All The Math Books You’ll Ever Need (Updated 2023)

Countless math books are published each year, however, only a tiny percentage of these titles are destined to become the kind of classics that are loved the world over by students and mathematicians.

Within this page, you’ll find an extensive list of math books that have sincerely earned the reputation that precedes them.

For many of the most important branches of mathematics, we’ve provided what we consider to be the best math books for the subject at hand. We aimed for a list of titles that were either introductory in nature or that fall into the category of “must-have” math reference books.

Naturally, a universal consensus doesn’t exist but the books below are as close as it gets to a wish list for any aspiring mathematician or person who’s interested in mathematics. We highly recommend each and every one of these titles and hope that you’ll enjoy them, too.

Please note, this list will constantly be updated so as to keep it current.

Math Books Menu

Abstract algebra books, contemporary abstract algebra.

by Joseph Gallian

Abstract Algebra

by David S. Dummit and Richard M. Foote

Algorithms Books

Introduction to algorithms, third edition.

by Thomas H. Cormen, Charles E. Leiserson and Ronald L. Rivest

The Art of Computer Programming, Volumes 1-3 Boxed Set

by Donald E. Knuth

Calculus Helpers Books

The calculus lifesaver: all the tools you need to excel at calculus.

by Adrian Banner

Calculus Made Easy

by Silvanus P. Thompson

Calculus I Books

Calculus, vol. 1.

by Tom M. Apostol

by Michael Spivak

Calculus II/III Books

Calculus, vol. 2, calculus on manifolds, coffee table math books, mathematicians: an outer view of the inner world.

by Mariana Cook

Sacred Mathematics: Japanese Temple Geometry

by Fukagawa Hidetoshi and Tony Rothman

Combinatorics Books

Principles and techniques in combinatorics.

by Chen Chuan-Chong and Koh Khee-Meng

Combinatorics and Graph Theory (2nd edition)

by John Harris, Jeffry L. Hirst, and Michael Mossinghoff

Differential Equations Books

Differential equations and their applications.

by Martin Braun

Encyclopedias of Mathematics Books

The princeton companion to mathematics.

by Timothy Gowers, June Barrow-Green and Imre Leader (Editors)

Encyclopedia of Mathematics

by James Stuart Tanton

Foundations of Mathematics Books

A mathematical introduction to logic, second edition.

by Herbert Enderton

Classic Set Theory for Guided Independent Study

by Derek C. Goldrei

Categories for the Working Mathematician

by Saunders Mac Lane

History of Mathematics Books

Mathematics: from the birth of numbers.

by Jan Gullberg

What Is Mathematics? An Elementary Approach to Ideas and Methods

by Richard Courant and Herbert Robbins

Mathematics and its History

by John Stillwell

Information Theory Books

Computational science and engineering.

by Gilbert Strang

Information Science

by David G. Luenberger

Introduction to Coding and Information Theory

by Steve Roman

Linear Algebra and Geometry Books

Linear algebra done right.

by Sheldon Axler

The Four Pillars of Geometry

Mathematical methods books, mathematical methods: for students of physics and related fields.

by Sadri Hassani

Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences

by Mary L. Boas

Number Theory Books

Elementary number theory.

by Gareth A. Jones and Josephine M. Jones

An Invitation to Modern Number Theory

by Steven J. Miller and Ramin Takloo-Bighash

An Introduction to the Theory of Numbers

by G. H. Hardy, Edward M. Wright and Andrew Wiles

Numerical Analysis Books

Numerical analysis with cd-rom.

by Timothy Sauer

Numerical Recipes 3rd Edition: The Art of Scientific Computing

by William H. Press, Saul A. Teukolsky, William T. Vetterling and Brian P. Flannery

Precalculus Books

Precalculus mathematics in a nutshell: geometry, algebra, trigonometry.

by George F. Simmons

Basic Mathematics

by Serge Lang

Probability Books

Introduction to probability models, tenth edition.

by Sheldon M. Ross

An Introduction to Probability Theory and Its Applications

by William Feller

Probability Theory: The Logic of Science

by E.T Jaynes

Fifty Challenging Problems in Probability with Solutions

by Frederick Monsteller

Real and Complex Analysis Books

Principles of mathematical analysis, third edition.

by Walter Rudin

Real Analysis

by N.L Carothers

Real and Complex Analysis

A first course in complex analysis with applications.

by Dennis Zill and Patrick Shanahan

Visual Complex Analysis

by Tristan Needham

Statistics Books

Statistics in plain english, third edition.

by Timothy C. Urdan

Review : Just as the title implies, the author has submitted an unequivocal and palpable exposition on statistics. Statistics in Plain English is regarded by many as the most appropriate statistics primer for undergraduates. Urdan has managed to compress everything one needs to know about statistics into a compact 250 page book that doesn’t feel hurried or unfulfilling. The text is general enough to be used in a variety of mathematical areas yet retains its comprehensiveness and accuracy. Urdan masterfully moves through essential concepts without losing the reader the way many professors would. Students harboring apprehension towards statistics will tremendously enjoy this book. More info .

Introductory Statistics

by Neil A. Weiss

Statistics, 4th Edition

by David Freedman, Robert Pisani and Roger Purves

Topology Books

Introduction to topology and modern analysis, introduction to topology: third edition.

by Bert Mendelson

Feel free to get in touch if you think the list is really missing out by not listing a specific book. If you are a publisher and feel that we’re missing a great book of yours, drop us a line. Please understand that we recommend only what we consider to be the best books on the market today. No exceptions.

Disclaimer: Here at Math-Blog.com we believe in full disclosure. The links to Amazon.com, have our referral id which earns us a tiny commission every time you buy from these links. Think of it as a tip that won’t cost you a cent, to reward us for our time investment. We appreciate your support.

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  • Laplace transform
  • Vectors and spaces
  • Matrix transformations
  • Alternate coordinate systems (bases)

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Recommended Books

Here is a list of books that we would recommended for young people who are interested in mathematics. They are grouped into three different categories:

History of Mathematics

Recreational, thinking mathematically.

We have given each book a lower age band based on the content and language used in the book and have presented them in ascending order of age. This is merely a guideline and you are welcome to make your own judgements on whether or not a book is suitable.

If you'd like to see some book recommendations for younger learners, take a look at the list of books compiled by our Primary team .

Students considering studying Maths or a related subject at university might be interested in the Cambridge Mathematical Reading List , which contains a wide range of suggested books including historical, recreational and technical maths books.

There are lots of maths podcasts you can listen to. Why not try: BBC's More or Less podcast Numberphile 's videos and postcasts.

The Boy Who Loved Math: The Improbable Life of Paul Erdős

Age 7+ Most people think of mathematicians as solitary, working away in isolation. And, it's true, many of them do. But Paul Erdős never followed the usual path. At the age of four, he could ask you when you were born and then calculate the number of seconds you had been alive in his head. But he didn't learn to butter his own bread until he turned twenty. Instead, he traveled around the world, from one mathematician to the next, collaborating on an astonishing number of publications. With a simple, lyrical text and richly layered illustrations, this is a beautiful introduction to the world of math and a fascinating look at the unique character traits that made "Uncle Paul" a great man.

Blockhead: The Life of Fibonacci

mathematical problem solving books for beginners

Infinity and Me

Uma can't help feeling small when she peers up at the night sky. She begins to wonder about infinity. Is infinity a number that grows forever? Is it an endless racetrack? Could infinity be in an ice cream cone? Uma soon finds that the ways to think about this big idea may just be . . . infinite.

On a Beam of Light: A Story of Albert Einstein

mathematical problem solving books for beginners

Travel along with Einstein on a journey full of curiosity, laughter, and scientific discovery. Parents and children alike will appreciate this moving story of the powerful difference imagination can make in any life.

50 Mathematical Ideas You Really Need to Know by Tony Crilly

In this book, Professor Tony Crilly explains in 50 clear and concise essays the mathematical concepts - ancient and modern, theoretical and practical, everyday and esoteric - that allow us to understand and shape the world around us. Packed with diagrams, examples and anecdotes, this book is the perfect overview of this often daunting but always essential subject. For once, mathematics couldn't be simpler.

The Math Book by Clifford A Pickover

Mathematic's infinite mysteries and beauty unfold in this book. Beginning millions of years ago with ancient ant odometers and moving through time to our modern-day quest for new dimensions, prolific polymath Clifford Pickover covers 250 milestones in mathematical history. Among the numerous concepts readers will encounter as they dip into this inviting anthology: cicada-generated prime numbers, magic squares, the discovery of pi and calculus, and the butterfly effect. Each topic is presented in a lavishly illustrated spread, including formulas, fascinating facts about scientists' lives and real-world applications of the theorems.

Alex's Adventures in Numberland by Alex Bellos

The world of maths can seem mind-boggling, irrelevant and, sometimes, boring. This groundbreaking book reclaims maths from the geeks. Mathematical ideas underpin just about everything in our lives: from the surprising geometry of the 50p piece to how probability can help you win in any casino. In search of weird and wonderful mathematical phenomena, Alex Bellos travels across the globe and meets the world's fastest mental calculators in Germany and a startlingly numerate chimpanzee in Japan. Packed with fascinating, eye-opening anecdotes, Alex's Adventures in Numberland is an exhilarating cocktail of history, reportage and mathematical proofs that will leave you awestruck.

The Monty Hall Problem: Beyond Closed Doors by Rob Deaves

This short book explores the Monty Hall dilemma, a well known mathematical puzzle. The original problem, the controversy surrounding it and its solution are discussed. Further, the boundaries of the problem are expanded to consider prior knowledge and host intention. This book should be of interest to those who enjoy problem solving.

The Language of Mathematics by Keith Devlin

In The Language of Mathematics, award-winning author Keith Devlin reveals the vital role mathematics plays in our eternal quest to understand who we are and the world we live in. More than just the study of numbers, mathematics provides us with the eyes to recognize and describe the hidden patterns of life. Devlin shows us what keeps a jumbo jet in the air, explains how we can see and hear a football game on TV, allows us to predict the weather, the behavior of the stock market, and the outcome of elections. Far from a dry and esoteric subject, mathematics is a rich and living part of our culture. An exploration of an often woefully misunderstood subject, this book celebrates the simplicity, the precision, the purity, and the elegance of mathematics.

The Music of the Primes by Marcus Du Sautoy

How can one predict when the next prime number will occur? Is there a formula which could generate primes? These apparently simple questions have confounded mathematicians ever since the Ancient Greeks. In 1859, the brilliant German mathematician Bernhard Riemann put forward a hypothesis which finally seemed to reveal a magical harmony at work in the numerical landscape. The promise that these eternal, unchanging numbers would finally reveal their secret thrilled mathematicians around the world. Yet Riemann never publicly provided a proof for his hypothesis and his housekeeper burned most of his personal papers on his death. Whoever cracks Riemann's hypothesis will go down in history, for it has implications far beyond mathematics. In business, it plays a central role in security and e-commerce. In science, it brings together vastly different areas, with critical ramifications in Quantum Mechanics, Chaos Theory and the future of computing. Pioneers in each of these fields are racing to crack the code and a prize of $1 million has been offered to the winner. As yet, it remains unsolved.

Journey Through Genius: The Great Theorems of Mathematics by William Dunham

In this book Dunham treats mathematical theorems as creative works of art. He places each theorem within its historical context and explores the very human and often turbulent life of the creator. He studies such great mathematicians as Archimedes, Gerolamo Cardano and Georg Cantor. He also provides step-by-step proofs for the theorems, each easily accessible to readers with no more than a knowledge of high school mathematics.

The Mathematical Universe: Alphabetical Journey Through the Great Proofs, Problems & Personalities by William Dunham

In this book, Dunham takes us through a tantalizing selection of the great proofs, notorious disputes, and intriguing unsolved mysteries of the mathematical universe. Subjects range from the golden age of Greek geometry to the furthest frontier of infinite series. Dunham explores more than five thousand years of mathematical history, digging into the earliest records in Egypt, Babylon, India, and China, and turning up surprising tales and tidbits from modern times. All along the way, Dunham portrays the great masters of mathematics at their work. In colorful anecdotes, the brilliant - often eccentric - luminaries chart the course of mathematical progress. This book is accessible to any reader with a basic knowledge of algebra and geometry. You will come away from this exhilarating book with a keen sense of the power and splendor of the magical mathematical world.

Chaos by James Gleick

Chaos is what happens when the behaviour of a system gets too complicated to predict; the most familiar example is the weather, which apparently cannot be forecast accurately more than five days ahead. This book tells the story so far in the study of this new field of Physics.

