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.