What's a good book for last year of A levels Maths?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding suitable self-study resources for A Levels Mathematics, specifically focusing on topics such as Linear Algebra, Calculus, Geometry, and Combinatorics. Participants share suggestions and resources to aid in the study process before the upcoming academic year.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks a book for self-study that covers Linear Algebra, Derivatives and Integrals, Geometry, and Combinatorics, expressing a preference for free resources.
  • Another participant suggests exploring MIT's "scholar" courses, indicating that the required content is not very deep and that these courses may be appropriate for the inquirer.
  • A later reply acknowledges the suggestion and mentions looking into Single Variable Calculus lectures from MIT.
  • One participant expresses frustration at the inquiry about downloadable books, implying that it may lead to issues.
  • The original poster clarifies their interest in Geometry and Combinatorics resources specifically, and emphasizes their access to public libraries, countering the assumption about seeking downloads.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on specific book recommendations, and there are differing views on the appropriateness of downloadable resources versus physical books from libraries.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the specific needs for Geometry and Combinatorics resources, and there are varying interpretations of the appropriateness of online materials.

Who May Find This Useful

Students preparing for A Levels Mathematics, educators looking for resource recommendations, and individuals interested in self-study strategies for advanced mathematics topics.

PhysicsLad
Messages
21
Reaction score
2
I'm looking for a book to self-study this summer before my last course of Bachillerato (A Levels or High School in other countries).

My performance in Mathematics has only improved and I've just been given the maximum mark this last term (10/10 or A+). This has motivated me a lot to keep studying on my own before attending classes again (in September).

The course content that I need to study is composed by the following:

- Linear Algebra (matrices, determinants, linear equation systems, Cramer's rule)
- Derivatives and Integrals (applications of Calculus, Rolle-Lagrange-Cauchy-l'Hopital, definite and indefinite integrals)
- Geometry (vector space, points planes and lines, positions...)

I'm comfortable at playing with real numbers, doing essential derivative stuff (Chain rule and so on), solving limits. I know basic trigonometry and 2d plane geometry, introductory Statistics and Probability, typical imaginary numbers stuff, binomial theorem, solving basic systems with Gauss method...

The book would ideally be free but I can always access it anyway, if you know what I mean. I will study Physics at uni after this course. If you can point me out some introductory Combinatorics it's a big plus...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
MIT has courses meant for high-schoolers, the "scholar" versions. Search for "MIT Scholar" and you'll find what you need.

PS. I notice what you must learn is not that deep, for example Taylor's theorem is not included. So these scholar courses are probably at the right level for you.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: PhysicsLad
Thank you. I'm taking a look at the Single Variable Calculus lectures.
 
Anybody?
 
You've been helped, young man. And asking for books that you can download anyway is asking for trouble.
 
Aight, I was just hoping somebody would help with the Geometry and Combinatorics part (I didn't find info about these on MIT).

Where did I mention downloads though? There are plenty of public libraries here:biggrin: (I just prefer open source for readiness and personal preference)
 

Similar threads

Intro Physics What is the best conceptual high school physics book?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
What would be a good book for learning Linear Algebra by myself?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
11K
Intro Math Plan to revise my learned math & start learning pure math
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
Calculus Which books for Calculus AND Linear Algebra
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Intro Math Are the (translated) High School Japanese maths textbooks by Kodaira Good?
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
6K
Classical Source recommendation on Differential Geometry
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • Sticky
Other Collection of Free Online Math Books and Lecture Notes (part 1)
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
13K
Intro Physics Level of Math Required for Young’s University Physics
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
5K
Intro Physics High School Physics and Math books for self-studying?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
8K
Classical A good book that covers everything?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K