Euclid's Window: The Story of Geometry from Parallel Lines to Hyperspace by Leonard Mlodinow

Anyone who thought geometry was boring or dry should prepare to be amazed. Despite its worthy cover this book is exactly what its title says - a story - and the plot of this story involves life, death and revolutions of understanding and belief. It stars the some of the most famous names in history, from Euclid who laid the logical foundations, to Albert Einstein, who united space and time in a single non-Euclidean geometry. It offers an alternative history of mathematics, revealing how simple questions anyone might ask about space - in the living room or in some other galaxy - have been the hidden engines of the highest achievements in science and technology.

Closing the Gap: The Quest to Understand Prime Numbers by Vicky Neale

Prime numbers have intrigued, inspired and infuriated mathematicians for millennia. Every school student studies prime numbers and can appreciate their beauty, and yet mathematicians' difficulty with answering some seemingly simple questions about them reveals the depth and subtlety of prime numbers. In this book, Vicky Neale charts the recent progress towards proving the famous Twin Primes Conjecture, and the very different ways in which the breakthroughs have been made: a solo mathematician working in isolation and obscurity, and a large collaboration that is more public than any previous collaborative effort in mathematics. Interleaved with this story are highlights from a significantly older tale, going back two thousand years and more, of mathematicians' efforts to comprehend the beauty and unlock the mysteries of the prime numbers.

Fermat's Last Theorem by Simon Singh

The story of the solving of a puzzle that has confounded mathematicians since the 17th century. In 1963, a schoolboy browsing in his local library stumbled across the world's greatest mathematical problem: Fermat's Last Theorem, a puzzle that every child can understand but which has baffled mathematicians for over 300 years. Aged just ten, Andrew Wiles dreamed that he would crack it. Wiles's lifelong obsession with a seemingly simple challenge set by a long-dead Frenchman is an emotional tale of sacrifice and extraordinary determination. In the end, Wiles was forced to work in secrecy and isolation for seven years, harnessing all the power of modern maths to achieve his childhood dream. Many before him had tried and failed, including a 18-century philanderer who was killed in a duel. An 18-century Frenchwoman made a major breakthrough in solving the riddle, but she had to attend maths lectures at the Ecole Polytechnique disguised as a man since women were forbidden entry to the school.

The Code Book by Simon Singh

The Code Book is a history of man's urge to uncover the secrets of codes, from Egyptian puzzles to modern day computer encryptions. As in Fermat's Last Theorem, Simon Singh brings life to an astonishing story of puzzles, codes, languages and riddles that reveals man's continual pursuit to disguise and uncover, and to work out the secret languages of others. Codes have influenced events throughout history, both in the stories of those who make them and those who break them. The betrayal of Mary Queen of Scots and the cracking of the enigma code that helped the Allies in World War II are major episodes in a continuing history of cryptography. In addition to stories of intrigue and warfare, Simon Singh also investigates other codes, the unravelling of genes and the rediscovery of ancient languages and most tantalisingly, the Beale ciphers, an unbroken code that could hold the key to a 20 million dollar treasure.

The Penguin Dictionary of Curious and Interesting Numbers by David Wells

Look up 1729 to see why it is 'among the most famous of all numbers'. Look up 0.7404 ($= \frac{\pi}{18}$) to discover that this is the density of closely packed identical spheres in what is believed by many mathematicians (though it was at that time an unproven hypothesis) and is known by all physicists and greengrocers to be the optimal packing. Look up Graham's number (the last one in the book), which is inconceivably big: even written as a tower of powers ($9 ^{9^ {9 ^\cdots}}$) it would take up far more ink than could be made from all the atoms in the universe. It is an upper bound for a quantity in Ramsey theory whose actual value is believed to be about 6. A book to be dipped into at leisure.

mathematical problem solving books for beginners

Calculus has a fierce reputation as complicated, abstract and difficult, but Steven Strogatz tells the true story of its beauty and simplicity. Starting with the Ancient Greeks, calculus has tantilised and fascinated humanity for millenia. Its applications grew from teaching us how to determine the area of a circle with only sand and a stick to safely launching rockets into space. Without it, we wouldn’t have mobile phones, TV, GPS, or ultrasound. This book explains the history of our relationship with calculus, and its relationship with infinity.

Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid by Douglas Hofstadter

Douglas Hofstadter's book is concerned directly with the nature of maps or links between formal systems. However, according to Hofstadter, the formal system that underlies all mental activity transcends the system that supports it. If life can grow out of the formal chemical substrate of the cell, if consciousness can emerge out of a formal system of firing neurons, then so too will computers attain human intelligence. Gödel, Escher, Bach is a wonderful exploration of fascinating ideas at the heart of cognitive science: meaning, reduction, recursion, and much more.

The Great Mathematical Problems by Ian Stewart

There are some mathematical problems whose significance goes beyond the ordinary - like Fermat's Last Theorem or Goldbach's Conjecture - they are the enigmas which define mathematics. This book explains why these problems exist, why they matter, what drives mathematicians to incredible lengths to solve them and where they stand in the context of mathematics and science as a whole. It contains solved problems - like the Poincaré Conjecture, cracked by the eccentric genius Grigori Perelman, who refused academic honours and a million-dollar prize for his work, and problems which, like the Riemann Hypothesis, remain baffling after centuries. Stewart is the guide to this mysterious and exciting world, showing how modern mathematicians constantly rise to the challenges set by their predecessors, as the great mathematical problems of the past succumb to the new techniques and ideas of the present.

Can you Solve my Problems? by Alex Bellos

This book contains 125 of the world's best brainteasers from the last two millennia, taking us from ancient China to medieval Europe, Victorian England to modern-day Japan, with stories of espionage, mathematical breakthroughs and puzzling rivalries along the way. Some solutions rely on a touch of cunning, others call for creativity, others need mercilessly logical thought. All are guaranteed to sharpen your mind!

Snowflake Seashell Star by Alex Bellos and Edmund Harriss

This book is the first in a series of mathematical colouring books by Alex Bellos and mathematical artist, Edmund Hariss. It is full of intricate and divinely beautiful illustrations, using patterns such as loops, waves and spirals. Stretch your artistic talents and embrace mathematics' aesthetic and conceptual exquisiteness. In 80 glorious images, Alex will teach you how to convey the wonder of mathematics through colour and design. Snowflake, Seashell, Star is an incredible celebration of the overlaps between mathematics and art, learning and play, concentration and calm.

A Mathematical Pandora's Box by Brian Bolt

Through his own experience, Brian Bolt has discovered a worldwide interest in mathematical puzzles. Bolt not only uses them to stimulate creative thinking, but also to open up new areas of mathematics to the reader. This book contains 142 activities: in addition to puzzles, there are games, tricks, models and explanation of various phenomena. They range from number manipulation, through happy and amicable numbers, coin puzzles, picnicking bears and pentominoes, to building shapes with cubes. There is a detailed commentary at the end of the book, giving solutions and explanations, together with the occasional follow-up problem.

The Number Devil by Hans Magnus Enzensberger

The quirky and unusual story of a young boy who hates maths at school, but who discovers a new side to the subject when he meets an unusual mathematician in a dream. This book takes you on an adventure through creative mathematical thinking, with great illustrations along the way.

The Indisputable Existence of Santa Claus by Hannah Fry and Thomas Oléron Evans

How do you apply game theory to select who should be on your Christmas shopping list? Can you predict Her Majesty's Christmas Message? Will calculations show Santa is getting steadily thinner - shimmying up and down chimneys for a whole night - or fatter - as he tucks into a mince pie and a glass of sherry in billions of houses across the world? Full of diagrams, sketches and graphs, beautiful equations, Markov chains and matrices, this book brightens up the bleak midwinter with stockingfuls of mathematical marvels. Mathematics has never been merrier.

Aha! Insight & aha! Gotcha by Martin Gardner

Previously published separately, the two books aha! Gotcha and aha! Insight have been combined as a single volume. The aha! books, as they are referred to by fans of Martin Gardner, contain 144 wonderful puzzles from the reigning king of recreational mathematics. In this combined volume, you will find puzzles ranging over geometry, logic, probability, statistics, number, time, combinatorics, and word play. Gardner calls these puzzles aha! problems, that 'seem difficult, and indeed are difficult if you go about trying to solve them in traditional ways. But if you can free your mind from standard problem solving techniques, you may be receptive to an aha! reaction that leads immediately to a solution. Don't be discouraged if, at first, you have difficulty with these problems. After a while you will begin to catch the spirit of offbeat, nonlinear thinking, and you may be surprised to find your aha! ability improving.'

My Best Mathematical and Logic Puzzles by Martin Gardner

Over a period of 25 years as author of the Mathematical Games column for Scientific American, Martin Gardner devoted a column every six months or so to short math problems or puzzles. This volume contains a rich selection of 70 of the best of these brain teasers, in some cases including references to new developments related to the puzzle. Now enthusiasts can challenge their solving skills and rattle their egos with such stimulating mind-benders as The Returning Explorer, The Mutilated Chessboard, Scrambled Box Tops, The Fork in the Road, Bronx vs. Brooklyn, Touching Cigarettes, and 64 other problems involving logic and basic math. Solutions are included.

The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace and Babbage by Sydney Padua

In this book Sydney Padua transforms one of the most compelling scientific collaborations into a hilarious set of adventures, starring Ada Lovelace and Charles Babbage. This book presents a delightful alternate reality in which Lovelace and Babbage build the Difference Engine and use it to create runaway economic models, battle the scourge of spelling errors, explore the wider realms of mathematics and, of course, fight crime - for the sake of both London and science. Extremely funny and utterly unusual, this book comes complete with historical curiosities, extensive footnotes and never-before-seen diagrams of Babbage's mechanical, steam-powered computer. And ray guns.

The 'Uncle Albert' Series by Russell Stannard

A best selling science/adventure series, beginning with 'The Time and Space of Uncle Albert'. Uncle Albert and his intrepid niece, Gedanken, enter the dangerous and unknown world of a thought bubble. Their mission: to unlock the deep mysteries of Time and Space... Discover why you can't break the ultimate speed barrier, how to become older than your mother, how to put on weight without getting fat, and how to live forever without even knowing it. Other books in the series include: 'Black Holes and Uncle Albert' and 'Uncle Albert and the Quantum Quest'.

Professor Stewart's Cabinet of Mathematical Curiosities by Ian Stewart

A selection of mathematical puzzles, stories, tricks and short articles - great to read all in one go, or to dip into. The content varies between simple logic puzzles to introductions to more advanced topics such as the Four Colour Theorem, which tells us that we can colour in any map using only four colours, so that no bordering countries have the same colour.

Book of Curious & Interesting Mathematics by David Wells

A collection of strange mathematical facts and stories. This anthology covers a whole range of ages, maths and mathematicians, and includes probability paradoxes, jumbled Shakespearean sonnets, record-breaking monkeys and typewriters, and theories of big game hunting. Also featured are stories of people who looked for logical loopholes in the American Constitution or calmed their nerves with algebra.

Book of Curious & Interesting Puzzles by David Wells

This collection by best-selling author David Wells, a Cambridge math scholar and teacher, includes more than 560 puzzles, from the "mind sharpeners" of a medieval monk to the eitheenth-century Ladies' Diary, the Hindu Bhakshali manuscript, and riddles and popular rhymes. None require any mathematics beyond the most elementary algebra and geometry - and few require even that. Complete answers appear at the end.

Mathematics, Magic and Mystery by Martin Gardner

Famed puzzle expert Martin Gardner explains the mathematics behind a multitude of mystifying tricks: card tricks, stage "mind reading," coin and match tricks, counting out games, geometric dissections, etc. Each of these are actually demonstrations of probability, sets, number theory, topology and other braches of mathematics. No skill at sleight of hand is needed to perform the more than 500 tricks described in this book because mathematics guarantees their success.

How Many Socks Make a Pair? by Rob Eastaway

Can maths be creative? This book sets out to prove that it can, through a selection of short articles on surprising maths in everyday life. Through lots of intriguing problems, involving card tricks, polar bears and, of course, socks, Rob Eastaway shows shows how maths can demonstrate its secret beauties in even the most mundane of everyday objects.

Why do Buses Come in Threes? by Rob Eastaway and Jeremy Wyndham

With a foreword by Tim Rice, this book will change the way you see the world. Why is it better to buy a lottery ticket on a Friday? Why are showers always too hot or too cold? And what's the connection between a rugby player taking a conversion and a tourist trying to get the best photograph of Nelson's Column? These and many other fascinating questions are answered in this entertaining and highly informative book, which is ideal for anyone wanting to remind themselves - or discover for the first time - that maths is relevant to almost everything we do. Dating, cooking, travelling by car, gambling and even life-saving techniques have links with intriguing mathematical problems, as you will find explained here. Whether you have a PhD in astrophysics or haven't touched a maths problem since your school days, this book will give you a fresh understanding of the world around you.

