Introduction to Precalculus Books
Choosing the right precalculus book can be a daunting task, especially when you find that your current book, Pre-Calculus by James Stewart, is filled with complex applications from fields like banking, physics, and chemistry. This can make it difficult to focus on the core concepts. Fortunately, there are several alternatives available that might better suit your learning style.
Recommendations for Precalculus Books
A Graphical Approach to Precalculus by Hornsby and Lial: Known for its clear and straightforward explanations, this book is a great option for anyone looking to develop a strong foundation in algebra and trigonometry. It includes ample practice problems and focuses on building foundational skills rather than complex applications.
Operations after College Algebra also by James Stewart: This version is more focused on the mathematical concepts without delving heavily into other fields such as physics or chemistry. It provides a solid preparation for calculus, making it a top choice for those who enjoy a more traditional approach.
Art of Problem Solving Volume 1: The Basics: Ideal for students who thrive on problem-solving, this book emphasizes deep understanding of concepts rather than rote memorization. It's an excellent choice for those looking to develop a strong base in precalculus through challenging problems.
A Graphical Approach to Right Triangle Trigonometry by Hornsby: This book provides a more intuitive understanding of trigonometry and focuses on right triangles. It is particularly useful for those who find traditional approaches too abstract and want a more visual and relatable explanation.
Glencoe Precalculus Common Core Edition: Focused on providing a comprehensive precalculus education, this book includes numerous real-world applications that are presented in a way that is both accessible and relatable. It also includes a variety of visual aids to enhance learning.
Personal Recommendation and Additional Resources
For a personal recommendation, I would suggest starting with A Graphical Approach to Precalculus by Hornsby and Lial. Once you have a good grasp on the basic concepts, you can then look for additional resources online to complement your learning. Websites like Quizlet or Chegg are very useful for finding exercise answers, with anywhere between 50 to 100 problems per year. This can enhance your understanding of the material and help you fill any gaps in your knowledge.
Another book to consider is Glencoe Precalculus Common Core Edition. It provides more in-depth analysis on some of the topics that may be missing in the first book, such as the rotation of conics. While A Graphical Approach to Precalculus may not cover this topic in the main content, it includes it in the appendix. In contrast, Glencoe Precalculus Common Core Edition places this as a main topic, providing a deeper understanding of more complex trigonometric concepts.
Note: " Precalculus by J. Hornsby is brief and does not go in depth on many topics, and a briefness demonstrates that it is not meant for student learning but for a professor, who already know the subject. This book can be very good and serves as a good reference for those who are well versed in the subject but not a good primary textbook for self-learners."
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best precalculus book for you will depend on your learning style and the areas where you need the most help. It's often beneficial to try a few different books and see which one resonates the most with you. Supplementing with online resources can also greatly enhance your understanding of the material.
Remember, the key to mastering precalculus is consistent practice and deep understanding. By finding the right book and supplementing it with effective resources, you can build a strong foundation in mathematics that will serve you well in your future studies.