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Here are a few books, materials, and tips that I find will be helpful to you.

Useful Math Books

• Precalculus (5th Edition)
  By Robert F. Blitzer
  ISBN-13: 978-0321837349 / ISBN-10: 0321837347
• Calculus (2nd Edition)
  By William L. Briggs, Lyle Cochran, Bernard Gillett
  ISBN-13: 978-0321954350 / ISBN-10: 0321954351

Useful Math Sites

• mathisfun.com - A directory that explains math topics and provides definitions and examples
• tutorial.math.lamar.edu/ - A directory that explains math topics and provides definitions and examples
• wolframalpha.com - A math solving website where, if you pay, you can get step-by-step solutions
• chegg.com - Good for solutions manuals and book rentals - this is a paid service

Useful Study Tips

Attention to detail is key to solving any math problem - the less attentive you are to detail the more likely you'll make mistakes and the more time you'll spend on a problem. Here I give a few general tips to help you stay sharp in your math solving skills but as you read through my notes you’ll also find more specific tips for each topic your studying. So, in general:

• Make it a habit to write in a notebook. Although electronic devices offer apps that allow you to take notes there’s nothing better than pencil and paper. You get away from the distractions when it’s just you, your thoughts, and a notebook in hand. You focus more on the content your writing and less on the presentation. Plus, it takes you away from any lingering distractions.
  And furthermore, you want to work in the same manner as you would when you’re given any quiz or a test.
  (Oh! Yes, even if you’re taking an online math course you will still be doing problems somewhere – it might as well be in a notebook)


• I know some people are comfortable with pens but the preferred utensil for doing math problems should be a pencil. You’re going to make mistakes and using a pencil saves you from making unnecessary markups you can’t erase or starting your problem completely over because of too many unnecessary markups.
  When you look back at your work your focus should be directly on the content that you need and nothing extra. So keep your notes clean of any unnecessary markups.


• As you take notes write EVERY single detail down - from the problem, the solving process, to the answer. Don't skip a step, it's tedious but it is worth it. You’re building that muscle memory!


• Write your notes in your own words. If you truly understand the work you are doing you should be able to clearly state it in your own words. If you cannot you should review that topic some more.


• DONT FOLLOW PATTERNS. You are here to learn the process NOT the pattern to a problem. This is a common mistake that students make and though it may work for you for certain instances you'll find this method of learning will get you into more trouble than anything. DONT DO THIS! Please try to learn.


• Lastly, there is NO SUBSTITUTE FOR A GOOD BOOK. If your instructor gives you a book read it. If your self-pacing yourself still read a book. If the books you’ve been provided don’t exactly give you what you’re looking for I’ve given you some books above. A good math book will thoroughly explain the logic behind your math problems and will allow you to better assess any problem that comes your way.