Flatterland by Ian Stewart

In 1884, Edwin A. Abbott published “Flatland”; a brilliant novel about mathematics and philosophy that charmed and fascinated all of England. Now, Ian Stewart has written a fascinating, modern sequel to Abbott's book. Through larger-than-life characters and an inspired story line, "Flatterland" explores our present understanding of the shape and origins of the universe, the nature of space, time, and matter, as well as modern geometries and their applications.

The Liar Paradox and the Towers of Hanoi: 10 Greatest Math Puzzles of All Time by Marcel Danesi

Ever since the Sphinx asked his legendary riddle of Oedipus, riddles, conundrums, and puzzles of all sizes have kept humankind perplexed and amused. The Liar Paradox and the Towers of Hanoi takes die-hard puzzle experts on a tour of the world's most enduringly intriguing braintwisters, from Königsberg's Bridges and the Hanoi Towers to Fibonacci's Rabbits, the Four Color Problem, and the Magic Square. Each chapter introduces the basic puzzle, discusses the mathematics behind it, and includes exercises and answers plus additional puzzles similar to the one under discussion. Here is a veritable kaleidoscope of puzzling labyrinths, maps, bridges, and optical illusions that will keep aficionados entertained for hours.

The Number Mysteries by Marcus du Sautoy

An exploration of surprising ways maths occurs in our everyday lives, centred around five famous unsolved problems in mathematics. Topics include how to detect an art forgery, winning strategies in Monopoly, and how to crack a code. Sprinkled with games and links to interactive online content so you can try out some of the ideas for yourself!

Things to Make and Do in the Fourth Dimension by Matt Parker

This is the complete guide to exploring the fascinating world of maths you were never told about at school. Stand-up comedian and mathematician Matt Parker uses bizarre Klein Bottles, unimaginably small pizza slices, knots no one can untie and computers built from dominoes to reveal some of the most exotic and fascinating ideas in mathematics. Starting with simple numbers and algebra, this book goes on to deal with inconceivably big numbers in more dimensions than you ever knew existed. And always with something for you to make or do along the way.

How to Cut a Cake: and Other Mathematical Conundrums by Ian Stewart

In this book are twenty more curious puzzles and fantastical mathematical stories from one of the world's most popular and accessible writers on mathematics. This is a strange world of never-ending chess games, empires on the moon, furious fireflies, and, of course, disputes over how best to cut a cake. Each chapter - with titles such as, "How to Play Poker By Post" and "Repealing the Law of Averages" - presents a fascinating mathematical puzzle that is challenging, fun, and introduces the reader to a significant mathematical problem in an engaging and witty way. Illustrated with clever and quirky cartoons, each tale will delight those who love puzzles and mathematical conundrums.

Games and Mathematics by David Wells

The appeal of games and puzzles is timeless and universal. In this book, David Wells explores the fascinating connections between games and mathematics, proving that mathematics is not just about tedious calculation but imagination, insight and intuition. The first part of the book introduces games, puzzles and mathematical recreations, including knight tours on a chessboard. The second part explains how thinking about playing games can mirror the thinking of a mathematician, using scientific investigation, tactics and strategy, and sharp observation. Finally the author considers game-like features found in a wide range of human behaviours, illuminating the role of mathematics and helping to explain why it exists at all. This thought-provoking book is perfect for anyone with a thirst for mathematics and its hidden beauty; a good high school grounding in mathematics is all the background that is required, and the puzzles and games will suit pupils from 14 years.

Mathematical Puzzles: A Connoisseur's Collection by Peter Winkler

Collected over several years by Peter Winkler, dozens of elegant, intriguing challenges are presented in this book. The answers are easy to explain, but without this book, devilishly hard to find. Creative reasoning is the key to these puzzles. No involved computation or higher mathematics is necessary, but your ability to construct a mathematical proof will be severly tested - even if you are a professional mathematician. For the truly adventurous, there is even a chapter on unsolved puzzles.

Elastic Numbers by Daniel Griller

Beautifully crafted and immensely enjoyable, the problems in this book require minimal technical knowledge, being accessible to young secondary school pupils. However, there is an astonishing range in difficulty; while some of the problems are fairly straightforward, others are significantly tougher, with a great deal of ingenuity and clarity of thought needed to make progress. Whether you are a student preparing for a maths competition, an educational establishment seeking to supplement your problem solving resources, or an individual looking for a different sort of challenge, Elastic Numbers is a unique collection, and will push you to the very edge of your abilities.

Thinking Mathematically by Mason, Burton & Stacey

Thinking Mathematically is perfect for anyone who wants to develop their powers to think mathematically, whether at school, at university or just out of interest. This book is invaluable for anyone who wishes to promote mathematical thinking in others or for anyone who has always wondered what lies at the core of mathematics. Thinking Mathematically reveals the processes at the heart of mathematics and demonstrates how to encourage and develop them. Extremely practical, it involves the reader in questions so that subsequent discussions speak to immediate experience.

Finding Moonshine: A Mathematician's Journey Through Symmetry by Marcus Du Sautoy

This book tells the story of one of the biggest adventures in mathematics: the search for symmetry. This is the story of how humankind has come to its understanding of the bizarre world of symmetry - a subject of fundamental significance to the way we interpret the world around us. Our eyes and minds are drawn to symmetrical objects, from the sphere to the swastika, from the pyramid to the pentagon. 'Symmetry' is all-pervasive: in chemistry the concept of symmetry explains the structure of crystals; in evolutionary biology, the natural world exploits symmetry in the fight for survival; symmetry and the breaking of symmetry are central to ideas in art, architecture and music; the mathematics of symmetry is even exploited in industry, for example to find efficient ways to store more music on a CD or to keep your mobile phone conversation from cracking up through interference.

Mathematics for the Curious by Peter Higgins

When do the hands of a clock coincide? How likely is it that two children in the same class will share a birthday? How do we calculate the volume of a doughnut? Mathematics for the Curious provides anyone interested in mathematics with a simple and entertaining account of what it can do. Author Peter Higgins gives clear explanations of the more mysterious features of childhood mathematics as well as novelties and connections that prove that mathematics can be enjoyable and full of surprises. Topics include: the truth about fractions, ten questions and their answers, and the golden ratio. Higgins poses entertaining puzzles and questions tempting the reader to ponder math problems with imagination instead of dread. Mathematics for the Curious is an accessible introduction to basic mathematics for beginning students and a lively refresher for adults.

Mathematics for the Imagination by Peter Higgins

Mathematics for the Imagination provides an accessible and entertaining investigation into mathematical problems in the world around us. From world navigation, family trees, and calendars to patterns, tessellations, and number tricks, this informative and fun book helps you to understand the maths behind real-life questions and rediscover your arithmetical mind. This is a highly involving book which encourages the reader to enter into the spirit of mathematical exploration.

Mathematics and the Physical World by Morris Kline

A stimulating account of development of basic mathematics from arithmetic, algebra, geometry and trigonometry, to calculus, differential equations and non-Euclidean geometries. Also describes how maths is used in optics, astronomy, motion under the law of gravitation, acoustics, electromagnetism, and other aspects of physics.

Mathematics: A Very Short Introduction by Timothy Gowers

Tim Gowers is a Fields Medalist (the Fields medal is the mathematical equivalent of the Nobel prize), so it is not at all surprising that what he writes is worth reading. What is surprising is the ease and charm of his writing. He touches lightly many areas of mathematics, some that will be familiar (Pythagoras) and some that may not be (manifolds) and has something illuminating to say about all of them.

Excursions in Geometry by C. Stanley Ogilvy

In this book, Professor Ogilvy demonstrates the mathematical challenege and satisfaction to be had from geometry, the only requirement being two simple implements (straight-edge and compass) and a little thought. Topics including harmonic division and Apollonian circles, inversive geometry, the hexlet, conic sections, projective geometry, the Golden Section and angle trisection are addressed in a way that brings out the true intellectual excitement inherent in each. Also included are some unsolved problems of modern geometry.

Excursions in Mathematics by C. Stanley Ogilvy

This book offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of mathematics and mathematicians. It is designed for the reader who has no advanced mathematical background of special aptitude, but who wants to acquaint him or herself with the intellectually stimulating and aesthetically satisfying aspects of the subject. After illuminating the role of the mathematician and dispelling several popular misconceptions about the nature of mathematics, Professor Ogilvy takes you on a lively tour of the four basic branches of the subject: number theory, algebra, geometry and analysis. Focusing on the interesting, and even amusing, aspects of mathematics, he points out the interconnections between the branches and presents mathematics as a vital subject whose frontiers are continually expanding. Many illustrations and examples illuminate classic aspects of the subject as well as recent advances.

Excursions in Number Theory by C. Stanley Ogilvy and John Anderson

This delightful volume, by two well-known mathematicians, invites readers to join a challenging expedition into the mystery and magic of number theory. No special training is needed - just high school mathematics, a fondness for figures and an inquisitive mind. Beginning with familiar notions, the authors skillfully transport the reader to higher realms of mathematics, developing the necessary concepts along the way. Included are thorough discussions of prime numbers, number patterns, irrationals and iterations and calculating prodigies, among other topics.

Q.E.D. - Beauty in Mathematical Proof by Burkard Polster

Which famous proof did Archimedes inscribe on his tombstone? How and why do knots make perfect pentagons? Have you ever seen a proof so completely that it is just obvious? In this delicious little book, top down-under mathemagician Dr. Polster presents many of the most visually intuitive and exciting proofs from the dusty annuals of mathematical history. You can test your ability to follow the logic, leap into mathemagnosis and experience eureka-moment after eureka-moment.

How to Solve It by George Polya

A perennial bestseller by eminent mathematician G. Polya, How to Solve It will show anyone in any field how to think straight. In lucid and appealing prose, Polya reveals how the mathematical method of demonstrating a proof or finding an unknown can be of help in attacking any problem that can be "reasoned" out - from building a bridge to winning a game of anagrams. Generations of readers have relished Polya's deft - indeed, brilliant - instructions on stripping away irrelevancies and going straight to the heart of the problem.

The Joy of X: A Guided Tour of Mathematics from One to Infinity by Steven Strogatz

Maths is everywhere, often where we don't even realise. Award-winning professor Steven Strogatz acts as our guide as he takes us on a tour of numbers that - unbeknownst to the unitiated - connect pop culture, literature, art, philosophy, current affairs, business and even every day life. In The Joy of X, Strogatz explains the great ideas of maths - from negative numbers to calculus, fat tails to infinity - with clarity, wit and insight. He is the maths teacher you never had and this book is perfect for the smart and curious, the expert and the beginner.

Problem-Solving Strategies In Mathematics: From Common Approaches To Exemplary Strategies by Alfred S Posamentier and Stephen Krulik

This book introduces ten problem-solving strategies by first presenting the strategy and then applying it to problems in elementary mathematics. In so doing, the common less efficient approach is first mentioned and then the effective strategy is shown. Elementary mathematics is used so that the reader can focus on the strategy and not be distracted by some more sophisticated mathematics.

1089 and All That: A Journey into Mathematics by David Acheson

David Acheson's extraordinary little book makes mathematics accessible to everyone. From very simple beginnings he takes us on a thrilling journey to some deep mathematical ideas. On the way, via Kepler and Newton, he explains what calculus really means, gives a brief history of pi, and even takes us to chaos theory and imaginary numbers. Every short chapter is carefully crafted to ensure that no one will get lost on the journey. Packed with puzzles and illustrated by world famous cartoonists, this is one of the most readable and imaginative books on mathematics ever written.

An Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning by Peter Eccles

The purpose of this book is to introduce the basic ideas of mathematical proof to students. The emphasis is on helping the reader in understanding and constructing proofs and writing clear mathematics. This is achieved by exploring set theory, combinatorics and number theory, topics which include many fundamental ideas which are part of the tool kit of any mathematician. This material illustrates how familiar ideas can be formulated rigorously, provides examples demonstrating a wide range of basic methods of proof, and includes some of the classic proofs.

mathematical problem solving books for beginners

Can the study of mathematics enrich the heart as well as the mind? Francis Su explains how humans crave logic, beauty, truth and play, and that searching for these in mathematics is not only rewarding, but builds virtues in us that help us be better individuals and members of society. The book includes puzzles to draw everyone in to the enjoyment of mathematics, as part of his vision that mathematics should be shared by everyone.

What is Mathematics? by Richard Courant, Herbert Robbins and Ian Stewart

Written for beginners and scholars, for students and teachers, for philosophers and engineers, this book is a sparkling collection of mathematical gems that offers an entertaining and accessible portrait of the mathematical world. Covering everything from natural numbers and the number system to geometrical constructions and projective geometry, this fascinating survey allows readers to delve into mathematics as an organic whole rather than an empty drill in problem solving. With chapters largely independent of one another and sections that lead upward from basic to more advanced discussions, readers can easily pick and choose areas of particular interest without impairing their understanding of subsequent parts.

