Good series of books to brush up on math, physics, and computer programming?

  • #1
Ascendant0
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TL;DR Summary: Got my AA with a focus in physics nearly a decade ago. Looking to go back and finish what I started, but need to brush up and looking for good resources to do so?

Looking for resources that are thorough that can help me brush up on calculus 1-3, physics 1-2, and possibly computer programming as well (if I have time before I start). It's been nearly a decade since I did this stuff, so while I remember the general concepts, I desperately need to brush up on the math and application of equations for given problems.

I want something that is thorough in the sense that I don't just learn "do x for y situation," but the *why* of that process as well. I want to know this stuff inside and out. I was a 4.0 previously, and intend on keeping it that way (at least as long as possible until the really difficult content)

I used the "demystified" series to prep me for my AA (I had been out of school for years prior to that). While it was ok, I felt like it left a lot out, just sort of skimmed over really basic material, but didn't get in-depth. Hoping for something more comprehensive, that isn't going to leave me wondering "well why does that work that way?" and such.

I need to pick up on my math from the basics of calculus up, from physics 1 up, and for C++ basics. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
 
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  • #2
“Brushing up” on Physics 1 and “thorough and deep treatment ” are inconsistent, especially since deep understanding often requires graduate level treatments.
A logical next step would be Halliday and Resnick for physics (any edition is fine; the old ones just don’t have color pictures) and Thomas for calculus and analytic geometry (again any edition). Old, used books can be picked up cheaply.
 
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  • #3
Calc 1-3: Paul's notes, and maybe Marsden's series of books for depth. (I'm assuming you don't want something proof based)

Physics 1 and 2: matter and interactions by Chabay and Sherwood (it's a complete textbook)

C++: https://www.learncpp.com/
 
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  • #4
marcusl said:
“Brushing up” on Physics 1 and “thorough and deep treatment ” are inconsistent, especially since deep understanding often requires graduate level treatments.
A logical next step would be Halliday and Resnick for physics (any edition is fine; the old ones just don’t have color pictures) and Thomas for calculus and analytic geometry (again any edition). Old, used books can be picked up cheaply.
I get what you are saying. What I meant by "thorough" is a book that doesn't just say "in this case, [x]" without an explanation as to *why* that is the case in that circumstance.

I downloaded the books you suggested, and I actually remember studying Thomas for my calc I course years back. The other physics book is familiar too. They are both great, thank you so much for your help, they are just what I was looking for to brush up on all this!
 
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  • #5
Great! Another great resource for self studying is the Schaum’s Outline series. Each book covers one topic (calculus ,e.g.) with a short summary of each topic followed by problems with their solutions so you check that you’ve mastered the material.
 

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