The texts are based on the premise that students learn math best by solving problems - lots of problems - and preferably difficult problems that they don't already know how to solve. Most sections, therefore, begin by presenting problems and letting students intuit solutions BEFORE explaining ways to solve them. Even if they find ways to answer the problems, they should read the rest of the section to see if their answer is correct and if theirs is the best or most efficient way to solve that type of problem. Textual instruction, then, is given in the context of these problems, explaining how to best approach and solve them.
Throughout the text there are also special, blue-shaded boxes highlighting key concepts, important things to retain (like formulas), warnings for potential problem-solving pitfalls, side notes, and bogus solutions (these demonstrate misapplications). There are exercises at the end of most sections to see if the student can apply what's been learned. Review problems at the end of each chapter test understanding for that chapter. If a student has trouble with these, he should go back and re-read the chapter. Each chapter ends with a set of Challenge Problems that go beyond the learned material. Successful completion of these sets demonstrates a high degree of mastery.
A unique feature in this series is the hints section at the back of the book. These are intended to give a little help to selected problems, usually the very difficult ones (marked with stars). In this way, students can get a little push in the right direction, but still have to figure out the solution for themselves. complete solutions and explanations to all the exercises, review problems and challenge problems are found in the separate solution manual (051934).
A comprehensive textbook covering Algebra 2 and topics in Precalculus. This book is the follow-up to the acclaimed Introduction to Algebra textbook. In addition to offering standard Algebra 2 and Precalculus curriculum, the text includes advanced topics such as those problem solving strategies required for success on the AMC and AIME competitions.
A comprehensive textbook covering Algebra 2 and topics in Precalculus. This book is the follow-up to the acclaimed Introduction to Algebra textbook.
Topics covered in this book include a review of basic algebra topics, complex numbers, quadratics and conic sections, polynomials, multivariable expressions, sequences and series, identities, inequalities, exponents and logarithms, piecewise-defined functions, functional equations, and much more.
As with all of the books in Art of Problem Solving's Introduction and Intermediate series, the text is structured to inspire the reader to explore and develop new ideas. Each section starts with problems, so the student has a chance to solve them without help before proceeding. The text then includes solutions to these problems, through which new techniques are taught. Important facts and powerful problem solving approaches are highlighted throughout the text. In addition to the instructional material, the book contains over 1600 problems. The solutions manual contains full solutions to all of the problems, not just answers.
Paperback. Text: 720 pages. Solutions: 336 pages.
The intermediate series picks up where the introductory series leaves off. Please read that description (immediately preceding this one) as it applies to this series as well. Note that all AOPS books are intended for high-performing (motivated) math students. These are rigorous texts that require a high level of commitment from students, but the benefits are worth the extra effort. For comparison, this curriculum is more advanced than Saxon and rather like Life of Fred on steroids. It is like LOF in that often, teaching takes place through problem solving, even in the solutions to the problems. These books are huge compared to the LOF volumes which are, even then, largely devoted to the story of Fred's life. Math in LOF is taught in that context; we understand that Fred needs to calculate the derivative of a stock market equation in order to invest his penny while the slope is increasing AND why discovering that vertical asymptote resulted in his becoming a millionaire. Here, the heart of the course is the problem-solving. Virtually all of the text is devoted to this. Students are preparing for problem-solving competitions here and learning techniques and strategies to win. The other MAJOR difference is the amazing, complete solution manual provided in the AOPS curriculum. After working in LOF Calculus with Stephen, I REALLY appreciate having more than just an answer (honestly, it would be nice to not have to work through the problems myself when a question arises-call me lazy).
Students beginning this series should have either completed the Introductory level or, if coming from another curriculum, have completed Algebra I and Geometry at a minimum. Even then, they should take the diagnostic test for AOPS Introduction to Algebra and only tackle Intermediate Algebra if indicated. After completing Intermediate Algebra, students can choose to take either Intermediate Counting & Probability or Precalculus next, or do both simultaneously. Both should be completed before beginning Calculus. A brief description of courses appears below; see our website Table of Contents pages for a more complete scope and sequence.
Reviews topics covered in the Introductory Algebra book. Covers advanced topics found in Algebra 2 (and advanced ones outside the scope of a standard Algebra 2 course) plus standard non-trigonometric Precalculus topics.
| Product Format: | Softcover Book |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Art of Problem Solving |
| Grades: | 9-12 |
| ISBN: | 9781934124048 |
| Length in Inches: | 11 |
| Width in Inches: | 8.4375 |
| Height in Inches: | 1.5 |
| Weight in Pounds: | 3.7187 |