Towards Higher Mathematics: A Companion by Richard Earl

Containing a large and varied set of problems, this rich resource will allow students to stretch their mathematical abilities beyond the school syllabus, and bridge the gap to university-level mathematics. Many proofs are provided to better equip students for the transition to university. The author covers substantial extension material using the language of sixth-form mathematics, thus enabling students to understand the more complex material. There are over 1500 carefully graded exercises, with hints included in the text, and solutions available online. Historical and contextual asides highlight each area of mathematics and show how it has developed over time.

The Art of the Infinite by Robert and Ellen Kaplan

This book unlocks the secrets of maths - revealing it to be our lost, native language, as much a part of us as the words we use every day. Number and form are the essence of our world: from the patterns of the stars to the pulses of the market, from the beats of our hearts to catching a ball or tying our shoelaces. Drawing on science, literature, history and philosophy, this book makes the rich patterns of maths brilliantly clear.

Algorithmic Puzzles by Anany & Maria Levitin

In this book, Anany and Maria Levitin use many classic brainteasers as well as newer examples from job interviews with major corporations to show readers how to apply analytical thinking to solve puzzles requiring well-defined procedures. The book's unique collection of puzzles is supplemented with carefully developed tutorials on algorithm design strategies and analysis techniques intended to walk the reader step-by-step through the various approaches to algorithmic problem solving. Mastery of these strategies - exhaustive search, backtracking, and divide-and-conquer, among others - will aid the reader in solving not only the puzzles contained in this book, but also others encountered in interviews, puzzle collections, and throughout everyday life. Each of the 150 puzzles contains hints and solutions, along with commentary on the puzzle's origins and solution methods. Readers with only middle school mathematics will develop their algorithmic problem-solving skills through puzzles at the elementary level, while seasoned puzzle solvers will enjoy the challenge of thinking through more difficult puzzles.

The Mathematics of Games and Gambling by Edward Packel

This book introduces and develops some of the important and beautiful elementary mathematics needed for rational analysis of various gambling and game activities. Most of the standard casino games (roulette, craps, blackjack, keno), some social games (backgammon, poker, bridge) and various other activities (state lotteries, horse racing) are treated in ways that bring out their mathematical aspects. The mathematics developed ranges from the predictable concepts of probability, expectation, and binomial coefficients to some less well-known ideas of elementary game theory. Game-related exercises are included and solutions to some appear at the end of the book.

How to Study for a Mathematics Degree by Lara Alcock

Every year, thousands of students go to university to study mathematics. Many of these students are extremely intelligent and hardworking, but even the best will, at some point, struggle with the demands of making the transition to advanced mathematics. The mathematics shifts in focus from calculation to proof, so students are expected to interact with it in different ways. These changes need not be mysterious - mathematics education research has revealed many insights into the adjustments that are necessary - but they are not obvious and they do need explaining. This book translates these research-based insights into practical advice for a student audience. It covers every aspect of studying for a mathematics degree, from the most abstract intellectual challenges to the everyday business of interacting with lecturers and making good use of study time.

How to Think Like a Mathematician by Kevin Houston

Looking for a head start in your undergraduate degree in mathematics? This friendly companion will ease your transition to real mathematical thinking. Working through the book you will develop an arsenal of techniques to help you unlock the meaning of definitions, theorems and proofs, solve problems, and write mathematics effectively. All the major methods of proof - direct method, cases, induction, contradiction and contrapositive - are featured. Concrete examples are used throughout, and you'll get plenty of practice on topics common to many courses such as divisors, Euclidean algorithms, modular arithmetic, equivalence relations, and injectivity and surjectivity of functions. With over 300 exercises to help you test your progress, you'll soon learn how to think like a mathematician.

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  • Number Theory
  • Probability

Everyday Math

  • Classical Mechanics
  • Electricity and Magnetism
  • Computer Science
  • Quantitative Finance

Take a guided, problem-solving based approach to learning Everyday Math. These compilations provide unique perspectives and applications you won't find anywhere else.

Mathematical Fundamentals

What's inside.

  • Introduction
  • Logical Reasoning
  • Numerical Reasoning
  • Contextual Reasoning
  • Algebraic Reasoning
  • Geometric Reasoning

Algebra through Puzzles

  • Simplifying Shortcuts
  • Arithmetic Logic and Magic
  • Balancing Scales
  • Rates and Ratios

Geometry Fundamentals

  • Angles and Lengths
  • Pythagoras' Geometry
  • Scaling and Volume
  • When Geometry Gets Tough

Community Wiki

Browse through thousands of Everyday Math wikis written by our community of experts.

Pattern Recognition

  • Identifying Patterns
  • Identifying Pattern Relationships
  • What Comes Next?
  • Finding Terms in a Sequence
  • Recognizing Visual Patterns
  • Irrelevant Information
  • Trial and Error
  • Checking Cases
  • Counter-Examples
  • SAT Reasoning Perfect Score
  • Mental Math Tricks
  • Subtracting Integers
  • Rational Exponents
  • Order of Operations
  • Representation on the Real Line
  • Natural Numbers
  • Complex Fractions
  • Componendo and Dividendo
  • Continued Fractions
  • Converting Decimals and Fractions
  • Converting Fractions into Decimals
  • Place Value
  • Scientific Notation
  • Percentages
  • Converting Decimals and Percentages
  • Converting Percentages and Fractions
  • Ratio and Proportion
  • Direct Variation
  • Inverse Variation
  • Speed, Distance, and Time
  • Parallel Lines (Geometry)
  • Area of a Triangle
  • Area of a Rectangle
  • Composite Figures
  • Length and Area Problem Solving

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Required and Recommended Books

The Berkeley Math Circle and Math Taught the Right Way will be providing some of these required and recommended books to participants, teachers, and instructors at a discounted price (please note that we will not be making the books available to anyone else). Below you will find information, descriptions, and prices for these books, which are available for purchase at our Monday or Wednesday office hours while we have them in stock. Please note that the books at the BMC website are for registered students only and that we do not sell them to people not registered at BMC. All of these books may alternatively be purchased on the web. 

Strongly Recommended Books

A decade of the berkeley math circle: the american experience, volume i.

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A co-publication of the AMS and Mathematical Sciences Research Institute

Excerpt of book description by the American Mathematical Society:

"Many mathematicians have been drawn to mathematics through their experience with math circles: extracurricular programs exposing teenage students to advanced mathematical topics and a myriad of problem solving techniques and inspiring in them a lifelong love for mathematics. Founded in 1998, the Berkeley Math Circle (BMC) is a pioneering model of a U.S. math circle, aspiring to prepare our best young minds for their future roles as mathematics leaders. Over the last decade, 50 instructors --from university professors to high school teachers to business tycoons--have shared their passion for mathematics by delivering more than 320 BMC sessions full of mathematical challenges and wonders. Based on a dozen of these sessions, this book encompasses a wide variety of enticing mathematical topics: from inversion in the plane to circle geometry; from combinatorics to Rubik's cube and abstract algebra; from number theory to mass point theory; from complex numbers to game theory via invariants and monovariants. The treatments of these subjects encompass every significant method of proof and emphasize ways of thinking and reasoning via 100 problem solving techniques. Also featured are 300 problems, ranging from beginner to intermediate level, with occasional peaks of advanced problems and even some open questions. The book presents possible paths to studying mathematics and inevitably falling in love with it, via teaching two important skills: thinking creatively while still "obeying the rules," and making connections between problems, ideas, and theories. The book encourages you to apply the newly acquired knowledge to problems and guides you along the way, but rarely gives you ready answers. "Learning from our own mistakes" often occurs through discussions of non-proofs and common problem solving pitfalls. The reader has to commit to mastering the new theories and techniques by "getting your hands dirty" with the problems, going back and reviewing necessary problem solving techniques and theory, and persistently moving forward in the book. The mathematical world is huge: you'll never know everything, but you'll learn where to find things, how to connect and use them. The rewards will be substantial."

Purchase at:  A Decade of the Berkeley Math Circle Vol. I

A Decade of the Berkeley Math Circle: The American Experience, Volume II

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Purchase at:  A Decade of the Berkeley Math Circle Vol.  II

Textbooks for Middle and High School Students: Adapted from leading Eastern European Programs

Textbooks for grades 6-9: 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B, 9A. 9B materials are in preparation. Each grade is split into two semesters (part A and part B), and each semester includes a textbook and workbook.

These books are used at the Math Taught the Right Way and are highly recommended to students at BMC if they feel that math taught at their school is not challenging enough for them.

Example textbook/workbooks:

mathematical problem solving books for beginners

In 6A, a core goal is to develop basic numeracy — as students study the algebraic operations and their properties, they encounter the natural numbers and decimals. They begin work with variables, setting up a solid base for the work that is to come in later books.

mathematical problem solving books for beginners

For geometry, students focus on more complicated polyhedral and round solids. In algebra, students will encounter ratios and proportions and a few of their many applications, including more experience with representing and analyzing data and practical problems such as recipe and map scaling. The semester ends with a study of polynomials and familiar factoring formulas.

mathematical problem solving books for beginners

For 8B algebra, students encounter the basics of algebraic functions and their graphs, learn to solve systems of linear equations and inequalities, solidify their understanding of polynomial equations, and begin working with rational expressions. Their study of advanced geometry continues with a rigorous development of classic theorems on circles and their inscribed angles and polygons. In the final chapter, students get an introduction to combinatorics, a field often used to provide bridges between other branches of mathematics.

mathematical problem solving books for beginners

In algebra, students continue their study of functions, master systems of quadratic equations, and learn methods for solving inequalities involving polynomials, rational expressions, and/or absolute value. In geometry, students have a unit on similar triangles that makes heavy use of algebra they learned early on and sets the stage for trigonometry, which will be studied in 9B. Finally, students use their combinatorics knowledge from 8B to develop basic probability results.

Purchase these textbooks at:   ArchiMath Publishing

The Art and Craft of Problem Solving, 3rd Edition

The Art and Craft of Problem Solving, 3rd Edition by [Paul Zeitz]

Published by: ‎ Wiley

"Appealing to everyone from college-level majors to independent learners, The Art and Craft of Problem Solving, 3rd Edition introduces a problem-solving approach to mathematics, as opposed to the traditional exercises approach. The goal of The Art and Craft of Problem Solving is to develop strong problem solving skills, which it achieves by encouraging students to do math rather than just study it. Paul Zeitz draws upon his experience as a coach for the international mathematics Olympiad to give students an enhanced sense of mathematics and the ability to investigate and solve problems."

Purchase at:  The Art and Craft of Problem Solving, 3rd Edition

Kiselev's Geometry: Book 1, Planimetry

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Published by: Sumizdat

This is a wonderful, easy-going introduction to plane geometry, which was used for decades as a regular textbook in Russian middle schooles. It has been translated from its original Russian to English by one of UC Berkeley's very own math instructors, Professor Alexander Givental.

Purchase at:  Kiselev's Geometry, Book I

Kiselev's Geometry: Book 2, Stereometry

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This is the second volume of the famous Kiselev's work. A marvelous self-contained exposition on stereometry that proved to be a favorite for generations of students and mathematicians in Russia. Thanks to our UC Berkeley Professor Alexander Givental this book is now available in English.

Purchase at:  Kiselev's Geometry, Book II

Highly Recommended for BMC Beginner and Intermediate

Math circle by the bay topics for grades 1-5 (msri mathematical circles library).

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Authors: Laura Givental, Maria Nemirovskaya, Ilya Zakharevich Published by: American Mathematical Society  Excerpt of book description on Amazon.com: 

This book is based on selected topics that the authors taught in math circles for elementary school students at the University of California, Berkeley; Stanford University; Dominican University (Marin County, CA); and the University of Oregon (Eugene). It is intended for people who are already running a math circle or who are thinking about organizing one. It can be used by parents to help their motivated, math-loving kids or by elementary school teachers. We also hope that bright fourth or fifth graders will be able to read this book on their own. The main features of this book are the logical sequence of the problems, the description of class reactions, and the hints given to kids when they get stuck. This book tries to keep the balance between two goals: inspire readers to invent their own original approaches while being detailed enough to work as a fallback in case the teacher needs to prepare a lesson on short notice. It introduces kids to combinatorics, Fibonacci numbers, Pascal's triangle, and the notion of area, among other things. The authors chose topics with deep mathematical context. These topics are just as engaging and entertaining to children as typical recreational math problems, but they can be developed deeper and to more advanced levels.

Purchase at:   Math Circle by the Bay Topics for Grades 1-5

Mathematical Circles: Russian Experience

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Published by: American Mathematical Society 

Excerpt of book description on Amazon.com:

"What kind of book is this? It is a book produced by a remarkable cultural circumstance in the former Soviet Union which fostered the 8creation of groups of students, teachers, and mathematicians called 'mathematical circles'. The work is predicated on the idea that studying mathematics can generate the same enthusiasm as playing a team sport--without necessarily being competitive. This book is intended for both students and teachers who love mathematics and want to study its various branches beyond the limits of school curriculum. It is also a book of mathematical recreations and, at the same time, a book containing vast theoretical and problem material in main areas of what authors consider to be 'extracurricular mathematics'. The book is based on a unique experience gained by several generations of Russian educators and scholars."

