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Advice on Reading a Math Book
You are expected to read the appropriate sections of the book before lecture, according to the schedule provided. You'll also be reading the book when you're working on homework problems and studying for exams and quizzes.
Here are some tips on how to read the book:
Always have pen and paper handy when reading. Check all the calculations. Fill in the details when they're left out. Keep track of your ideas and questions as you're reading. Keep working without even looking at the book.
Give yourself the time and energy to do the reading. Reading a math book is not like reading a novel. It takes more time and energy. You'll need a reasonable block of time and an active mind to get something out of it.
Work the examples without looking at the solutions. Learning mathematics is never a passive experience. The best way to make use of example problems in the book is to start them on your own without looking at the solution. If you're stuck or confused, you should peek a little bit at the solution, and then try to finish the rest yourself.
Math books follow a logical order. Remember that each sentence, paragraph, and page usually depends on the previous one. If you don't understand something, you should be hesitant about continuing on until you do. It is usually a good idea to first skim for an overview to catch key ideas, then reread with concentration.
