2 (mostly integration, maybe topics for Sequences & Series)
  9. Calculs & Analytic Geometry 3 (Multivariable or Intermediate Calculus)
  10. Some further course or more combining Linear Algebra and Differential Equations
The numbers 2 through 6 are what you would do in high school. Those can also be done in a community college depending on the region of the world that you live.
 
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  • #41
Neeleshatom said:
I always score above 95 percentile and have a good understanding of the topics covered.
I give up. Good luck to you !
 
  • #42
Neeleshatom said:
Problems maths or real .Real nothing.
What does this mean?
@Adesh asked you a legitimate question, and your reply is gibberish.
 
  • #43
Thread closed. The OP has been given many suggestions of books or websites to study from.
 
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