Purchase at:  Mathematical Circles: Russian Experience

Suggested for BMC Elementary and Beginner

Math olympiad contest problems for elementary and middle schools.

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Published by: Mathematical Olympiads For Elementary and Middle Schools, Inc.

Book description by the publisher:

The Math Olympiad contests presented these 400 challenging problems and ingenious solutions over a period of 16 years.Aimed at young students, their teachers and parents, the book contains an unusual variety of problems, a section of hints to help the reader get started, and seven unique appendices that inform and enrich, among other features. 

Purchase at:   Math Olympiad Contest Problems, Vol. I

Math Olympiad Contest Problems, Vol. 2

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Published by: Mathematical Olympiads For Elementary and Middle Schools, Inc. 

A continuation of our first volume, Math Olympiad Contest Problems for Elementary and Middle Schools, it is full of useful features for PICO[Person In Charge of Olympiads] and mathlete alike, and can be a valuable addition to your library.

Purchase at:   Math Olympiad Contest Problems, Vol. II

Recommended for BMC Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced

Art of problem solving books.

Published by: the Art of Problem Solving

The Art of Problem Solving mathematics curriculum is specifically designed for outstanding math students in grades 6-12, and presents a much broader and deeper exploration of challenging mathematics than a typical math curriculum. The Art of Problem Solving texts have been used by tens of thousands of high-performing students, including many winners of major national contests such as MATHCOUNTS and the AMC. 

Purchase at: Art of Problem Solving

Proofs that Really Count: The Art of Combinatorial Proof

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Published by: Mathematical Association of America

"Mathematics is the science of patterns, and mathematicians attempt to understand these patterns and discover new ones using a variety of tools. In Proofs That Really Count , award-winning math professors Arthur Benjamin and Jennifer Quinn demonstrate that many number patterns, even very complex ones, can be understood by simple counting arguments. The arguments primarily take one of two forms: A counting question is posed and answered in two different ways. Since both answers solve the same question, they must be equal. Two different sets are described, counted, and a correspondence found between them. One-to-one correspondences guarantee sets of the same size. Almost one-to-one correspondences take error terms into account. Even many-to-one correspondences are utilized. The book explores more than 200 identities throughout the text and exercises, frequently emphasizing numbers not often thought of as numbers that count: Fibonacci Numbers, Lucas Numbers, Continued Fractions, and Harmonic Numbers, to name a few. Numerous hints and references are given for all chapter exercises and many chapters end with a list of identities in need of combinatorial proof. The extensive appendix of identities will be a valuable resource. This book should appeal to readers of all levels from high school math students to professional mathematicians."

Purchase at:  Proofs that Really Count

Count Down: Six Kids Vie for Glory at the World's Toughest Math Competition

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Excerpt from the official book description from the publisher (available at Amazon.com):

"Each summer six math whizzes selected from nearly a half-million American teens compete against the world's best problem solvers at the International Mathematical Olympiad. Steve Olson followed the six 2001 contestants from the intense tryouts to the Olympiad's nail-biting final rounds to discover not only what drives these extraordinary kids but what makes them both unique and typical. Beyond the Olympiad, Olson sheds light on many questions, from why Americans feel so queasy about math, to why so few girls compete in the subject, to whether or not talent is innate."

Note: three members of the Berkeley Math Circle were on this team as well as 2009 BMC instructor Ian Le.

Purchase at:   Count Down

Recommended for BMC Advanced

Contest problem book viii.

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Past problems with complete solutions from the American Mathematics Competitions 10 (AMC 10), which is one of the first tests in the series of contests that determines the United States International Math Olympiad team. This book includes all AMC 10 tests from 2000-2007. 

Purchase at:   Contest Problem Book VIII

Contest Problem Book IX

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Past problems with complete solutions from the American Mathematics Competitions 12 (AMC 12), which is one of the first tests in the series of contests that determines the United States International Math Olympiad team. This book includes all AMC 12 tests from 2001-2007.

Purchase at:   Contest Problem Book IX

Mathematical Omnibus: Thirty Lectures on Classical Mathematics

mathematical problem solving books for beginners

Published by: American Mathematical Society

Dmitry Fuchs, a longtime lecturer at the Berkeley Math Circle, has compiled his notes from BMC Sessions into this wonderful book published by AMS. The book consists of thirty lectures on diverse topics, covering much of the mathematical landscape rather than focusing on one area. The reader will learn numerous results that often belong to neither the standard undergraduate nor graduate curriculum and will discover connections between classical and contemporary ideas in algebra, combinatorics, geometry, and topology. The reader's effort will be rewarded in seeing the harmony of each subject. The common thread in the selected subjects is their illustration of the unity and beauty of mathematics. Most lectures contain exercises, and solutions or answers are given to selected exercises. A special feature of the book is an abundance of drawings (more than four hundred), artwork by an award-winning artist, and about a hundred portraits of mathematicians. Almost every lecture contains surprises for even the seasoned researcher.

Purchase at:   Mathematical Omnibus

Mathematical Adventures For Students and Amateurs

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Published by: Mathematical Association of America (this book contains many lectures given by our own Berkeley Math Circle Instructors at a monthly lecture series in San Jose/Santa Clara State Universities). 

"How should you encode a message to an extraterrestrial? What do frogs and powers of 2 have in common? How many faces does the Stella Octangula have? Is a plane figure of constant diameter a circle, and what does this have to do with NASA? Is there any such thing as a truly correct map? What patterns are possible in juggling? What do all of these questions have in common? They--and many others--are answered in this book." "This is a partial record of the Bay Area Mathematical Adventures (BAMA), a lecture series for high school students (and incidentally their teachers, parents, and other interested adults) hosted by San Jose State and Santa Clara Universities in the San Francisco Bay Area of California. These lectures are aimed primarily at bright high school students, the emphasis on 'bright', and as a result, the mathematics in some cases is far from what one would expect to see in talks at this level. There are serious mathematical issues addressed here."

Purchase at:  Mathematical Adventures For Students and Amateurs

mathematical problem solving books for beginners

Book series

Book titles in this series

Functional analysis and operator theory.

  • Volodymyr Brayman
  • Andrii Chaikovskyi
  • Oleksii Konstantinov
  • Alexander Kukush
  • Copyright: 2024

mathematical problem solving books for beginners

Applying Power Series to Differential Equations

An Exploration through Questions and Projects

  • James Sochacki
  • Anthony Tongen
  • Copyright: 2022

mathematical problem solving books for beginners

An Excursion Through Partial Differential Equations

  • Svetlin G. Georgiev
  • Copyright: 2023

mathematical problem solving books for beginners

Geometric Transformations

  • Răzvan Gelca
  • Ionuţ Onişor
  • Carlos Yuzo Shine

mathematical problem solving books for beginners

More (Almost) Impossible Integrals, Sums, and Series

A New Collection of Fiendish Problems and Surprising Solutions

  • Cornel Ioan Vălean

mathematical problem solving books for beginners

Creative Puzzles to Ignite Your Mind

  • Shyam Sunder Gupta

mathematical problem solving books for beginners

Mathematical Logic

Exercises and Solutions

  • Laszlo Csirmaz
  • Zalán Gyenis

mathematical problem solving books for beginners

100+1 Problems in Advanced Calculus

A Creative Journey through the Fjords of Mathematical Analysis for Beginners

  • Pier Domenico Lamberti
  • Giacomo Drago

mathematical problem solving books for beginners

Sharpening Mathematical Analysis Skills

  • Alina Sîntămărian
  • Ovidiu Furdui
  • Copyright: 2021

mathematical problem solving books for beginners

Steps into Analytic Number Theory

A Problem-Based Introduction

  • Paul Pollack
  • Akash Singha Roy

mathematical problem solving books for beginners

Publish with us

Imagination Soup

80 Educational Children's Math Picture Books

R eady for the biggest list of math picture books ? Because I’ve found SO MANY amazing math books, I can’t wait to tell you about them!

Use these at home, in the classroom, or with your homeschool. You’ll discover books about counting , addition, subtraction, number sense, the 100th day, sorting, fractions, division, geometry, problem-solving, money, telling time, multiplication , and algebra.

Three cheers for math!

Table of Contents

Counting math books, the 100th day books, number sense books, telling time books, addition and subtraction books, sorting and pattern books, measurement books, multiplication books, division and fraction books, geometry books, money books, algebra books, math problem-solving books, best math books.

One Big Pair of Underwear

HAHA — this is the silliest “counting” picture book you’ll read! It’s counting, subtracting, and patterns silliness that your kids will adore.

Count your way from one to ten as this family gets ready for dinner including shopping and cooking the food.

You’ll love the clever creations Medina makes with vegetables — 1 avocado deer and 2 radish mice, just to name a few.

Anno’s Counting Book by Mitsumasa Anno

Bold graphic images help children find the black dots from one to ten in different images. Fun!

What’s more relatable than candy? And brightly colored illustrations? This tasty book about large numbers is pitch-perfect.

How Many Bugs in a Box

We love this engaging book. Lift the flaps and see what pops out!

Rhyme and count with these naughty monkeys.

The snake wants to count the mice — for his dinner. Count up and count down.

Monkey counts to ten and back as she bravely faces the crocodile-infested waters in order to get to a banana tree.

Alice needs to find 100 things to bring for the 100th day — but she’s having lots of trouble deciding what.

What is he going to bring for the 100th day of school? You’ll love this delightful rhyming book.

It’s not only the kids that get to bring 100 things to school, Miss Bindergarten is getting together 100 things, too.

Learn about counting by tens as the queens plan a special birthday surprise for the king.

Grapes of Math

Fun and rhyming riddles to help kids learn problem-solving strategies.

Learn about odd and even numbers with this silly story about a boy who discovers that everything in his life is ODD! (Also read: My Even Day and My Half Day .)

Hungry for Math: Poems to Munch On

Just like numbers, ideas are infinite. This is fun story of making the challenging concept of infinity more understandable.

Even Steven is all about, you guessed it, even-numbered things. Then one day, his cousin Odd Todd comes to visit. Which terrifies Even Steven. Because even Odd Todd knocks in odd numbers. . .

Learn about a boy who loved numbers and was known as The Magician from Budapest in this playful mathematical biography.

Go Figure!: A Totally Cool Book About Numbers

Learn more about the numbers in our everyday life, their purpose, and history. Then try some of the fun number magic tricks, puzzles, and activities.

365 Penguins

Penguins are arriving every single day at their doorstep. What are they doing to do?!

How Much Is a Million?

David M. Schwartz, illustrated by  Steven Kellogg

Marvelosissimo the mathematical magician will teach you about really BIG numbers.

Skip count and estimate with pumpkins.

This is a fun book that offers 100 math riddles, each with adaptations for young kids and bigger kids.

Telling Time with Big Mama Cat by Dan Harper

Follow along with the daily schedule and use the movable hands to practice telling time.

Learn about the different measurements of time (seconds, minutes), go through a day and take mini-quizzes to figure out how much you’re learning.

This funny book is all about Mr. Crocodile’s schedule which includes finding and catching some pesky monkeys.

Pigeon Math

Hilarious! Addition and subtraction never felt so fun!!  An increasingly exasperated narrator is TRYING to tell the story about ten pigeons but it’s not going well. Visual support, goofy humor, and plenty of kid-appeal make this a 100% must-own, must-read STEM picture book.

Add the baby animals with the grown-ups to see how many all together.

Jen Arena   (Author),  Stephen Gilpin

A winter addition adventure of snowmen that will get you to 100 total.

A loving family shares a favorite cultural sweet treat and practices counting and subtracting in this beautifully written, Indian-flavored math story! Mama makes 10 gulab jamuns for guests. But, one child eats three. Now there are only 7 for the guests. And another child eats 3 more. Now there are only 4 left. Mamma wonders how she will have time to make more treats for her guests. The kids will help her make them! 

The Chicken Problem

This is a Peg and Cat picture book story their perfect picnic that goes totally crazy with runaway chickens.  Peg is “ totally freaking out ” and needs to get the one hundred chickens back in the coop. Peg and Cat must solve the chicken problem fast. I love the illustrations, the problem-solving characters, and the silly story.

Comic Book Math ~ Fun-Schooling Journal: Adding, Writing & Subtracting Games

by Sarah Janisse Brown

Use your imagination and practice math skills in a fun way. 

Subtract your way through this goofy story about an elevator going down.

Animal stories help kids learn the basics of putting numbers in groups and taking numbers away.

Count and add the animals on the back of the trucks.

