Before taking the math exam you are most likely to spend several days reading and repeating rules from the books recommended by the university. Some students may find out that some of their math books do not give the whole information on a subject or are written in the complicated language. Those, who are looking for the classic high-quality books positively appreciated by mathematicians and vitally written, may notice that such titles are not easy to find. Among thousands of books published each year there are several must-have books for math students which may help you to pass an exam as well as enjoy the text. Check out this list to choose the best title according to your exam subject.
1. The Princeton Companion to Mathematics by Timothy Gowers, June Barrow-Green, Imre Leader
This is a definite must-have of each math student. The “Companion” is an actual encyclopedia providing the general theory on every single field of mathematics of different levels. Despite its great volume and a big range of topics, the chapters are well knit together which makes the text comprehensive and cohesive. The authors have included the specialized articles as well as a text for non-mathematicians which prove its accessible nature.
2. Encyclopedia of Mathematics by James Stuart Tanton
This encyclopedia is especially great in case a student deals with the lack of time or want to refresh some theories right before the exam. The book enables quick search about particular topics by A-Z format structure. Tanton has managed to gather the necessary information with resources and facts which make his masterpiece indispensable while doing math homework or starting assignment writing.
3. What Is Mathematics? An Elementary Approach to Ideas and Methods by Richard Courant and Herbert Robbins However providing some information on math history this book prompts the reader to think about ideas than just absorb information. Such book may help not only to prepare for an exam but practice logical thinking encouraging the inner discussion.
4. Contemporary Abstract Algebra by Joseph Gallian
This is the seventh edition of a classic book which gives general knowledge with rare clarity. The text is comprehensive for any kind of student and will be useful as an assignment help while describing general terms. The book includes solid proofs with detailed explanation, simple examples, exercises and short information on the famous mathematicians making the book an encyclopedia of the contemporary algebra.
5. Introduction to Algorithms by Thomas H. Cormen, Charles E. Leiserson, Ronald L. Rivest
Extremely rich on theoretical material ‘Introduction to Algorithms’ is a great reference book for preparation to the math exam as well as a source for assignment writing. The writing covers a big range of topics: from sorting and order statistics to graph algorithms and computational geometry.
6. Calculus Made Easy by Silvanus P. Thompson
Inviting and light style of the book will be positively admitted by every reader of this book. It is especially useful for frustrated students struggling with calculus and looking for professional help on a subject. Thompson speaks with a reader understanding the difficulty of his topic and instead of the standard approach of explaining the subject he chooses to simplify the language. This book may turn tough math homework into a challenging quest by changing the attitude to complicated calculus.
7. Principles and Techniques in Combinatorics by Chen Chuan-Chong and Koh Khee-Meng
However, gaining popularity among math professors this book will be also easy to read for undergraduates. Detailed but introductory, this combinatorics book is perfect to refresh the basic knowledge and memorize key concepts. Not to confuse the inexperienced students the authors take the careful review and use step-by-step approach through the proofs to make the theory comprehensive. A big range of combinatorial problems, given at the end of the chapters, makes the book a good source for training before an exam.
8. The Art of Computer Programming, Volumes 1-3, by Donald E. Knuth
This valuable box set covers main subjects on computer science field. The author keeps focusing on the key core of the content so that the reader may easily go through the chapters. Each volume provides deep theoretical research on computer science fundamentals. The set is divided into six parts: basic concepts, information structures, arithmetic, searching, sorting and random numbers. To check your knowledge or while preparing to math homework you may try answering the questions after each section of the book.
9. Calculus by Michael Spivak
Literally a bible among the books for math students, this book will be especially appreciated by the hard-working students who are ready to face the challenges. Advanced learners whose aim is the best grade may practice their logic and perspicacity with this book. The fourth edition of “Calculus” provides new problems in old Spivak’s solid and sophisticated style of communicating with the reader.
10. Mathematics: From the Birth of Numbers by Jan Gullberg
The author proposes a deep dive into the origins of mathematics and gives a solid information on math’s history. Many students will find it strange that one of the most interesting and valuable books about the entire history of math was written not by a mathematician but a doctor. While reading you may feel that the book was written by a person inspired by the beauty of science.
This article reveals only the tiny part of the must-have math books in certain fields. Despite the enormous number of books of different quality, it is possible to find a masterpiece in a specialization you need for your test. Take your time and start searching for guidance books beforehand to make sure you receive a definite ‘A’