Reading Suggestions
Math 104 Calculus II, Spring 2024

A significant part of the Pre-Class Assignments will consist of reading assignments from the text. Reading mathematics is an acquired skill, but you can significantly improve your understanding of the mathematical content and help make the class meetings much more engaging if you prepare beforehand.

As the term goes on, you should find that reading the text before class becomes easier and allows you to be more efficient with the total time you spend on the course.

Here are a few suggestions.

• Expect to spend 45 to 60 minutes before class for each reading assignment.
  You may not completely understand everything in the section, but the class meetings will be much more meaningful and the homework will be much easier for you if you have spent time with the concepts before class.
• Expect to re-read.
  A mathematics text is not light reading, so you should expect that it may 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 and paper in hand.
  You learn mathematics by doing. If the text asks you to check the calculations, then 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 this list handy.
  Save this list out to keep in your copy of the text, or bookmark this page, and re-read it every few weeks.
• If you feel the assignments are taking you too long, please come see me.
  The point of the reading is to help you learn the course material. If you feel that they have become an obstacle, then we can talk about strategies to help the assignments serve their intended purpose.