Need to freshen up on low level math courses

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around resources for reviewing foundational mathematics, specifically geometry and algebra, for someone returning to college-level courses after a gap. Participants share recommendations for books and study materials suitable for refreshing knowledge in these areas.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to review geometry and algebra after having previously completed Calculus 1 in high school.
  • Another suggests using Schaum's Outlines and REA Problem Solvers as helpful resources for review.
  • A different participant recommends the "Master Math" series, noting that it is particularly useful for reviewing material rather than learning it for the first time.
  • One contributor advises focusing on the College Algebra and Pre-Calculus texts, emphasizing the importance of a solid foundation in Trigonometry and the Transcendentals for success in higher-level math.
  • Another participant mentions 'Precalculus Mathematics in a Nutshell' by Simmons as a good review book, highlighting its affordability.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of reviewing foundational material, but there are differing opinions on which specific resources are most effective for this purpose. No consensus is reached on a single best approach or resource.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that the transition from high school to college-level mathematics can be significant, with varying levels of thoroughness in the curriculum depending on the institution.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students returning to mathematics after a break, particularly those looking for effective review materials for algebra and geometry before tackling college-level courses.

thakid87
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Hi.

This is my first post here. Honestly, I love math. I graduated high school with Calculus 1 under my belt. Not a big feat to you guys, but I was proud. Then I messed up big time. Fast forward 3 years later and I'm a freshman at a CC starting off with college algrbra and precalculus. I want to review on simple things that I didn't exactly learn very well. Geometry and Algebra/Algrebra 2 mostly. Anything that has to do with my first 2 years of high school.

So, my question is, any books I can buy to review that on my own time? Or any websites?

I hope I'm in posting this in the right section.

Thanks.
 
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Try the Schaum's Outlines and REA Problem Solvers.
 
I would try the "Master Math" series of books. Not very helpful for someone learning the material for the first time, very helpful for someone who is reviewing (and they're fairly cheap too). I know they have geometry and pre-calculus. If you graduated high school with calculus 1 then you don't need to be reading textbooks, you just need to refresh your memory. So I would recommend review books over textbooks intended for first-timers.
 
Read your College Algebra and Pre-Calculus texts well. I returned to school a year and a half ago and took Pre-Calculus over, as I never had a solid foundation in Trigonometry or the Transcendentals.

If you're taking College Algebra, you shouldn't need to review any other Algebra. Reviewing Geometry would be useful, but not necessary. I also attend a CC, and am finishing up my math sequence this year with Multivariate and Diff-Eq. It's easy to tell which people started off with College Algebra/Pre-Calculus, and which people just started off in Calculus I - they are so much more prepared, and function-modeling comes much easier.

My state (Massachusetts) offers some of the better public schools in the country, but college-level Algebra and Pre-Calculus is on a whole different level than high school mathematics (at least in my area). So much more thorough.
 
I think the book 'Precalculus Mathematics in a Nutshell' by Simmons is a nice one that would be good for what you want to review. Plus it's only $15!
 

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