Books
- Higher Mathematics: Exponentials and Logarithms Revision
- A Forrest
- Ages 18 and up
This book is an overview of logarithms and exponential functions. It is written to suit a higher mathematics course and the students within that course. There are real-world examples that also draw from higher level courses (i.e. macro-economics).
- Math is Super Cool: The Ultimate Guide for Understanding Exponent and Logarithm
- Peta-Gaye Reid
- ages 13 and up
This book is an introduction to logarithms and exponentials. The book provides an easy to follow instruction on the basics and the general principles behind logs and exponentials. It also provides a fun commentary between the author and characters from the other Math is Super Cool books.
- Algebra II for Dummies
- Mary Jane Sterling
- ages 15 and up
Everyone has heard of the Dummies books, and they have a bad rap as being a very low level book for its readers. However, the fact is that the Dummies books are really great resources that provide easy to understand explanations. They are a very good resource for basic knowledge on its content. This book is no different. Algebra II for Dummies provides instruction on everything within the Dummies model.
- Math, Better Explained
- Kalid Azad
- ages 15 and up
This book, like the Dummies book, provides a ground-level explanation of many mathematical concepts, including logs. The book is unconventional, as the author explains the abstract concepts in a concrete manner. Readers are able to see how things work via examples and real-life applications.
- Essentials: Math Made Nice & Easy #2
- The Editors of the Research & Education Association
- ages 10 and up
This book shines light on the fun side of mathematics via simple and interesting instruction on the subject. Each step given in instruction is noted and the notes are specific as to the reason. The book goes in depth on each concept, so many levels can benefit from this resource.
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Websites
- History of Logarithms
This site is a pdf file that details the 'invention' of logarithms. The article goes into detail on the three inventors' escapades in discovery.
- Burgi Biography
- http://www-history.mcs.st-and.ac.uk/Biographies/Burgi.html
- ages 18 and up
This site details the life and accomplishments of Jost Burgi, one of the founders of logarithms. The site talks of how the Swiss mathematician came of age in the mathematics realm and how he came about discovering logarithms.
- John Napier and Logarithms
- http://ualr.edu/lasmoller/napier.html
- ages 17 and up
This website also details the life of a co-founder of logarithms, John Napier. The site goes in depth on the society in which Napier lived and how he founded logs. There are quotations by Napier that shine light on his thinking, as well.
- Logarithms: Introduction to “The Relationship”
- http://www.purplemath.com/modules/logs.htm
- ages 14 and up
PurpleMath.com is a site that has thousands of mathematical concepts on file. The site explains its content with ease and puts emphasis on the procedure. The site is very easy to navigate and is free for all users. Purple Math is a great tool for remediation and enrichment.
- What on Earth is a Logarithm?
- http://www.math.utah.edu/~pa/math/log.html
- ages 11 and up
The University of Utah's page on logarithms is also a site that provides further explanations on logarithms. This site, however, provides solid examples to go with explanations. The thing that sets this one apart is the "Special Bases" portion of the site. In this part, the site talks about how logarithms connect to the e function, or natural logs.
- Logarithms
- http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/logm.html
- ages 14 and up
HyperPhysics provides solid examples of four basic operations pertaining to logarithms. Each operation is explained thoroughly and provides an example. Each portion is east to follow and make connections from operation to operation.
- Pauls Online Notes: Algebra – Logarithm Functions
- http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/Alg/LogFunctions.aspx
- ages 12 and up
- Interactive Logarithmic Function Graph
- Simple Logarithmic Equations
This site contains a video that introduces students to logarithms. The video is very helpful, as the instructor is knowledgable and clear with his explanations. The site also has example problems for visitors/students to work on their own, or with the help of the instructor via another video.
- Logarithms | Algebra | Khan Academy
- http://www.khanacademy.org/math/algebra/logarithms-tutorial
- ages 17 and up
Wes,
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, nice blog entry! I really liked reading and commenting on your text sets! I like the divider line/thingy you have there between books and websites. Did you just type "___" and then bold it? Blogger doesn't seem to have dividers (they should and should have colorful ones with themes too).
I really like that you have a range of text sources for students across different levels (high school-college students, beginning to advanced students, etc.). I also like that you incorporated a For Dummies book in there! They really do make some of the best test prep books that're out there. They are really just genuinely fun (not as fun as watching TV, but still fun) to read even when they're talking about preparing for ACT/SAT stuff. I also noticed that you try to incorporate the history component to learning mathematics. I didn't think of that while collecting both of my text sets! I think that's a really good idea to appeal to the humanities people. Anyways, good job with the blog entry!