Learn Algebra from START to FINISH
TLDRThis video offers a comprehensive guide for learners of all levels to master algebra, from the basics to advanced concepts not typically taught in US schools. The host recommends specific books for beginners, intermediate learners, and those looking to explore higher algebra, including 'Everything You Need to Ace Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1', 'Forgotten Algebra', 'College Algebra by Blitzer', and 'Pre-Calculus by Stewart'. Additionally, the video touches on study aids like a timer, a trusted calculator, and quality pencils, emphasizing the importance of a structured approach to learning algebra.
Takeaways
- 📚 The video recommends two beginner books for learning algebra: 'Everything You Need to Ace Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1' and 'Forgotten Algebra', which are inexpensive and widely available.
- 🔢 For those who have some algebra knowledge, the video suggests 'College Algebra by Blitzer' in its essentials version, which covers typical college-level algebra topics.
- 📈 The video mentions that 'Pre-Calculus' by James Stewart is a comprehensive book that prepares students for calculus, including more in-depth topics and exercises.
- 🌐 The speaker discusses the use of online platforms like Khan Academy and Udemy for structured learning of algebra, but emphasizes that books are a better investment.
- 🎓 The video highlights that higher-level algebra books, such as 'Higher Algebra' by Bernard and Child and Holland Knight, contain advanced topics not typically taught in US colleges.
- 📝 The importance of practice is underscored by the video, with the speaker recommending working through problems in workbooks and using tools like a timer for effective study sessions.
- 🧠 The concept of 'mathematical mind memory' is introduced, suggesting that once learned, math skills can be quickly recalled, similar to muscle memory.
- 📉 The video touches on the idea that some topics in higher algebra books may be challenging even for teachers, indicating the depth of these resources.
- 🛠️ A simple, non-electric pencil sharpener is recommended for reliable use in various settings, emphasizing the old-school approach to studying.
- 📉 The video advises against using calculators with computer algebra systems for learning purposes, as they may hinder the development of algebraic skills.
- ✏️ The preference for using unlined paper for mathematical work is shared, inspired by a smart individual the speaker once knew, suggesting it may aid in creative problem-solving.
Q & A
What is the main topic of the video?
-The main topic of the video is about learning algebra from the very beginning and progressing to advanced levels, including topics not typically taught in schools in the US.
What are the two books recommended for complete beginners in algebra?
-The two books recommended for complete beginners are 'Everything You Need to Ace Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1' and 'One Big Fat Notebook', and 'Forgotten Algebra', a self-teaching refresher course.
What does the book 'Everything You Need to Ace Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1' offer to learners?
-This book offers a complete high school study guide with fun pictures and good explanations, making it suitable for anyone wanting to learn algebra, including those who did not finish high school or need to refresh their knowledge.
What is the purpose of the book 'Forgotten Algebra'?
-The purpose of 'Forgotten Algebra' is to help high school or college students, especially those planning to take SAT1 or GMAT, to recapture and improve their algebra skills through a self-pacing text workbook.
How does the video script relate the concept of muscle memory to learning mathematics?
-The script suggests that learning mathematics is similar to muscle memory, where if you have learned math in the past and then come back to it, it is easier to recall old math than to learn new math due to the 'mathematics mind memory'.
What is the 'College Algebra' book by Blitzer, and what does it cover?
-The 'College Algebra' book by Blitzer, specifically the essentials version, covers topics typically taught in a college-level algebra course, including equations, inequalities, complex numbers, and more advanced topics like matrices and determinants, which are optional.
What are the two advanced algebra books mentioned in the script, and what makes them special?
-The two advanced algebra books mentioned are 'Higher Algebra' by Bernard and Child and 'Higher Algebra' by Holland Knight. They are special because they contain very advanced and challenging algebra topics that are not typically covered in US colleges and are used in countries like India.
Outlines
📚 Starting Algebra Education
The speaker introduces the video's purpose, which is to guide absolute beginners through learning algebra, including advanced topics not commonly taught in US schools. Two recommended books for beginners are highlighted: 'Everything You Need to Ace Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1' and 'Forgotten Algebra,' both praised for their comprehensiveness and self-teaching capabilities. The speaker emphasizes the importance of starting with a solid foundation and the potential for muscle memory in mathematics, suggesting that prior knowledge can facilitate quicker learning.
📘 Advancing to College-Level Algebra
The focus shifts to more advanced algebra resources, starting with the 'College Algebra' book by Blitzer, specifically the 'Essentials' version, which covers typical college algebra curriculum. The video explains the structure of college algebra courses, including common topics and testing patterns. It also touches on the optional topics like matrices and determinants, which may be included in a regular course but are not in the essentials version. The speaker advocates for the value of this book over the beginner ones for those with some algebra knowledge.
📙 Exploring Pre-Calculus and Higher Algebra
The speaker discusses the transition to pre-calculus, mentioning a book by James Stewart that combines algebra and trigonometry, which is essential for calculus preparation. They describe the book's in-depth content and its value for self-study, including the presence of answers for odd-numbered problems. The video then delves into two advanced algebra books used in India, 'Higher Algebra' by Bernard and Child and Holland Knight, which contain very challenging problems and are considered classics in the field. These books are recommended for those seeking a deep dive into algebra beyond typical college curriculum.
🔢 Tools and Tips for Effective Math Study
The speaker concludes with recommendations for study tools, including a simple timer for managing study sessions, a specific calculator model favored in educational settings for not having a computer algebra system, and traditional study materials like pencils and unlined paper. They share personal anecdotes about studying habits and the benefits of learning from those more skilled. The video also briefly mentions online courses for structured learning, including the speaker's own courses on Udemy and other platforms, but ultimately emphasizes the importance and effectiveness of books for self-guided learning in algebra.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Algebra
💡Pre-Algebra
💡Algebra 1
💡College Algebra
💡Pre-Calculus
💡Higher Algebra
💡Self-Study
💡SAT1 and GMAT
💡Trigonometry
💡Calculator
💡Study Aids
Highlights
The video offers a guide on how to learn algebra from scratch for those with no prior knowledge.
Two recommended books for beginners are 'Everything You Need to Ace Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1' and 'One Big Fat Notebook'.
The 'Complete High School Study Guide' is suggested for anyone wanting to learn algebra, including those who did not finish high school.
For those planning to take SAT1 or GMAT, 'Forgotten Algebra' is a self-teaching workbook to recapture algebra skills.
Mathematics learning can be like muscle memory, where past knowledge aids in quick recall.
The 'College Algebra' book by Blitzer covers what's typically taught in a college-level algebra course.
The 'Essentials' version of Blitzer's book is more cost-effective and covers the core content of a college algebra course.
For those with a good grasp of algebra, 'Pre-Calculus' by James Stewart is recommended for its in-depth content and challenges.
Pre-Calculus books often combine algebra and trigonometry, preparing students for calculus.
The 'Higher Algebra' books by Bernard and Child and Holland Knight are advanced, old-school British texts used in India.
Higher Algebra books contain topics not typically seen in a US university math degree.
The video suggests using a simple timer for self-study to manage study sessions effectively.
A specific calculator model without a computer algebra system is recommended for students due to its acceptance in educational settings.
The use of pencils and unlined paper is suggested for mathematical work, inspired by observing highly capable individuals.
The presenter shares personal experiences with learning logarithms and the struggle that comes with advanced concepts.
Online courses on platforms like Khan Academy and Udemy are mentioned as alternatives to self-study with books.
The importance of books over online courses for structured learning is emphasized.
The video concludes with a recommendation to subscribe for more content on algebra and a reminder of the resources provided.
Transcripts
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