Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the experiences and opinions regarding the Intermediate Algebra and Precalculus textbooks from Art of Problem Solving (AoPS), particularly in the context of preparing for math classes and competitions. Participants share their insights on the effectiveness of these books for self-study and classroom use.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant ordered the Intermediate Algebra and Precalculus books for a precalculus class and seeks feedback on their effectiveness.
- Another participant has skimmed AoPS's Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 books and found them to be good, though they do not have direct experience with the specific textbooks in question.
- A participant shared their experience using AoPS books for self-study in high school, noting that they felt well-prepared for math competitions and appreciated the focus on problem-solving, although they have not used these specific books in a classroom setting.
- One participant expressed dissatisfaction with the online textbook used in their class, citing issues with missing images and poor formatting, indicating a preference for AoPS materials for self-study.
- A participant mentioned plans to acquire Vol. 1 and 2 in the future to prepare for the AMC12 competition.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally share positive sentiments about AoPS books for self-study and competition preparation, but there is no consensus on the specific effectiveness of the Intermediate Algebra and Precalculus books for classroom use, as experiences vary.
Contextual Notes
Some participants have not used the specific textbooks in question, and there are references to issues with other educational materials that may influence opinions on AoPS books.