Well rounded list of books for starting a home mathematics library.

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on building a comprehensive home mathematics library for individuals looking to deepen their understanding of mathematics and its history. Key recommendations include Spivak's "Calculus" for a rigorous approach and considering introductory analysis texts like "Principles of Mathematical Analysis" by Walter Rudin. Participants emphasize the importance of exploring various mathematical topics through resources like arXiv and Wikipedia to identify personal interests. The conversation highlights the value of classical math literature in understanding the evolution of mathematical concepts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Familiarity with basic calculus concepts
  • Interest in classical mathematics literature
  • Understanding of mathematical analysis
  • Ability to navigate academic resources like arXiv and Wikipedia
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "Spivak's Calculus" for a rigorous understanding of calculus
  • Explore "Principles of Mathematical Analysis" by Walter Rudin for introductory analysis
  • Investigate various mathematical topics on arXiv to discover personal interests
  • Visit university libraries to access a range of mathematics books
USEFUL FOR

Students returning to mathematics, educators seeking to enhance their teaching resources, and anyone interested in the historical context and evolution of mathematical concepts.

drummerguy198
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I have taken all maths through Calculus I in high school, which was back in 2008. I am back in college again, this time with a renewed interest in math and philosophy. Without going into too much detail, I think it safe to say that the last thing on my mind in high school was school, which I very much regret, however well I actually did (3.85 GPA, National Honors Society). I retained much of what I learned and found it all relatively easy (with the exception of vectors). However, I didn't have quite the passion for math that I have now. I want to restudy all of what I learned, but in greater detail. Also, I have found that I am very much fascinated by classical math literature and the history of how different topics of math evolved over time.

The only worry I have about buying books without the advise of others is studying for a long period of time only to find that there are gaps in my knowledge or whole topics/concepts that I have skipped.
 
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drummerguy198 said:
I want to restudy all of what I learned, but in greater detail.

If you want more rigor in math, try Spivak's Calculus (eventhough cliche)
Good Luck:smile:
 
drummerguy198 said:
I want to restudy all of what I learned, but in greater detail. Also, I have found that I am very much fascinated by classical math literature and the history of how different topics of math evolved over time.

for calculus this is the book for you:

books?id=189kAkcrpYQC&pg=PP1&img=1&zoom=3&hl=en&sig=ACfU3U1KVSYCnrjQzU20PhZOK1Sh809d9w&w=575.jpg


it was never intended to be a textbook or a history book, but in illustration of the main ideas of calculus through the issues that came up for the people studying it.

I guess "more detailed" could also mean intro analysis (like little Rudin), & there are about a dozen good books on that stuff.
 
How about more advanced topics? Try checking out a list of mathematical topics (on arXiV or Wikipedia) and see which one jumps out at you the most. A field you've been dying to learn about, or even a field that just "sounds cool." Then go to a library (probably a uni's) and check out some books on the topic to see if you like it.
This way, you'll get a pretty broad understanding of what's out there and you can focus on the stuff you like and not what we recommend.
 

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