Best Books to teach yourself math?

I am a university student currently studying for a B.A, thus little math is required. I've never been historically great at math, I know basic arithmitic and have intermediate algebra down, but I'd really like to give myself a better understanding and perhaps reach higher levels of math by studying on my own. Therefore, I'd like to ask if you have any advice for someone who'd like to study mathematics on their own. I am a double major and don't have any hours left to dedicate to math courses, but my university has a math/science support center with tutors in mathematics at all levels, so I'd be able to get help there to clarify something that I did not understand through autodidactic study.

Basically, I'm doing this for self intellectual enrichment and my lack of proficiency in mathematics is something I'd like to remedy from an intellectual standpoint

What are some good books/resources I could purchase?

I'd like to cover:

Algebra
Precalculus
Differential and Integral Calculus

and then make my way into university level math.

I realize this in't a math question directly, but I hope some of you may be able to offer insight/specific resources.

Differential equations by Zill is easy to understand on your own.

Calculus 9th Ed by Larson, Hostetler, and Edwards

Schuams (I believe it is spelled) is supposed to be a good.

The "Demystified" series is pretty good.

I have a feeling that this thread is going to get a lot of replies.

One starting book for a beginning student that is fast paced, formal, and inspirational:
http://www.amazon.com/Art-Problem-So.../dp/1885875010
http://www.amazon.com/Art-Problem-So.../dp/1885875037

Also:
http://www.amazon.com/Mathematical-T.../dp/0130144126

Thanks so far guys!

Keep them coming as I'd like to approach this from a multitude of angles, it'll definitely be interesting to plow through all of this on my own.

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Originally Posted by stephenk19

I am a university student currently studying for a B.A, thus little math is required. I've never been historically great at math, I know basic arithmitic and have intermediate algebra down, but I'd really like to give myself a better understanding and perhaps reach higher levels of math by studying on my own. Therefore, I'd like to ask if you have any advice for someone who'd like to study mathematics on their own. I am a double major and don't have any hours left to dedicate to math courses, but my university has a math/science support center with tutors in mathematics at all levels, so I'd be able to get help there to clarify something that I did not understand through autodidactic study.

Basically, I'm doing this for self intellectual enrichment and my lack of proficiency in mathematics is something I'd like to remedy from an intellectual standpoint

What are some good books/resources I could purchase?

I'd like to cover:

Algebra
Precalculus
Differential and Integral Calculus

and then make my way into university level math.

I realize this in't a math question directly, but I hope some of you may be able to offer insight/specific resources.

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Look into Paul's Online Math Notes -- his note's are easy to follow and would be a good supplement to any book you're studying from!

I would highly recommend the following books by Morris Kline:

1. Mathematics for the Nonmathematician (covers algebra, trig, and precalc).
2. Calculus: An Intuitive and Physical Approach

For DE's, I've been enjoying going through Zill's DE book (also recommended by dwsmith above) on my own. You might consider the Tenenbaum/Pollard book, as it is very inexpensive. Both Kline books are inexpensive, which is nice, and the quality is outstanding.

Cheers.

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I would highly recommend the following books by Morris Kline:

1. Mathematics for the Nonmathematician (covers algebra, trig, and precalc).

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I just went and picked a few of these up this morning and this one really stood out from my brief exploration of it!

This information has been really helpful. If anyone can think of something else, don't hesitate to post. There's no such thing as too many resources.

Also, great news!

My university accepts CLEP credits for the CLEP exam in College Algebra and Pre-Calc, so I'm giving myself eight months to go from intermediate algebra to the beginning of Calculus and then I'll devote some of what little electives I have left to either Calc I or II.

A small question: After brushing up on my intermediate algebra and tackling College Algebra, is it advisable to study trig indepenently before beginning precalculus course?

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After brushing up on my intermediate algebra and tackling College Algebra, is it advisable to study trig indepenently before beginning precalculus course?

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It's kind of 6 of one, a half-dozen of the other. Pre-Calc, in my mind, equals Algebra 3 + analytic geometry + trigonometry. Once you've studied all that, you're ready for calculus. At least, that's the way it is in the US. Are you in the US? In any case, my answer to your question would be probably a "no". You can study trig in your pre-calc class. That's the way I did it, anyway.

Incidentally, if you have an edit to a post you want to make, and it's been a while since you made the post, you're probably better off with a new post in the same thread. That's a lot more visible than editing an old post. On the other hand, "bumping" is discouraged on this forum. A genuine addition to a post is not considered bumping.

Cheers.