Preparing for General Physics

Includes Rounds I-V. This self-study workbook provides review of algebra, trigonometry, and calculus topics for students enrolled in introductory physics. All examples relate directly to physics. Emphasis is placed on working with powers of 10 and order of magnitude estimating. Students write their answers in the text and then check their answers on the following page. Also discussing why math is important in physics; pretests; posttests.I. Words and Numbers. Pretest. Review 1: Dealing with Numbers. Review 2: Units to Go with the Numbers. Review 3: Words, Symbols, and Pictures. Posttest. Essay: Why is Physics so "Mathematical"? II. Nature at Its Simplest: Linear Behavior. Pretest. Review 4: Proportion and Ratio. Review 5: Linear Equations. Review 6: Rearranging Equations-Basic Algebra. Review 7: Simultaneous Linear Equations. Posttest. Essay: Two Remarkable Proportions of Professor Newton. III. Dealing With Space. Pretest. Review 8: Geometry I-Describing and Drawing. Review 9: Geometry II-Angles. Shape, and Size. Review 10: Trigonometry I-Mostly Right Triangles. Review 11: Trigonometry II-Other Triangles and Applications. Posttest. Essay: We Live in a Three-Dimensional World-Don't We? IV. Physics of a Higher Order: Power Functions. Pretest. Review 12: Quadratic Expressions. Review 13: Problems, Formulas, and Physics. Review 14: Other Power Laws. Posttest. Essay: Energy and Other Conservative Issues. V. Non-Algebraic Functions. Pretest. Review 15: Sinusoidal functions-Oscillating Phenomena. Review 16: Exponential Functions-Growth and Decay. Review 17: Logarithmic Functions-Big Things, Little Things. Posttest. Essay: What in the World? Particles and Waves. VI. Continuous Change in Physics: Using Calculus. Pretest. Review 18: Differential I-Rates of Change and Other Basic Ideas. Review 19: Differentiation II-More Complicated Expressions. Review 20: Integration I-The Integral as an Antiderivative. Review 21: Integration II-The Integral as a Summation. Posttest. Appendix: Coping with Test Anxiety.