Schaum's Outline of Precalculus, 3rd Edition: 738 Solved Problems + 30 Videos

I've purchased a series of these Schaum's Outlines for my highschooler. I don't think they replace the textbooks. But they are great for looking up a specific type of problem with which you're having trouble. Especially since some types of problems will show up in homework that haven't been fully covered in class.First the problem is stated. Directly underneath it is the solution, which you cover up with a piece of paper as you work on the problem. The best part is that you aren't just given the answer, you are given the solution, as in Show Your Work! In addition, prose explanations are added to show why you are doing what you're doing. Perhaps not quite as much explanation as in the Physics Outline book, but then the Physics problems tend more towards word problems in several sections. The set-up of Precalculus is still excellent.This is the 3rd edition of the Precalculus Outline. If you have a previous edition, and wish to compare:According to the preface, the 2nd edition differed from the 1st edition by adding problems for: avg rate of change, price/demand, polar form of complex numbers, conic sections in polar coordinates, algebra of the dot product, and an entire chapter on introduction to differential calculus.There is no explanation of the difference between the 2nd and the 3rd editions, but it probably is the references to Schaums.com for extra study resources. When you enter Schaums.com, you are taken to mhprofessional.com. It has video tutorials for Schaum's Outlines. This Precalculus Outline is not one of them, though. As of today, the website has videos for these five Outline workbooks: 30 videos for Calculus, 24 videos for Geometry, 25 for Linear Algebra, 20 for Probability and Statistics and 20 problems for Trigonometry. Each video covers one problem from the workbook. For example, the first two videos for the Calculus Outline are for problems Ch. 3-21 and Ch. 6-17.Happy Reader

My interest in the Precalculus Outline goes back to the first Outline produced by Daniel Schaum - Chemistry, if I am correct though his Physics Outline may have been the first. During my undergrad years the Calculus Outline saved me from "a rushing disaster" more than once. I purchased this book for a young woman who is now "short on freedom" due to her failed Plan A about life, and I am hoping that the Precalculus Outline will help her to form a Plan B which in turn will allow her to enjoy success in life. The Outline is perfect for self study especially for a person who is running a "few pints low" on self-esteem. Each Chapter of every Outline begins with a detailed explanation together with solved problems with much detail, then problems with only the answer, then problems with no answer but with the prior detail available for a re-trace of a solution. A side note, about the time Daniel was developing his series of Outlines, a chap by the name of Michael Dell was making a few bucks fixing computers in his dorm room at Austin, then , of course, there was the Harvard dropout Bill Gates. Let this Outline be a lesson to persons who are working with folks who are in need of self-esteem. The Outline is no guarantee that one who studies will ultimately form a massive corporation, but it insures that a path, a Plan B, just might emerge. Back to the young woman - does she have the academic foundation that will allow an understanding - no, she only has high school rudiments. Do I care about her lack of a base - no - I told her that failure is not an option, that her only option is to complete or quit, that patience will guide her.

TRUE REVIEW: Uncompensated and actual user.Paid $13.88, which seems to be a fair price. I have been using Schaum's since I was in college and now my kid is using it. In my experience, Schaum's helps, but it does not have the "Wow! I really understand this thing now!" effect. I took away one start because the book arrived crumpled.BOTTOM LINE: Check the local store and see if this book will work for you before buying.

Excellent coverage of the subject in all ways--explanations, examples. I already knew this from having used an earlier edition and bought this one to have access to any updating that was done. Those to whom math comes easily will appreciate the book. Those to whom the subject doesn't come so easily will find here as good a guide as anyone could imagine to help them "get it."Kenneth Deitch

Not sure how this would work for someone who had never studied the material but it served as a great review guide for someone studying for a placement test to place into a calculus course. He studied this book intensively over the course of a single weekend and passed the test handily.

Great outline. More trig than I needed, but very useful supplement.

This is a classic book that I used as a child and now my children use it to supplement their school work. It is a well-organized book that takes the fear out of learning higher level math. It is a lot cheaper than failing or paying for a tutor!

An old school way of mastering math. There are plenty of all types of problems for lots of practice which no matter what people say is needed to be successful in any level math you are taking.

Good but not explanatory enough for my level of education because it contains very short and frustrating answers In it

no key to videos on kindle edition

英語の勉強と、数学の知識の整理ということに一石二鳥の本である。意外と、演習の数が多くて、これはいい訓練になる。大学の授業の補足として役に立つ。

Bien sistematizado, con un índice (que quizás podría mejorarse) eficaz. Tratamiento sintético pero correcto de los temas y una más que aceptable'batería' de ejercicios resueltos o sugeridos.

Well written, clearly describes specific terms and "laws" which are followed immediately by examples. More importantly, there are many sample questions - a number of them clearly indicate how the answer is obtained and then there are many were the answer is simply given. This gives the reader many opportunities to validate information and understanding of the concepts and processes presented.