Go on a butterfly addition hunt and see who will win.

When the music stops, someone is out. Subtract to see how many are left.

The O’Malleys pass the time on a long car trip by counting up different color cars using tally marks. The winner is the one who tallies the most.

Arithmechicks Take Away: A Math Story

This gives kids photographs from which they can make decisions about sorting. Use with actual physical objects to make the lessons more concrete.

Blockhead: The Life of Fibonacci

Fibonacci sees patterns in nature and develops the Fibonacci Sequence.

Learn about all the spirals in nature.

What groups can you sort out of Packy the Packrat’s stuff?

Fannie in the Kitchen: The Whole Story from Soup to Nuts of How Fannie Farmer Invented Recipes with Precise Measurements  

Kitchen measurements equal delicious foods.

Measuring Penny by Loreen Leedy

Lisa loves measurement, so she starts measuring her dog, Penny.

How Big is a Foot by Rolf Myller

The king needs to figure out how big of a bed to make for his queen. This introduces standardizing measurements.

An inchworm shows the bird why he shouldn’t be eaten — because he can measure anything!

Amanda learns that multiplication is the fastest way to count.

Kings Chessboard

Multiplying Menace: The Revenge of Rumpelstiltskin

by Pam Calvert and Wayne Geehan

This is a fun multiplication story about mischievous Rumplestiltskin and his multiplication stick.

Gorgeous illustrations illustrate this fable about a smart girl who outsmarts a king.

This is an introduction to multiplication and factorals.

Spaghetti And Meatballs For All!  

by Marilyn Burns and Debbie Tilley

Yummy! It’s time for spaghetti. But how much does everyone get to eat?

Equal Shmequal

, illustrated by  Philomena O’Neill

Mouse helps her friends how to equally divide up teams for a game of tug of war.

Elinor J Pinczes , illustrated by  Bonnie MacKain

If 100 ants are marching to a picnic, how should they sort themselves into a line? 1 line of 100? 2 lines of 50? 

The Doorbell Rang

Pat Hutchins

More and more friends arrive to share Ma’s cookies. How many cookies should each person get?

The Lion’s Share

The shared meal keeps getting divided in half leaving only a crumb for the ant. So she and the other guests bake cakes for the king. Which they have to divide.

Using the illustrations, readers get to answer division and fraction questions. What fraction of the cow is blue? Fun farm math!

Fractions in Disguise

by Edward Einhorn and David Clark

This is a mystery story about finding a missing fraction — clever!

by  Dayle Ann Dodds , illustrated by  Abby Carter

The Strawberry Inn is filled with five visitors who all want a piece of one cake. How will Miss Blue solve this problem?

Learn the basic shapes with this cute introductory book.

Lia and Luis Puzzled by Ana Crespo, illustrated by Giovana Medeiros

Grandma gives the twins a puzzle they must complete to discover what the surprise is. What will it be? First, the twins will have to collaborate and use geometry and sorting to put the puzzle together. Lia and Luis are Brazilian American and the story includes words in Portuguese like the word for Grandma and yay.

by Cindy Neuschwander and Bryan Langdo

To get to the pharaoh’s burial tomb, the kids must decode the geometric hieroglyphics.

Sir Cumference and the First Round Table by

Cindy Neuschwander and Wayne Geehan

The king needs a place for his your knights to sit and discuss battle and peace plans. Luckily Sir Cumference, Lady Di of Ameter, and their son Radius can help.

by Cindy Neuschwander and Wayne Geehan

Radius must use his wits and math skills to rescue the missing king.

When a Line Bends . . . A Shape Begins

Learn about shapes in this brightly illustrated beginning circus story.

The name says it all — learn about perimeter, area, and volume with this crew of monsters.

What’s Your Angle, Pythagoras?

Pythagoras discovered through experimentation that there are mathematical principles that always stay the same — like with right triangles.

The Greedy Triangle

Marilyn Burns , illustrated by  Gordon Silveria

This triangle doesn’t just want to have three angles, he is greedy for more angles which changes his shape completely. 

To successfully journey back to earth, Captain Invincible must use his knowledge of 3D shapes.

Grandfather Tang’s Story by Ann Tonpert, illustrated by Robert Andrew Parker

Moving the tangram shapes, help narrate the story of two fox fairies.

In this Three Little Pigs math story, the pigs must learn geometric shapes and tangrams.

Alexander trades his one dollar for many coins because he misses the point of how much things are worth, placing importance on the number of monies he has more than the value. Hilarious.

Count five pennies, count two nickels, and add them up.

Grandma’s birthday is coming. Watch as Max and Ruby learn about how much things cost and what the best presents really are.

From the history of bartering things to the creation of different types of money, this is a great informational math book about money.

Little Critter needs to earn money so that he can buy a skateboard.

Interesting information about collecting coins, plus a place to start collecting.

Pigs Will Be Pigs: Fun with Math and Money by Amy Axelrod, illustrated by Sharon McGinley-Nally

David A. Adler ,  Edward Miller

Find the unknown number of creepy things by using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

The Deductive Detective

This entertaining math picture book incorporates math with the mystery genre. Detective Duck needs to use his deductive reasoning to figure out which of the twelve animal bakers stole the cake from the cake contest.  He follows the clues, subtracting each suspect as he rules them out.  Until only one animal is left! Can you use your thinking skills to figure out the culprit before Detective Duck?

Frank adopts Lucky from a shelter. Together, they have fun, educational adventures around the neighborhood. For example, Frank learns about math and puzzles, thinking about how much hair Lucky sheds and dividing up and sharing the bed with Lucky. The author makes the duo’s learning fun and embedded throughout the day, whether it’s geography, science, or math. Love it.

One Minute Mysteries: 65 Short Mysteries You Solve With Math!

by Eric Yoder and Natalie Yoder

Real-world math brainteasers. 

by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith

If you’ve ever been a victim of a MATH CURSE, you know how horrible it can be. Because you can break the curse. FUN and funny!

by Greg Tang and Greg Paprocki

Using real artwork, this is a math picture book where kids solve math problems and appreciate famous art.

The Book of Perfectly Perilous Math: 24 Death-Defying Challenges for Young Mathematicians

Math for All Seasons

Put on your thinking caps. Look closely at the illustrations to solve the math problems.

Find books about place value , too!

KEEP READING

Cookbooks for Kids

Bedtime Stories for Kids

Memory Games

Book Series

Science Books

The post 80 Educational Children’s Math Picture Books appeared first on Imagination Soup .

Ready for the biggest list of math picture books? Because I've found SO MANY amazing math books, I can't wait to tell you about them!

Best Algebra Books for Beginners, High School & College Students

Are you looking for an algebra book that can carry you in your school or college life? If you are, you are at the right place. In this article, I have listed the best algebra books for beginners as well as school and college students.

These books are categorized into three sections:

  • High School and
  • College Algebra Books.

The purpose is to take you from the beginning to the ultimate high.

Beginners and High School books are useful even for competitive exams, admissions test and math Olympiads . College Books, on the other hand, are for serious undergraduate and post-graduate students.

Table of Contents

Skip to the list of the best algebra books here.

Why Study Algebra?

Algebra is the offer made by the devil to the mathematician. The devil says: I will give you this powerful machine, it will answer any question you like. All you need to do is give me your soul: give up geometry and you will have this marvelous machine. - Michael Francis Atiyah

Algebra helps us solve problems faster and more easily than we could otherwise. It also opens whole new areas of life problems like graphing curves that you cannot solve with foundational math skills alone. If you want to master calculus or statistics, you need to have a strong foundation in algebra.

By extension, algebra plays an important role in careers where these subjects feature heavily, such as engineering, social sciences, business, and so on.

Apart from its direct uses, algebra also reinforces logical thinking and reasoning. It provides a basic language to describe a multitude of real-world phenomena – everything from gravity to the population growth of our society.

The fact that we can use five letters to describe how an entire category of matter ( ideal gases ) behaves is incredible and charming in its simplicity.

When you begin with a complex-looking problem and keep simplifying it until you have a value for each variable, the result is genuinely satisfying.

Algebra is a wonderful life skill that is truly worth understanding well. It helps you move beyond basic math and get prepared for calculus and statistics. It is also useful for many jobs that you, as a student, may enter as a second career. Therefore, we should keep an open mind about why we learn algebra and do away with the unjustified stigma surrounding the subject. Consider algebra an enticing gateway to exploring the world around you.

Best Algebra Books for Beginners High School and College Students 1

Best Algebra Books for Beginners

Now that we’ve understood the importance of algebra, let us take a look at my picks for the best algebra books for beginners presently available in the market.

1. Algebra Essentials Practice Workbook with Answers

  • Used Book in Good Condition
  • Chris McMullen (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)

Algebra Essentials Practice Workbook with Answers: Linear & Quadratic Equations, Cross Multiplying, and Systems of Equations: Improve Your Math Fluency Series

Author – Chris McMullen

Written by the author of the popular Improve Your Math Fluency series of books, this workbook is an excellent resource for practicing and developing fluency in basic algebra skills. It is an especially good choice if you want to learn how to solve standard equations for one or more unknowns. The contents of the workbook have been divided into seven chapters, allowing students to focus on one algebraic method at a time.

The workbook teaches students how to solve linear equations with a single unknown, use the quadratic formula, factor quadratic equations, cross multiply, and solve systems of linear equations. Every section starts with a few pages of instructions for solving the equations, followed by some helpful examples. It isn’t intended to serve as a detailed review of algebra; rather, it is dedicated to the most vital algebra skills.

By timing and scoring every page, you can greatly improve your records and gain confidence in your math skills.

View on Amazon Find it on Amazon.in

2. No-Nonsense Algebra, 2 nd edition

  • Fisher, Richard W (Author)
  • 294 Pages - 02/06/2018 (Publication Date) - Math Essentials (Publisher)

No-Nonsense Algebra, 2nd Edition: Part of the Mastering Essential Math Skills Series (Stepping Stones to Proficiency in Algebra)

Author – Richard W. Fisher

If you are seeking to master the essential skills of algebra, look no further than this award-winning text by Richard W. Fisher. Tens of thousands of students can testify to its usefulness and quality. The author has meticulously authored the book in a simple language that everyone can understand easily. If you find math difficult and have been struggling with the subject, you should not miss out on this one.

Every lesson in the book is short, concise, and flows logically and smoothly into the next one. It features numerous examples with step-by-step solutions to help students understand the concepts better. Each chapter also includes a review, useful hints, and problem-solving exercises for applying your knowledge to real-life situations.

The book also includes a complete review of pre-algebra and several award-winning online video tutorials – one for each lesson in the book. This new edition also features extra chapter quizzes and a useful glossary and resource center.

3. The Humongous Book of Algebra Problems

  • Kelley, W. Michael (Author)

The Humongous Book of Algebra Problems (Humongous Books)

Author – W. Michael Kelley

Following the success of The Humongous Book of Calculus Problems , author W. Michael Kelley has come forth with a similar attempt in the field of algebra. Basically, he’s taken a regular algebra workbook and simplified the concepts and solutions, added missing steps, and prepared notes in the margins. It allows students to learn how to interpret and solve problems the way they are usually presented in algebra courses. It also prepares you to face problems that are rarely discussed in class, but often turn up in exams.

The book has numerous annotations to clarify each problem and fill in missing steps required to reach the solution. The tougher problems are marked with a skull and crossbones sign, allowing you to revisit them later for better practice. Moreover, the author has taken care to organize the book properly – the easy things come first and allow you to slowly build on what you learn. By virtue of these features, this text stands out from all the other algebra workbooks in the market.

4. Saxon Algebra 1/2; 3 rd edition

  • Hardcover Book
  • John H. Saxon Jr. (Author)

Saxon Algebra 1/2, 3rd Edition: Student Edition 2004

Author – John H. Saxon Jr.

Algebra 1/2 by John H. Saxon Jr. serves as a culmination of pre-algebra mathematics and features all the topics covered in pre-algebra. It also includes additional topics from geometry and discrete mathematics for readers who are interested in them. It is a great choice for seventh graders who are interested in taking first year algebra in the eighth grade, and also eighth graders who are planning to take first year algebra in the ninth grade. Like other books from Saxon, it features the “spiral method” – every year expands upon previously taught concepts.

With the help of this book, students can strengthen their understanding of pre-algebra topics like decimals, fractions, mixed numbers, percents, order of operations, signed numbes, solutions for linear equations in one unknown, and evaluation of algebraic expressions. The author has arranged the problems in an increasing order of difficulty, introducing new angles on old topics. As a result, students will be able to test their knowledge and skills as they go along.

