Quantitative Skills Center

General Help with Quantitative Skills

Quantitative Skills Assessment and Improvement
Books
Individual Help
GRE Test Prep
General Approaches to Problem Solving

Quantitative Skills Assessment and Improvement

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Books

These books are designed specifically for self-instruction and are available for on-site use in the Quantitative Skills Center resource library. Most are also available in either the Reed library or through Summit.

  • Forgotten Algebra by Barbara Lee Bleau. Great self-guided course for students who either have forgotten their algebra or never really got it the
    first time around. Chapters are arranged by topic.
  • Mathematics: A Second Chance. This book was published in Britain so has some slightly unfamiliar vocabulary in places, but is otherwise
    excellent in taking the student from arithmetic to calculus in a straightforward way with plenty of practice problems.
  • Quick Calculus by Daniel Kleppner and Norman Ramsey. Co-authored by a Nobel-prizewinner in physics, this is a quick review or first run-
    through of integral and differential calculus. While not a replacement for a true first course in calculus, it may be a helpful refresher for
    students taking classes in other subjects where calculus is used.
  • Calculus Made Easy by Silvanus Thompson. A classic text that uses an intuitive approach to the explanation of calculus concepts.
    Recommended to me by a recent Reed econ alumnus who claims that for the first time he feels he can actually grasp calculus.

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Individual Help

If you are looking to improve your math skills, please feel free to contact Lily Copenagle, Director of the Quantitative Skills Center, extension 7916.

Lily can help you set up an individualized skills development program with weekly follow-up.

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GRE Test Prep

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General Approaches to Problem Solving

  • Solving Science Problems
Oberlin Physics Problem Solving Site
The Seven D's Method of Physics Problem Solving
Bryn Mawr Chemistry Problem Solving Site
The A through E Problem-Solving Approach in Chemistry

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