Science and Math For Adults?

Posted by ryuzaki0 on Saturday August 2, 2003 @10:30AM from the old-dogs-and-new-tricks dept.

Peter Trepan writes "Like most Americans, I made it through high-school and college without a thorough understanding of major scientific and mathematical concepts. I'm trying to remedy this situation both for personal betterment and so I can supplement my *own* kids' education. The problem is, most textbooks are not designed to convey an understanding of the subject, but to squeeze in all the 'facts' required by state law. I'm looking for books that don't just tell me an equation or a concept works, but also explain *why*. Would you please list books that have helped you gain a greater understanding of the basic concepts of algebra, chemistry, calculus, physics, and other core areas of science?" This is similar to an earlier question, but with a broader focus.

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I'll second that, and I'm an engineer by John+Jorsett · 2003-08-02 12:21 · Score: 4, Interesting

I confess that I made it through 3 semesters of college calculus and an engineering degree pretty much not understanding the underlying concepts of calculus. It's surprising what you can accomplish by rote. This book was a real forehead-slapper for me, and I can't recommend it highly enough. Many years after graduating, I've finally learned what I should have back then. If it were up to me, this would be the first book anyone learning calculus ever read. I wish Sylvanus Thompson were still alive (I think Calculus Made Easy was published in 1919) so I could give him a big smooch.