Looking for a good book about trigonometry

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for books and materials on trigonometry, focusing on resources that include theoretical explanations, examples, and exercises. Participants share their preferences and experiences with various texts, aiming to assist someone new to the subject.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks a trigonometry book that includes brief theory sections, examples, and numerous exercises, preferably in English.
  • Another participant recommends various books, suggesting a phased approach to learning: starting with "Trigonometry" by Lial for a gentle introduction, followed by "Trigonometry" chapters in David Cohen's precalculus book for better problem sets.
  • Further recommendations include "Plane Trigonometry" by SL Loney for in-depth explanations and "A Treatise on Plane Trigonometry" by Hobson for more challenging exercises, both requiring a solid geometry background.
  • Some participants mention problem books such as "Solutions to SL Loney Trigonometry" and "Problems in Trigonometry" by Todhunter.
  • There is a discussion about Axler's precalculus text, with mixed opinions on its trig section, particularly regarding the clarity of explanations and the quality of problems.
  • One participant finds Axler's problems to be good, noting a distinction between straightforward exercises and more challenging problems, and mentions using Cohen's book as the main resource alongside Axler's as supplementary.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the effectiveness of various texts, particularly Axler's precalculus book. While some appreciate its problem sets, others criticize its explanations. There is no consensus on a single best resource, as preferences vary based on individual learning styles.

Contextual Notes

Some recommendations depend on the reader's prior knowledge of geometry, and the effectiveness of each book may vary based on personal learning preferences.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals seeking to learn or improve their understanding of trigonometry, particularly students looking for structured resources with exercises and theoretical explanations.

Theia
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Hi all!

I've never been studied the identities and such of secant, cosecant and cotangent. Yet I think, it would be useful to have them in my toolbox. Thus I'm asking, if anyone would know a reasonable book or other kind of material (paper or pdf) about trigonometry that has brief theory section with examples and fairly lot of exercises.

As for language preference, I prefer English, but maybe can manage to read some other language too as math is universal.
 
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Phase 1 (Gentle introduction) : Trigonometry by Lial. (Know concept in general without any in-depth explanation, easy problems to get used with subject + has good geometry refresher in first chapter).
Phase 2 (Better problem set) : Trigonometry chapters in precalculus by david cohen. Much better problem sets, most of explanation you already covered in Lial book. Up to this phase you are absolutely fine with trigonometry.
Phase 3 (In-depth explanation) : Plane trigonometry by SL Loney. Famous book. Using geometry to prove almost everything. This is book is from 19th century & still used in some countries like India. Explain every thing in-depth. Fully solved by many indian teachers in youtube/ pdf. Requires good geometry background.
Phase 4 (More in-depth) : A treatise on plane trigonometry by Hobson. Ok, this is higher one, requires solid geometry background. More challenging exercises. You will be trig master.

Problem books :
1- Solutions to SL Loney trigonometry. (Already mentioned).
2- Problems in trigonometry by todhunter.

Bottom line : Phase 2 is more than enough for most students. If you want only one book, go with trig chapters in david cohen precalculus book.
 
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MiddleEast said:
Phase 1 (Gentle introduction) : Trigonometry by Lial. (Know concept in general without any in-depth explanation, easy problems to get used with subject + has good geometry refresher in first chapter).
Phase 2 (Better problem set) : Trigonometry chapters in precalculus by david cohen. Much better problem sets, most of explanation you already covered in Lial book. Up to this phase you are absolutely fine with trigonometry.
Phase 3 (In-depth explanation) : Plane trigonometry by SL Loney. Famous book. Using geometry to prove almost everything. This is book is from 19th century & still used in some countries like India. Explain every thing in-depth. Fully solved by many indian teachers in youtube/ pdf. Requires good geometry background.
Phase 4 (More in-depth) : A treatise on plane trigonometry by Hobson. Ok, this is higher one, requires solid geometry background. More challenging exercises. You will be trig master.

Problem books :
1- Solutions to SL Loney trigonometry. (Already mentioned).
2- Problems in trigonometry by todhunter.

Bottom line : Phase 2 is more than enough for most students. If you want only one book, go with trig chapters in david cohen precalculus book.
Just curious, have you read Axler's precalculus text? I wonder how his problems compare
 
Muu9 said:
Just curious, have you read Axler's precalculus text? I wonder how his problems compare
I did not like the trig section., particularly the section of graphing said functions. ie., period /phase shifts.
 
Muu9 said:
Just curious, have you read Axler's precalculus text? I wonder how his problems compare
Explanation is somehow terse. But problems are good. He divides them to exercises & problems. exercises are almost straightforward questions but problems make you think. In general, I would consider axler books between dry & rigorous levels. I took cohen as main book & axler as supplementary for problems. Was very rewarding combination.
 

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