» Introductory Physics with Algebra as a Second Language: Mastering Problem-Solving

Introductory Physics with Algebra as a Second Language: Mastering Problem-Solving Reviews

Customer Rating:
Summary: Well organized and is a great overview
Comment: Each section gives a problem as an example and gives you step by step methods of how to approach and solve a problem. There are some sections that focus only on how to setup problems, but most are integrated within the examples given. It is a very useful tool to use when trying to break down tough questions. The hardest obstacle, when given a problem, is determining the physics and setup behind it. This book does its job well and is worth every penny.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Excellent for Introductory Physics
Comment: There are only so many ways you can solve certain types of physics problems, and this book shows you all of them! It is perfect for both the people who just want to take a basic physics course AND those who want to continue into more complex, calculus-based physics. Lots of examples, thorough explanations, and very well organized. A must have for physics students!

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Probably the best book next to the bible!
Comment: Stuart E. Loucks has written a time honored cult classic publication explaining all you would ever want or need to know about the wonders of modern day physics. I would highly recommend this book to people of all ages, races, religions, and genders. I wish I could say I had one favorite part of the book, but every part tingled my senses with witty and highly intelligent phrases like "Now You Try It!" This book is a great read for all, and at only $28.95 it sure is a steal. Mr. Loucks is a great teacher and he loves to give out extra credit!

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Really Helpful Book!
Comment: I really couldnt imagine taking my 1st semester physics without this book... it is almost like a universal solutions manual.. that helps you find the solution to any problem. Explains theory and problem solving techniques without being too wordy. I would reccomend this book to anyone taking physics... period!

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Excellent Book for Physics Problem Purgatory
Comment: This book is designed as a work book to amplify and diagram the most common problems in first semester physics, better known as that ugly little world of Newton and his Mechanics.

I actually took this course from Professor Loucks at American River College. He is well suited to author this book as his in class lectures contain detailed explanations and step by step problem solving for projectiles, collisions, circular motion and that sliding block on an incline... thing. He puts a lot of effort into diagramming and explaining the problems in class and he translates that well into this volume.

The subject matter is laid out the same as the course and helps you build the skills for the course step by step. The needed equations for each problem are always listed and he walks you through all the steps of what variables you need to solve for each type of problem. I used this book like a work book when doing homework. When preparing for exams, I used it as a reference book double checking proper methods and steps needed to solve any particular type of problem. Professor Loucks does an excellent job walking you through the problems. I found it helpful enough that I am not selling it back.

If you check the "Search Inside This Book" feature, you will see a very basic problem. The publisher would be better served in showing you a more complex problem like projectile motion (p56) or the block and incline plane (p71 or p93) so you can see how extensively Professor Loucks sets up Full Body Diagrams, identifies the unknowns and equations and works you through each problem.

The graphics and diagrams in the book are nicely done. Although I know Professor Loucks fancies himself a chalk board Rembrandt when diagramming problems...the stick Batman jumping into the boat, a stick eagle flying and dropping a stick fish, a lump of coal falling into a stick cart... the graphics in the book are much better than Professor Loucks' in class drawings.

This book is an outstanding aid and reference guide for the course. It helped me to learn a ton from first semester physics. If you are anywhere near Sacramento, take Professor Loucks for Physics. His stick drawings and his help in the labs alone are worth the price tuition.

The price of the book will be well worth it when you are trying to solve an hour and thirty minutes worth of Professor Loucks' problems in a one hour exam...

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