"What is a good book to learn all of precalculus? I need a no-fluff book with great exposition on precalculus. It should cover up intermediate algebra, trigonometry and anything else needed to get a strong preparation for Spivak's Calculus. It shouldn't contain annoying images or anything agitating, just serious math. But above all things, it should be very comprehensive and rigorous. It should help me to understand the concepts, and not just memorize them like we're supposed to do with most American textbooks..."

Konciljev56

Konciljev56

Answered question

2022-09-13

What is a good book to learn all of precalculus?
I need a no-fluff book with great exposition on precalculus. It should cover up intermediate algebra, trigonometry and anything else needed to get a strong preparation for Spivak's Calculus. It shouldn't contain annoying images or anything agitating, just serious math. But above all things, it should be very comprehensive and rigorous. It should help me to understand the concepts, and not just memorize them like we're supposed to do with most American textbooks...

Answer & Explanation

madirans2m

madirans2m

Beginner2022-09-14Added 17 answers

What you want are Gelfand's books: Algebra, Trigonometry, Functions and Graphs, and The Method of Coordinates. It is a shame these books are not better known and used.
Axler has a book on precalculus, but it is far more boring and typical than Gelfand's.
Simmons also has a lovely little book, Precalculus Mathematics in a Nutshell.
frobirrimupyx

frobirrimupyx

Beginner2022-09-15Added 1 answers

If you want to study trigonometry and algebra rigorously then go for S.L Loney trigonometry and Hall & Knight.For calculus Thomas Calculus is the best. Everything is included, including some precalculus needed for calculus, in it so you don't have to search anywhere else. I would personally suggest that for precalculus go for Khan academy because explanations there are sometimes better than books.

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