About Math

About Mathematics Commentary

Chapter Order


It is not necessary to follow the order of the chapters in the text. After the Preface and Introduction, I recommend that you continue with the first two chapters: Chapter 1, because it has some features that both entertain and encourage students; Chapter 2, because it reviews some basic tools like function. Beyond that, the chapters are essentially independent. Even Chapter 9 does not necessarily follow Chapter 8. In particular, I urge you to consider Chapter 10 much earlier. (There is more about this recommendation in the commentary about that chapter.)

While most instructors will use the text for a one-semester course, there is enough content to serve for a full year. We can imagine no one completing all of the chapters in one semester so some choice will be necessary, but in a full year course the pace can be more leisurely.