Precalculus

[AngieW in Texas]

I'm trying to figure out which way to go for Precalculus.

My oldest is good at math, but doesn't care for it and is extremely unlikely to go into a science or math related field. My middle dd is very good at math and will definitely go into a science related field (interested in neuroscience).

My oldest used Jacobs for Algebra I and for Geometry. She is using Kinetic Books for Algebra II.

My middle started off using Jacobs and Kinetic Books for Algebra I, but switched to just Kinetic Books about halfway through. She'll be using Jacobs for Geometry and Kinetic Books for Algebra II.

The texts that I'm interested in are Foerster, Lial, and Larson. I don't need videos. Math is my thing and I'm very comfortable with teaching it. I would like complete solution manuals though.

I want a program that is going to require a graphing calculator, but I would really like it if it also had something that taught how to use it at the same time.

I don't know the relative strengths of these programs. I've seen Larson's text mentioned only in conjunction with the Chalkdust dvds.

I haven't been able to find a way to see any of these books yet.

[langfam]

I believe you can buy the complete solutions manual to Foerster's directly from the publisher by signing an affidavit that you are a homeschooler. The complete solutions manual for the Larson (CD )text may be difficult to come by. If you decide on Larson, I can give you the isbn# and you can search for it.

[Kareni]

... I haven't been able to find a way to see any of these books yet.

Angie,

You may wish to use the advanced search feature of WorldCat (http://www.worldcat.org/advancedsearch) to learn if any of the books are located in libraries near you. Otherwise, you may be able to borrow them through inter-library loan. Good luck! It really can make a difference to have the books in hand.

Regards,
Kareni

[jellogirl]

I know you didn't ask about Saxon, but I thought I'd share anyway.

Saxon Advanced Math is rigorous, but it is a good fit for students who can understand math and are willing to spend time on it. Feel free to spread it out over 2-4 semesters. It is worth it. Things are well reviewed and a complete solutions manual is available. Cds are also available, including solution ones (I think).

[AngieW in Texas]

Saxon, MUS, and Teaching Textbooks wouldn't work here. All three of my girls would absolutely refuse to do math with any of those three programs. The only one of them that we've actually used is MUS and it was a flaming disaster. My kids have looked at the other two extensively and declared them off-limits.

They're usually willing to use pretty much whatever I buy, so long as I don't go near those three.

[Alyce]

My son loves Lial's for Alg II. I bought it on JannTx recommendation, same for it's PreCalculus. I like that the explanations are clear. The text and solutions manual for lower additions were very easy to find and didn't cost much. I will buy the calculator manual so he can learn how to use the graphing calculator. I've looked through the book a little. It's not much different than Alg II although the practice problems aren't on the side like they were. It does look like it explains how to do the problems without the calculator but tells you when you can use one. I suppose the manual is where we'll learn how. The manual I did have to buy directly from the company so it was a little more expensive.

[Valerie(TX)]

My son loves Lial's for Alg II. I bought it on JannTx recommendation, same for it's PreCalculus. I like that the explanations are clear. The text and solutions manual for lower additions were very easy to find and didn't cost much. I will buy the calculator manual so he can learn how to use the graphing calculator. I've looked through the book a little. It's not much different than Alg II although the practice problems aren't on the side like they were. It does look like it explains how to do the problems without the calculator but tells you when you can use one. I suppose the manual is where we'll learn how. The manual I did have to buy directly from the company so it was a little more expensive.

Alyce, I will be uing this with dd next year. I did not know there was a calculator manual; do you mean a "using graphing calulators" manual, as opposed to the useless manual put out by the manufacturer? :lol: If so, could you share the ISBN and title of it?

TIA!

[Myra]

http://www.math.iupui.edu/MAC/lectures/m111/

I know I've posted this link before, but in case you missed it....
it's a link to the free online DVTs for Lial's Intermediate Algebra. My 9th grade son is using them this year and really likes the lessons are taught by a variety of teachers - he has his favorites! The DVTs do incorporate the graphing calulators to some extent.


Myra

[Karin]

What I've learned is that there is nothing that works best for everybody. There are certain people on the high school forum who consistently have advice and/or suggestions that fit my dd's learning styles and needs. I like to read everyone's input, because I have 2 younger dc.

Because of this, when we get there, given the fact that my dd is quite mathy, we'll go with the suggestion of either Jane in NC and/or Jann in TX. Or Myrtle or Charon if they ever come back. Not that there are no other good programs, but in our case their suggestions have worked best in math.

But I also know that we won't use Saxon, MUS or TT for any of our dc for this, at least not as a main course (sounds like dinner;).) I really like MUS for my younger two. But we use it along with a more rigorous math program (SM) and I don't know for sure if we'll use anything past Zeta or not. We've used all three of these, actually. My eldest liked Saxon (I don't) in elementary and the first part of middle school.

[Alyce]

You have to buy it directly from Pearson and it's for the fourth edition. I have the third edition but Jann Tx says they should be able to be used directly. My understanding is that it is the directions for how to use a graphing calculator for the concepts not just a graphing calculator manual but haven't actually seen it. Was planning to buy it later. I did look at the book and there area few instructions for graphing calculator but not indepth so this is why I think the manual is for the actual instructions.