Precalculus: Graphical, Numerical, Algebraic : Book Review

"Precalculus" by Franklin D. Demana is a highly recommended textbook for high school and college students who want to develop a strong foundation in precalculus. This comprehensive book offers a clear and concise introduction to the fundamental concepts of precalculus, making it an invaluable resource for students at any level.

One of the greatest strengths of this textbook is its systematic approach to presenting the material. Demana begins by reviewing important algebraic concepts before gradually progressing to more complex topics like trigonometry and logarithms. This progressive structure ensures that students can follow along and build their knowledge step by step.

The organization of each chapter is another standout feature of "Precalculus". The concepts are well laid out, with numerous examples and practice problems provided to reinforce understanding. This helps students gain confidence in applying the concepts they have learned.

Real-world applications are also a highlight of this textbook. Demana includes numerous examples that demonstrate how precalculus is used in fields such as physics, engineering, and economics. This not only helps students see the practical relevance of the material but also motivates them to learn and apply it in real-life situations.

The accessibility of the explanations is another aspect that sets this textbook apart. Demana's writing style is clear and concise, making it easy for students to follow along and grasp the concepts. The book also includes helpful resources like tables and graphs to further aid understanding.

What are readers saying?

Franklin D. Demana's book "Precalculus" has received varying feedback from readers. The book, designed for precalculus students, has elicited a range of opinions.

Some reviewers found "Precalculus" to be comprehensive and well-structured, commending its thorough explanations and illustrative examples. Many appreciated the book's clear writing style, which facilitated the understanding of complex concepts. Readers particularly enjoyed the integration of real-world applications, finding it both relatable and engaging.

However, some readers expressed frustration with the book's organization. They found it difficult to navigate and believed that certain topics were not adequately covered. Additionally, several reviewers mentioned a lack of online resources to support their learning. These readers believed that a more interactive approach, such as the inclusion of exercises or online quizzes, would have enhanced the learning experience.

Another point of contention among reviewers was the book's difficulty level. While some appreciated the challenge, others felt that the exercises and problems were too advanced for a precalculus course, resulting in unnecessary confusion. To mitigate this, some readers suggested including more step-by-step solutions or optional sections for more advanced content.

In terms of presentation, many reviewers praised the abundance of diagrams and graphs, as they greatly aided in visualizing concepts and improving understanding. However, a few readers noted that some of the figures were blurry or poorly reproduced, making it difficult to interpret the information accurately.

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