5. Intermediate Algebra: Concepts and Applications

  • Bittinger, Marvin (Author)

Intermediate Algebra: Concepts and Applications

Author – Marvin Bittinger, David Ellenbogen, Barbara Johnson

Intermediate Algebra is a part of the Bittinger Concepts and Applications series that aims to help contemporary students learn and retain mathematical concepts. This book features a proven program that prepares you for the transition from skills-oriented elementary algebra courses to more concept-oriented college-level mathematics courses. It encourages students to develop critical thinking skills, reason mathematically, and identify and solve mathematical problems.

This new edition features a crisply integrated MyLab™ Math course and strongly emphasizes problem-solving, concepts, and real-world applications. Of course, it is most notable for its powerful MyMathGuide workbook and objective-based video program. The book also includes a more systematic review and preparation for practice.

Author Marvin Bittinger is professor emeritus of mathematics education at Indiana University-Purdue University. He has been teaching math at the university level for more than 38 years. David Ellenborough has authored numerous texts on mathematics and has been a member of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) since 1979. Barbara Johnson has a BS and MS in mathematics and has taught high school and college math for 30 years.

6. Algebra 1 Workbook for Dummies

  • Sterling, Mary Jane (Author)
  • 320 Pages - 04/17/2017 (Publication Date) - For Dummies (Publisher)

Algebra I Workbook For Dummies

Author – Mary Jane Sterling

If you ever face a brain-block when studying algebra, the Algebra I Workbook for Dummies is just what you need. It features hundreds of practice and example problems designed with typical high school algebra classes in mind. Each problem comes with a comprehensive explanation to help you see where you went wrong (or right) in every step. This guide covers all the fundamental concepts of algebra that you’ll have to use in every other math class you may take.

The new third edition of the book gives the reader access to a vast online test bank with bonus chapter quizzes. These will help you test your understand and identify weaker areas that you need to review. It also features a separate chapter that deals with graphing, formulas, and quadratic equations. It doesn’t matter whether you need a start-to-finish study aid or are preparing for an exam; this workbook will help you master algebra like nothing else can.

7. McGraw-Hill Education Algebra II Review and Workbook

  • Monahan, Christopher (Author)
  • 352 Pages - 01/25/2019 (Publication Date) - McGraw Hill (Publisher)

McGraw-Hill Education Algebra II Review and Workbook

Author – Christopher Monahan

Christopher Monahan, who has been teaching mathematics to high school and college students for over 30 years, has written this book to help the reader develop the math skills required to perform well in the classroom and on standardized tests. The text is user-friendly and features easy-to-follow explanation of the core concepts of algebra II. These are supplemented by detailed explanations that help students learn how to solve commonly asked problems.

The topics covered in the book include linear equations and inequalities, functions, complex numbers, sequences and series, trigonometry, exponential and logarithmic functions, and much more. It also contains useful appendixes that cover probabilities and matrices. The topics are meticulously aligned with national and state standards for algebra II courses. The book features over 500 math problems that offer ample opportunities for you to practice your newly acquired problem-solving skills. That way, you will master each concept better and build confidence.

8. Practice Makes Perfect Algebra I Review and Workbook

  • Wheater, Carolyn (Author)
  • 224 Pages - 12/27/2017 (Publication Date) - McGraw Hill (Publisher)

Practice Makes Perfect Algebra I Review and Workbook, Second Edition

Author – Carolyn Wheater

Practice is the key to success in algebra (and everything else). Keeping that in mind, Carolyn Wheater has written this wonderful book to help students develop proficient skills in algebra. It features several lessons to help you build confidence, accompanied by numerous exercises to practice what you’ve learned. It also features an extensive answer key to verify your answers. You will learn how to use variables, graph linear equations, handle fractions and decimals, work with quadratic equations, and much more.

As you read through the book, you will learn various terms that will aid you in understanding algebra better. Your knowledge of the subject will also grow with the help of numerous sample problems and their detailed solutions. After finishing the lessons given in this book, you will be able to grasp the concepts in algebra with much greater ease. After solving the various exercises for practice, you will feel confident in using your algebra skills in your classwork and on exams.

9. Algebra: 100 Fully Solved Equations To Explain Everything You Need To Know To Master Algebra!

  • Wizo, Math (Author)
  • 63 Pages - 12/31/2018 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)

Algebra: 100 Fully Solved Equations To Explain Everything You Need To Know To Master Algebra! (Content Guide Included)

Author – Math Wizo

Mathematics isn’t something one is just “good at”. It is an entire language in and itself; a language that some may find quite formidable or difficult to follow. Understandably, sometimes it may simply not be someone’s cup of tea. If you feel this way, you needn’t feel ashamed while admitting it. If your aim is to just pass algebra so that you can proceed with your career, or learn algebra in the easiest possible way, then this book is a good option for you.

As the name suggests, the book features 100 fully solved equations covering the following topics:

  • Rational equations
  • Linear equations
  • Quadratic equations
  • Cubic equations
  • Multivariable equations
  • Radical equations
  • Biquadratic equations
  • Polynomial equations
  • Proportions and systems of equations

The book has been written in an extremely crisp and concise manner, keeping the needs of its target audience in mind. It is a great resource to practice and use in the classroom. You can also use it as a handy quick reference for algebra concepts.

10. Algebra Word Problems Made Simple

  • 130 Pages - 10/27/2020 (Publication Date) - Math Essentials (Publisher)

Algebra Word Problems Made Simple: Master Algebra the Easy Way!

Author – Richard W Fisher

A lot of students face difficulty in solving algebra word problems. If you’re one of them, don’t worry; Algebra Word Problems Made Simple is just what you need. This quality book by award-winning author Richard W. Fisher comes with easy-to-understand video tutorials covering the entirety of algebra I – not just the algebra word problems. The lessons are short, self-contained, and presented in an approachable manner. They feature numerous examples with detailed solutions as well.

As a student, you should work right with the instructor as you go through the video tutorials. Topics covered here include everyday algebra word problems, motion problems, age problems, work problems, proportions, ratios, and much more. It contains a valuable resource center in the back as well. The explanations provided are clear and concise. This is a genuinely wholesome package and an excellent option for students who have been struggling with the subject.

Best Algebra Books for High School Students

11. practical algebra: a self-teaching guide, second edition.

  • Slavin, Steve (Author)
  • 329 Pages - 02/14/1991 (Publication Date) - John Wiley & Sons (Publisher)

Practical Algebra: A Self-Teaching Guide, Second Edition

Author – Peter H. Selby, Steve Slavin

Did you study algebra a long time ago and need a practical course right now to use algebraic principles on your job? If that’s so, or you’re a student just seeking a good introduction to the subject, Practical Algebra is just the book you’re looking for. It is a user-friendly and straightforward workout program that enables you to quickly grasp algebra’s fundamental concepts and tools.

The book includes practical, real-life examples and applications that help you learn various essential concepts, including the following:

  • The fundamental approach and application of algebra to solving problems
  • A comprehensive understanding of the number system
  • Factoring algebraic expressions
  • Monomials and polynomials
  • Handling algebraic fractions
  • Linear and fractional equations
  • Roots and radicals
  • Functions and graphs
  • Ratio, proportion, and variation
  • Solving word problems

The authors have emphasized practical algebra by offering various techniques for solving problems in multiple disciplines like the physical sciences, life sciences, psychology, and even business administration and sociology .

Practical Algebra helps you solve algebraic problems in these areas and encourages you to deal with similar problems yourself afterward. In addition, you can assess your progress with the help of self-tests at the end of each chapter.

12. High School Algebra II Unlocked: Your Key to Mastering Algebra II

  • The Princeton Review (Author)
  • 384 Pages - 06/28/2016 (Publication Date) - Princeton Review (Publisher)

High School Algebra II Unlocked: Your Key to Mastering Algebra II (High School Subject Review)

Author – The Princeton Review

The Princeton Review’s High School Unlocked series provides readers with a diverse roster of key techniques for tackling various subjects. This book deals with Algebra II and will help you understand how abstract concepts apply to real-life situations. In addition, it offers plenty of scope for practice and allows you to build your confidence as you progress.

Like other books in the series, High School Algebra II presents several approaches to a particular problem or concept. If one method doesn’t work for you, you can try an alternate one to understand the concept better. The book also includes plenty of fully guided examples and independent practice problems at the end of each chapter. Some of the topics covered by the book include:

  • Statistical modeling
  • Trigonometric equations
  • Logarithmic functions and operations
  • Graphing and solving systems of equations
  • Complex numbers and polynomials
  • Radical and rational expressions and inequalities

13. Math for the Ages!: SAT and High School Math

  • Mishra, Kishore (Author)
  • 401 Pages - 11/29/2020 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)

Math for the Ages!: SAT and High School Math

Author – Kishore Mishra, Binapani Mishra

Strengthening one’s mental math skills greatly helps in laying down a solid foundation for their later career. With this idea in mind, Math for the Ages focuses on assisting students in solving math problems speedily and accurately without putting pen to paper. It presents valuable tips and thought processes to tackle calculations intuitively.

The book covers forty basic mathematical concepts with excellent coverage, problem-solving strategies, and practice problems for improving students’ speed and accuracy. Apart from algebra, the authors have also included probability, word problems, statistics, trigonometry, and data interpretation while using general problems to make the subject easy and fun to understand. It also serves to help the reader develop a passion for analytical problems.

Although several books are available on this topic, they’ve all been faced with the challenge of what and how much to present. However, the authors have clearly researched everything thoroughly and put forward a book that truly is for the ages like its name rightfully suggests.

14. Pre-Algebra Concepts (Mastering Essential Math Skills)

  • 120 Pages - 02/12/2018 (Publication Date) - Math Essentials (Publisher)

Pre-Algebra Concepts 2nd Edition, Mastering Essential Math Skills: 20 minutes a day to success (Stepping Stones to Proficiency in Algebra)

Presented by the renowned math teacher and author Richard W. Fisher, Pre-Algebra Concepts is being used by tens of thousands of students for mastering the skills needed to succeed in algebra. If you have been finding the subject difficult, look no further than this book. Now available in a freshly edited edition, it comes with award-winning online video tutorials – one for each lesson in the book.

The book presents lessons in a user-friendly format that everyone can readily understand. Each of these lessons is concise and precise and flows logically and smoothly into the next one. The author has also included a review of each lesson for helping students retain what they’ve learned. There are plenty of examples with stepwise solutions as well. Topics covered in the book include:

  • Solving algebraic equations
  • Algebraic word problems
  • Graphing equations
  • Probability
  • Slope of a line
  • Scientific notation
  • Order of operations

The book is an excellent choice for high school students and a great SAT and PSAT preparation resource.

15. Algebra 2 Workbook: Essential Practice for Advanced Math Topics

  • Features quadratic equations, trigonometric functions, and factoring and polynomials
  • For grades 8+

Carson Dellosa | Algebra 2 Workbook | 8th–10th Grade, 128pgs (The 100+ Series™) (Volume 1)

Author – Carson Dellosa

Algebra 2 Workbook is a part of the 100+ Series. It provides wholesome practice and a comprehensive review for challenging high school math topics like quadratic equations, trigonometric functions, factoring and polynomials, and other advanced math topics. In addition, every page includes bonus activities for extending the learning and activities even further. Thus, this book is an excellent choice for daily review at home or in the classroom.

Aligned to Common Core State Standards, the workbook includes quality diagrams and over 128 pages of targeted activities to encourage practice in all areas of algebra and support standards-based instruction. The problems included here feature a good mix of simple and tougher ones. It helps keep students’ skills sharp while getting them ready for higher levels of math study.

16. Must Know High School Algebra

  • 448 Pages - 06/20/2019 (Publication Date) - McGraw Hill (Publisher)

Must Know High School Algebra

Author Christopher Monahan is a national trainer for Texas Instruments’ Teachers Teaching with Technology program. He has been teaching mathematics to high school and college students for more than 30 years. Like the product description states, this book takes a unique new approach that’s like a “lightning bolt” to the brain. Each chapter here ensures that everything you need to know is clear from the beginning and helps you further build on this knowledge.

Unlike other books based mainly on rote memorization, Chris Monahan introduces readers to the most important ideas that will guide them towards success in algebra. Every chapter begins by teaching students what the must-know ideas behind a topic in algebra are. These concepts will help students quickly solve the problems they encounter in their classwork and on exams.

The book features more than 250 practice questions closely in line with what students can expect to find in their classwork and exams. It also includes a bonus app with more than 100 flashcards to reinforce what they’ve learned.  All the algebra topics features here are aligned to national and state education standards. The book also offers special help for more challenging algebra topics like radical expressions, quadratic functions, and linear inequalities.

17. High School Algebra II: A Comprehensive Review and Step-By-Step Guide to Mastering Algebra II

  • Nazari, Reza (Author)
  • 120 Pages - 09/07/2019 (Publication Date) - Effortless Math Education (Publisher)

High School Algebra II: A Comprehensive Review and Step-by-Step Guide to Mastering Algebra II

Author – Reza Nazari, Ava Ross

High School Algebra II is a genuinely wholesome book for mastering the concepts of algebra II. It features hundreds of examples and more than 2,000 exercises for building skills. It helps students hone their math skills and boosts their confidence in the subject. It doesn’t matter how strong or weak you are at algebra – this book will help you use the most effective method and correct strategies to successfully prepare for the algebra II course.

