Wanting to study Functions from scratch for my Calculus preparation

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the suitability of "Precalculus" by James Stewart for learning functions from scratch, particularly for those revising Algebra I and II. Users confirm that Chapter 2 of the textbook covers functions comprehensively, making it a viable resource for foundational math. Additionally, participants recommend utilizing the "Look Inside" feature on Amazon and suggest supplementary resources like the tutorial site and the ALEKS platform for enhanced learning. The consensus emphasizes the importance of mastering precalculus concepts to excel in calculus and physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Algebra I and II concepts
  • Familiarity with functions, including trigonometric and exponential functions
  • Basic knowledge of calculus principles
  • Access to educational resources such as textbooks and online courses
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore "Precalculus" by James Stewart to study functions in detail
  • Utilize the "Look Inside" feature on Amazon for previewing textbooks
  • Investigate the tutorial resources at tutorial.math.lamar.edu for additional practice
  • Consider enrolling in the free edX course on precalculus for structured learning
USEFUL FOR

Students preparing for calculus, educators seeking effective teaching materials, and anyone looking to strengthen their foundational math skills for further studies in physics and advanced mathematics.

mark2142
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Does Precalculus by James Stewart teaches function from scratch ?
 
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Can you say more about what you are looking for in a Precalculus textbook? What kind of functions?

If you search on the textbook at Amazon, you can use their "Look Inside" feature to view the Table of Contents and other brief summaries of the content:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1305071751/?tag=pfamazon01-20
 
Function that is taught in algebra I and II I suppose.
 
Like trig functions, exponential functions, infinite series, and similar?

Did you try the "Look Inside" feature at Amazon yet?
 
Actually I want to revise algebra 1 and 2 and move forward. Learn new maths. But I don’t want to buy new book. I was thinking if this book will do the job for a while?
(I am tired of buying books)
 
mark2142 said:
Does Precalculus by James Stewart teaches function from scratch ?
Mark,

you have asked many pre-calculus questions in regards topics and books. The best course of action is to read and work through the pre-calculus book...
 
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mark2142 said:
Does Precalculus by James Stewart teaches function from scratch ?
Yes, chapter 2 covers functions from the beginning
 
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MidgetDwarf said:
Mark,

you have asked many pre-calculus questions in regards topics and books. The best course of action is to read and work through the pre-calculus book...
But I asked one question regarding books.
Muu9 said:
Yes, chapter 2 covers functions from the beginning
That’s a relief.
I prepare myself that now I’ll complete this or that book and will pursue my journey to learn science. I start the book and then I leave because the math is above my level. So I go buying new book. And then this cycle repeats. I start and then I leave. It has happened a lot. I think I have to learn and revise maths from beginning if I want to excel in physics. Everywhere there is calculus and I need to understand this calculus if I want to understand any physics topic. For that I have to go through Precalculus first. And for learning that I need to go through algebra 1 and 2. It’s a relief that algebra 1 and 2 are covered in Precalculus.
Thanks.
 
Last edited:
  • #10
mark2142 said:
But I asked one question regarding books.

That’s a relief.
I prepare myself that now I’ll complete this or that book and will pursue my journey to learn science. I start the book and then I leave because the math is above my level. So I go buying new book. And then this cycle repeats. I start and then I leave. It has happened a lot. I think I have to learn and revise maths from beginning if I want to excel in physics. Everywhere there is calculus and I need to understand this calculus if I want to understand any physics topic. For that I have to go through Precalculus first. And for learning that I need to go through algebra 1 and 2. It’s a relief that algebra 1 and 2 are covered in Precalculus.
Thanks.
maybe you can benefit by using something like Aleks, and working through your book.
 
  • #11
MidgetDwarf said:
maybe you can benefit by using something like Aleks, and working through your book.
It usually costs money, but you can get access to it for free through this edx course: https://www.edx.org/course/precalculus
 

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