Mathematics reading recommendations
Supplemental textbooks
Book | Author | ISBN and purchase links | Why we're recommending it |
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Introduction to Algebra | Richard Rusczyk | ISBN 978-1-934124-14-7, paperback | This is a first year high school algebra textbook published by Art of Problem Solving that teaches elements of mathematical thinking and problem solving, as opposed to rote drill. The series has been reviewed very favorably, for example, on Quora. |
Introduction to Geometry | Richard Rusczyk | ISBN 978-1-934124-08-6, paperback | This is a high school geometry textbook published by Art of Problem Solving that teaches elements of mathematical thinking and problem solving, as opposed to rote drill. The series has been reviewed very favorably, for example, on Quora. |
Measurement | Paul Lockhart | ISBN 978-0674057555, Amazon paperback | Paul Lockhart is a professional mathematician who spent years teaching high school developing innovative curriculum. This offers a mathematical sophisticate's accessible take on geometry and calculus. |
Intermediate Algebra | Richard Rusczyk and Matthew Crawford | ISBN 978-1-934124-04-8, paperback | This is a second year high school algebra textbook published by Art of Problem Solving, that teaches elements of mathematical thinking and problem solving, as opposed to rote drill. The series has been reviewed very favorably, for example, on Quora. |
Precalculus | Richard Rusczyk | ISBN 978-1-934124-16-1, paperback | This is a precalculus textbook published by Art of Problem Solving, that teaches elements of mathematical thinking and problem solving, as opposed to rote drill. The series has been reviewed very favorably, for example, on Quora. |
Mathematical history
Book | Author | ISBN and purchase links | Why we're recommending it |
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Journey through Genius: The Great Theorems of Mathematics | William Dunham | ISBN 978-0140147391, Amazon paperback | This book presents highlights from the history of mathematics. In doing so, it gives a sense for mathematics as a human intellectual accomplishment. A number of mathematicians remember it as their favorite math book from their high school days. It's accessible to students who have learned most of high school geometry and second year algebra. |
The Music of the Primes: Searching to Solve the Greatest Mystery in Mathematics | Marcus du Sautoy | ISBN 978-0062064011, Amazon paperback | This book is one of the best books for a general audience on the history 19th and 20th century mathematical research. It focuses on the Riemann Hypothesis, which is one of the most famous unsolved mathematical problems, but manages to tie together many threads, which offers the reader a sense of perspective. Art of Problem Solving founder Richard Rusczyk named it one of his favorite math popularization books. |
The Code Book: The Science of Secrecy from Ancient Egypt to Quantum Cryptography | Simon Singh | ISBN 978-0385495325, Amazon paperback | This book gives a history of the mathematical field of cryptography, which has affected society on many levels. The book has been widely acclaimed. |
Higher math
Book | Author | ISBN and purchase links | Why we're recommending it |
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The Shape of Space | Jeffrey Weeks | ISBN 978-0824707095, Amazon paperback | This book introduces the reader to hyperbolic geometry in two and three dimensions, giving the reader a glimpse of modern geometry. It's accessible to readers who have learned high school geometry |