Intensive practice is the key to success in every course, and that’s what High School Algebra II focuses on. Every chapter here features a detailed review written by high school math experts and instructors that efficiently covers all the content included in the course. It also has more than 2,000 sample algebra II questions grouped by topic for reflecting the format and question types of the algebra II exam. It will help you identify your strong and weak areas and assess your overall exam preparation.

High School Algebra II will help you learn math topics in a structured manner, with a complete study program for helping you develop necessary math skills.

18. 101 Involved Algebra Problems with Answers

  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • McMullen, Chris (Author)

101 Involved Algebra Problems with Answers

Author Chris McMullen is a university instructor with more than 20 years of teaching experience in math. This book aims to sharpen the user’s algebra skills by inviting them to solve 101 “involved” algebra problems. It includes separate sections containing hints, answers, and complete solutions.

Prerequisites for this book are standard algebra techniques like systems of equations, the quadratic formula, power rules, the equation of a straight line, multiplying expressions with square roots, and factoring. The problems included here cover various topics, such as:

  • Applying algebra to derive equations
  • Variables in the denominator
  • Inequalities
  • The equation for a straight line
  • Simplifying expressions
  • Multiplying, distributing, and factoring expressions
  • Transformations of variables
  • Applications of algebra

19. The Fun Way to Learn Algebra

  • An expert instructional video introduces each lesson. It is essential to watch this video!
  • Success with the two practice problems enables the app user to access the ten lesson exercises.
  • The unknown x variable is represented by a blue pawn on the digital screen while the constants by number cubes.

The Fun Way to Learn Algebra

Author – Henry Borenson

Available as a free download on Kindle , this book introduces a unique approach to help readers learn algebra. Beginning with lesson 3, it allows the student to simplify equations by removing pawns from the balance to solve for the unknown x. The student can verify their solution by resetting the problem to conduct the check. The book provides feedback to the student in the check phase of the problem.

The developer has included simple touch features to allow users to move the pieces around. Every lesson comes with an expert instructional video for the benefit of students as well. It helps them develop logic and critical thinking skills and has gained a glowing reputation in the teaching community.

20. Painless Algebra

  • Long Ph.D., Lynette (Author)
  • 368 Pages - 04/15/2016 (Publication Date) - Barrons Educational Series (Publisher)

Painless Algebra (Barron's Painless)

Author – Lynette Long Ph.D.

Titles in Barron’s Painless Series cover a wide range of subjects as they’re taught at middle through high school levels. Painless Algebra is a part of this series and presents algebra in a most user-friendly and approachable manner. It defines algebraic terms, shows you how to avoid mistakes during calculation, and offers genuinely “painless” methods for understanding and graphing equations.

The concepts and explanations provided here are clear enough to make the book useful for self-instruction as well. It is an excellent choice for supporting Common Core Standards and especially useful for students who find the subject somewhat confusing or just need a little extra help. You would never have imagined that solving algebraic problems could be this much fun!

Best Algebra Books for College Students

21. college algebra.

  • Cengage Learning
  • Stewart, James (Author)

College Algebra

Author – James Stewart, Lothar Redlin, Saleem Watson

The seventh edition of College Algebra helps the reader learn how to think mathematically and develop essential problem-solving skills. It is straightforward, user-friendly, and allows the student to understand the basics of algebra in a wide range of practical ways. The book also comes with all-new tools for the benefit of students, such as learning objectives before each section to prepare them for the actual lessons.

The book also includes a handy list of formulae and core concepts after every section to help reinforce what the student learned. It also presents many interesting examples to demonstrate how one can apply mathematics for modeling in physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, and business.

The late James Stewart served as a professor of mathematics at McMaster University and authored a series of bestselling calculus textbooks. The late Lother Redlin researched topology and was a professor of mathematics at the Pennsylvania State University, Abington Campus. Saleem Watson, the co-author on Stewart’s bestselling calculus franchise, did research in functional analysis and is currently a professor of mathematics at California State University, Long Beach.

22. Essentials of College Algebra

  • Lial, Margaret (Author)

Essentials of College Algebra

Author – Margaret Lial, John Hornsby, David Schneider

The late Margaret Lial was a long-time math enthusiast, reader, and traveler. She authored numerous bestselling textbooks on the subject. John Hornsby has been teaching mathematics at the high school and university levels for 25 years and writing textbooks on the subject for 15 years. Finally, Callie Daniels is known for her passion for mathematics and has been using technology to improve students’ understanding.

In the 12 th edition of Essentials of College Algebra, these experienced teachers come together to help students develop the analytical skills and conceptual understanding required to succeed in mathematics. In addition, this revised text offers a new set of resources to support modern students and instructors, keeping the evolving college algebra course in mind.

The book comes with a complete suite of instructional materials, including updates to MyLab™ Math and MathXL®. It takes a systematic approach to engage readers in the learning process. Using a wide variety of exercise types, it promotes conceptual understanding and discourages rote memorization. It also includes plenty of opportunities for review throughout and at the end of chapters.

23. College Algebra with Intermediate Algebra: A Blended Course

  • Beecher, Judith (Author)

College Algebra with Intermediate Algebra: A Blended Course

Author – Judith Beecher, Judith Penna, Barbara Johnson

College Algebra with Intermediate Algebra: A Blended Course is a creative new presentation from the Beecher et al. author team. The authors have designed the book to meet students’ changing needs in Intermediate Algebra and College Algebra courses, eliminating the repetition in topic coverage across the traditional two-course sequence. As a result, you’ll have a streamlined course experience that uses time and resources much more efficiently.

The topics in the book have been meticulously arranged – one building on the next sans redundancy, motivating the reader and laying down a firm foundation of knowledge. This refreshing, streamlined approach is enhanced by the authors’ extraordinary effort to, in their words, help you “see the math” through their emphasis on visualization, early introduction to functions and graphing, and demonstrating connections between mathematical concepts and the real world.

24. College Algebra DeMYSTiFieD

  • Huettenmueller, Rhonda (Author)
  • 512 Pages - 12/27/2013 (Publication Date) - McGraw Hill (Publisher)

College Algebra DeMYSTiFieD, 2nd Edition

Author – Rhonda Huettenmueller

Are you finding yourself confused by the concepts of college algebra? If yes, then look no further than College Algebra DeMYSTiFieD by Rhonda Huettenmueller. It is a one-stop solution to master all the essential theories and concepts of the topic at your own pace. Meticulously updated and revised, this new edition starts with the fundamentals and math and gradually takes you to the advanced form of algebra.

While progressing, the reader will learn how to divide complex numbers, solve quadratic equations, and simplify rational numbers. The book also illustrates the difference between odd and even functions; as a result, you will never be confused by the multiplicity of zeroes again. It also includes detailed examples to help you understand the material better, chapter-end quizzes, and a final exam to consolidate critical concepts effectively.

Topics included in this book are:

  • The x-y co-ordinate
  • Exponents and logarithms
  • Graphs of functions
  • Nonlinear equations
  • The FOIL method

Easy for beginners and challenging enough for advanced students, College Algebra DeMYSTiFieD is an excellent resource for a firm grasp of the subject.

25. Algebra for College Students

  • Kaufmann, Jerome E. (Author)

Algebra for College Students

Author – Jerome E. Kaufmann, Karen L. Schwitters

Renowned authors Jerome E. Kaufmann and Karen L. Schwitters have masterfully presented this book with crystal clear exposition, abundant problem sets, and several examples. After the reader learns a skill, they can practice it to help solve equations and apply their newly acquired knowledge to solve application problems. By virtue of this practical approach, many students have artfully grasped problem-solving skills necessary for higher math courses.

The book develops algebraic ideas in an easy-to-read manner and a logical sequence sans formalism and complicated vocabulary. The open and well-organized design minimizes distractions and keeps readers focused on the concepts. The examples and problems cover a wide range of topics like mechanics, electronics, and health, demonstrating the importance of mathematics in everyday life.

Moreover, the book’s handy resource package saves instructors’ time and offers even more skill-building practice for students outside the class.

26. College Algebra with Modeling & Visualization

  • Rockswold, Gary (Author)

College Algebra with Modeling and Visualization

Author – Gary Rockswold

We’ve all heard a lot about the diverse real-world applications of mathematics. Instead of merely mentioning real-world examples in this book, author Gary Rockswold teaches mathematical concepts through those applications. For example, have you ever wondered what the details of your Facebook usage over time could tell you about linear growth and predictions? That is one of the many amazing things this book has to teach you!

This unique approach allows readers to learn the concepts in the context of the world they’re familiar with and understand and retain them better. After that, Rockswold reveals the connection between application, modeling, and visualization. He’s well-known for presenting the concept of a function as a unifying theme, emphasizing the rule of four (verbal, numerical, graphical, and symbolic representations).

The 6 th edition gives importance to a conceptual understanding with assignment options and in-chapter features. It simultaneously offers tools for empowering instructors to make their classrooms more active through group work and collaboration.

27. College Algebra: Real Mathematics, Real People

  • Larson, Ron (Author)

College Algebra: Real Mathematics, Real People

Author – Ron Larson

Dr. Ron Larson’s College Algebra: Real Mathematics, Real People is an ideal book for courses that demand the use of a graphing calculator. It features excellent exercises, creative resources, and exciting applications to help you succeed. In addition, the author has included notations with selected examples to direct students to previous sections to emphasize student support. There, they can review the skills and concepts required to master the concerned topics.

The book’s meticulous writing and design give it additional accessibility. It includes examples with detailed solutions contained within a single page to optimize readability. Likewise, side-by-side solutions display numerical, graphical, and algebraic representations of the math involved and support various learning styles. This new edition makes a significant effort to highlight the relevance of mathematics in students’ lives and future careers.

28. College Algebra, Books a la Carte Edition

  • Ratti, J. S. (Author)
  • 888 Pages - 01/09/2018 (Publication Date) - Pearson (Publisher)

College Algebra

Author – J.S. Ratti, Marcus McWaters, Leslaw Skrzypek

Using their extensive classroom experience, authors Ratti, McWaters, and Skrzypek have connected concepts while maintaining course rigor in their books. The Books a la Carte edition of College Algebra strives to bring all students to the same level before introducing them to new concepts. It uses various applications to help them apply skills and concepts they learn in college algebra and trigonometry to other courses and disciplines. These include engineering, economics, the physical and biological sciences, and everyday problem-solving.

The book gives students plenty of opportunities to ponder critical mathematical ideas and practice and apply algebraic skills. In addition, it develops mathematical concepts comprehensively and with properly defined terminology. Thus, students can understand the core explanations behind those concepts. This gives them the opportunity for better retention, less reliance on rote memorization, and much more success.

29. Functions and Change: A Modeling Approach to College Algebra

  • Crauder, Bruce (Author)

Functions and Change: A Modeling Approach to College Algebra

Author – Bruce Crauder, Benny Evans, Alan Noell

The sixth edition of Functions and Change: A Modeling Approach to College Algebra is an excellent choice for both science and non-math majors, along with students who may choose to continue onto calculus. It focuses heavily on business applications and helps the reader connect math in the real world, master the material, and sharpen their critical thinking skills.

The authors have masterfully incorporated functions, graphing utilities, real data, applications, and projects to develop students’ skills. They also strive to give them practice for mastering basic mathematics and applying it in future courses. The book is now supported by WebAssign – a robust online homework and course management system that engages students in learning mathematics.

30. Algebra and Trigonometry with Analytic Geometry

  • Swokowski, Earl W. (Author)

Algebra and Trigonometry with Analytic Geometry (College Algebra and Trigonometry)

Author – Earl W. Swokowski, Jeffery A. Cole

Presented by renowned authors Earl W. Swokowski and Jeffery A. Cole, this book features crystal-clear explanations, a well-organized layout, exercises, and examples featuring a wide range of real-life examples. As a result, it has gained immense popularity among students all across the world. The latest edition of the book strives to retain these features.

Experts have consistently praised the book’s problems for being at just the right level for precalculus students as well. It also offers calculator examples, including meticulous keystrokes for demonstrating the use of different graphing calculators for solving problems faster. But, most importantly, it efficiently prepares readers for advanced mathematics courses.

So, this was all from me. I hope these algebra books will come handy with all your learning stages.

Also, see these:

  • Best Statistical Mechanics Books for Physics Majors
  • 10 Best Real Analysis Books for Math Majors
  • 20 Best Calculus Books [Best Sellers Included]
  • 20 Best General Relativity Books for Beginners
  • 15 Best Measure Theory Books for Undergraduate and Graduate Students

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