Reading mathematics is an acquired skill. As the term goes on, you should
find that reading the text becomes easier and more rewarding.
Here are a few suggestions.
Expect to spend as much time reading as working homework.
The class meetings will be much more meaningful and the homework will be much
easier for you if you have spent the necessary time reading.
You may not completely understand everything in the section,
but it will be the basis for the class meetings.
Expect to re-read.
A calculus text is not light reading, so
you should expect that it will take several passes through a section
before you absorb the material. After we have discussed a section in
class, go back and re-read the section -- Many points will be much
clearer.
Be sure you understand the keywords.
If you are unsure on some
of the terminology, use the index to find where a term is defined.
Read with a pencil, paper, and calculator in hand.
You learn
mathematics by doing. When the text asks you to check the calculations and
graphs, Do it!
Reflect on what you have read.
Every so often, stop and think
about what you have read, how it fits in with past material, and where you
think it is going.
Keep the list handy.
Use this list as a bookmark in your text. Re-read it every few weeks.
