Need some Pre-Calculus books recommendation

Join the discussion
Ask a follow-up here, or get your own question answered by working scientists, mathematicians and engineers — people, not an autocomplete.
Real named experts · corrections over time · the nuance an AI answer skips
4 replies · 4K views
Donello
Messages
16
Reaction score
3
Hi,I am starting my EE degree next year in October and need some refreshment for Pre-calculus.

I am considering the book "Pre-Calculus workbook for dummies 2nd edition".
What do you think about it? Any better choices ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I would avoid the "For Dummies" series of books, there are much better options out there (though admittedly textbooks will cost you a lot more).

I used Precalculus: A Right Triangle Approach by Lial/Hornsby, and it had great coverage of material and hundreds of exercises for every section. It also explains how many of the sections will be applicable to calculus.

I have heard nothing but good things about the ALEKS pre-calculus course Dr. Courtney referred to as well.
 
"fundamentals of freshman mathematics" by Allendoerfer/Oakley has a clear and informative presentation of the pre-calculus and some topics of calculus. Another good book is "Basic Mathematics" by Serge Lang and "Precalculus in a Nutshell" by G. Simmons.
 
Oakley is a good choice, is the book you recommended Bacte, the same as Principles Of Mathematics? I own a copy of Principles.

For geometry, which in a calculus class, which typically consist of Stewart. Geometry is not necessarily needed, just the results of the proofs. Usually ratios etc.

But if you want to learn geometry, I would recommended Jacobs Geometry and Edwin E. Moise Geometry. Both are great books, Jacobs is a lot easier than Moise, but Moise makes the subject come alive.