I know this has probably been asked before, but my circumstances are unique. I never attended High School; I was home schooled and not well at that. I started college 2 years back, and have struggled up through Math 112. I'm going to code my own game engine, or at least I intend to, and even though I suck like you wouldn't believe at math I'm going to take Trigonometry, Linear Algebra, Discreet Structures, Finite Mathematics, and whatever else I need head on. My problem isn't that I don't have a "head for numbers" or anything like that. While I admit math isn't my strong suit, and I generally don't like it, I think it's more because I don't understand it easily and I have to work so hard at it. I have to expend twice as much effort and it takes me twice as long! But once I have it down clear EXACTLY how to do something, and I understand it, I'm actually good at it, faster and I enjoy it. Case in point... Matricies. This is my second time in Math 112, last time I hated these because I simply wasn't able to grasp them. Maybe I should have asked for more help, gone to the tutroring center, or something. But I ain't very socaible, and I don't like asking for help. If I can't figure out how to swim on my own I'd much rather drown. Anyhow this tiem around I grapsed them, I understaood them, and now I really enjoy doing them! I'd probably rather sit down with my graphing calculator and create matrices I have to solve than play some hand-held video game! So from this you should hopefully get a better idea at what's going here, and now that you know this I would like to ask for some math book suggestions. I'm currently eyeing Trigonometry for Dummies, and the 3D Math Primer for Graphics and Game Development. But I need general books on whatever subjects I will need as a programmer coding a game engine. These books MUST be detailed, accurate, comprehensive, and well explained. Every type of problem they throw at you to do MUST have a similar example they have worked out for you. I would also prefer an answer key for EVERY problem, but that is not a requirement. So if you have any suggestions please post them here, with links if possible. Keep in mind that if you recommend a book that sucks I reserve the right to beat you over the head with it >:) - Deathbliss

For an all round maths book which covers algebra, simultaneous eqation solving, trigenometry, vectors, matricies, calculus, and many other things you might need for games programming I recommend 'Engineering Mathematics' by K.A.Stroud. This and the advanced sequal are the books which got me through the maths I needed to complete my masters in astro-physics and I highly recommend them to anyone who has the drive to learn for themselves. The book provides clear examples at every step along the journey and constantly prompts you to test yourself with provided questions and answers which gently guide you through all the techniques needed to understand the problems.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0831131527/102-8617131-3570551?v=glance&n=283155

Thank you for your suggestion! I'm taking a look right now...
- Deathbliss

Quote:Original post by Deathbliss
Maybe I should have asked for more help, gone to the tutroring center, or something. But I ain't very socaible, and I don't like asking for help. If I can't figure out how to swim on my own I'd much rather drown.
- Deathbliss

Ask questions, whenever you do not understand smtg, raise your hand, better yet use your proffessors office hours. There is no shame in asking questions. Do not leave the classroom with big big question marks in your head ( small question marks are ok I guess :) )

Other than this, I recommend you not to use any type of calculator unless it is a must.