Math book with problems (to use with Lang-Basic Mathematics)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding suitable workbooks or supplementary books with examples and solutions to aid in self-study for Serge Lang's "Basic Mathematics." Participants explore various resources that provide practice problems and explanations, particularly in preparation for advancing to calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks a workbook with examples and solutions to complement their study of Lang's "Basic Mathematics."
  • Another participant recommends the Schaum's Outline series for worked examples and exercises, suggesting that multiple titles may be needed to cover all topics.
  • Some participants express interest in specific titles, such as Schaum's Outline of Precalculus and David Cohen's "Pre-Calculus: A Problem Solving Approach," noting their positive reviews and reasonable prices.
  • W. Michael Kelley’s books are highlighted as excellent resources for practice problems across various mathematical topics.
  • One participant mentions already owning a book with only problems but desires additional resources with more explanations.
  • There are suggestions to consider older editions of recommended textbooks, particularly for David Cohen's work.
  • Participants share links to various books, including "The Humongous Book of Algebra Problems" and others, while noting some links may be broken.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for books with examples and solutions but present multiple competing suggestions without reaching a consensus on the best resource.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the specific topics they are studying, which may influence their recommendations. There are also mentions of shipping costs and the timing of purchases, indicating practical considerations in selecting resources.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for self-learners seeking additional practice materials in mathematics, particularly those studying precalculus and preparing for calculus.

vantroff
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Hi,
I need book with examples(and the solutions) that will help me to practice the things I learn from Serge Lang-Basic Mathematics. I don't know how exactly these are called in English. Workbooks?

It's not necessary to be book only with problems, it can be something like this one but with more examples.
Solutions are very important for me because I am self studying. Here is the book index:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0387967877/?tag=pfamazon01-20
 
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For worked out examples and exercises with answers, I have always been a big fan of the Schaum's Outline series. Unfortunately, it may take a lot of those to cover all the topics in the Serge Lang book. You can go to Amazon and see many applicable Schaum's Outline books. I don't know which would fit your needs best. Maybe Schaum's Outline Precalculus would be good.
 
These look really good, considering the amount of positive reviews in Amazon, the topics it covers and that you are recommending it.
I will probably buy the one about precalculus and something about trigonometry, and something about geometry... The prices are very reasonable, I was expecting something expensive... The shipping will cost me more than the actual books. LOL.

FactChecker, thank you!
 
vantroff said:
These look really good, considering the amount of positive reviews in Amazon, the topics it covers and that you are recommending it.
I will probably buy the one about precalculus and something about trigonometry, and something about geometry... The prices are very reasonable, I was expecting something expensive... The shipping will cost me more than the actual books. LOL.

FactChecker, thank you!

If you want a workbook of problems, maybe buy a typical Pre-Calculus textbook? I found David Cohen: Pre-Calculus: A Problem Solving Approach, has very interesting end of chapter questions. Read Basic Mathematics, and work extra problems from Cohen?
 
vantroff said:
Hi,
I need book with examples(and the solutions) that will help me to practice the things I learn from Serge Lang-Basic Mathematics. I don't know how exactly these are called in English. Workbooks?

It's not necessary to be book only with problems, it can be something like this one but with more examples.
Solutions are very important for me because I am self studying.Here is the book index:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0387967877/?tag=pfamazon01-20

That book has everything from "Addition of integers" to "Addition of complex numbers". It would be good idea to tell what exactly you are studying ?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Sorry that I didn't made it clear.
I want something that will give me enough problems to solve so I will be ready to move from Lang's "Basic mathematics" and I.M. Gelfand - "Trigonometry" to something more advanced because I am getting closer to the part of my Physics book where I will need Calculus.

I have Schaum's Outline of Precalculus by Fred Safier (the one suggested above) and it seem to cover the topics in which I'm interested. So, Precalculus books should be what I ask for.

I already have book only with problems but it will be good to have something like the one @MidgetDwarf suggested, I mean book with more explanation. I will appreciate more suggestions like that, because I wouldn't be able to buy anything this month(Short story: Friend from EU buys me the books).

Thanks for the replies.
 
vantroff said:
Hi,
I need book with examples(and the solutions) that will help me to practice the things I learn from Serge Lang-Basic Mathematics. I don't know how exactly these are called in English. Workbooks?

It's not necessary to be book only with problems, it can be something like this one but with more examples.
Solutions are very important for me because I am self studying.Here is the book index:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0387967877/?tag=pfamazon01-20
W. Michael Kelley books are perfect for this purpose. They are really good.

The Humongous Book of Algebra Problems - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1592577229/?tag=pfamazon01-20
The Humongous Book of Trigonometry Problems - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1592577229/?tag=pfamazon01-20
The Humongous Book of Geometry Problems - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1592578640/?tag=pfamazon01-20
The Humongous Book of Basic Math and Pre-Algebra Problems - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1615640835/?tag=pfamazon01-20
The Humongous Book of Calculus Problems - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1592575129/?tag=pfamazon01-20
 
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You have a very solid Trig book with Gelfand. I would definitely look into David Cohen. Buy an older edition. I have seen the 4th,5th,and 6th edition of the book.

I can upload pictures of some problems, to see if the book interest you.
 
smodak said:
W. Michael Kelley books are perfect for this purpose. They are really good.

The Humongous Book of Algebra Problems - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1592577229/?tag=pfamazon01-20
The Humongous Book of Trigonometry Problems - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1592577229/?tag=pfamazon01-20
The Humongous Book of Geometry Problems - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1592578640/?tag=pfamazon01-20
The Humongous Book of Basic Math and Pre-Algebra Problems - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1615640835/?tag=pfamazon01-20
The Humongous Book of Calculus Problems - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1592575129/?tag=pfamazon01-20
Second link is broken.
 
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  • #10
MidgetDwarf said:
You have a very solid Trig book with Gelfand. I would definitely look into David Cohen. Buy an older edition. I have seen the 4th,5th,and 6th edition of the book.

I can upload pictures of some problems, to see if the book interest you.

I'll definitely look for older edition...
I've seen the "Contents" of the book, a picture from Chapter 5 and 7 would be good.
Thanks in advance!
 
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