Ask HN: Best Mathematics book for complete noobie?

Second the How To Solve It recommendations.

How To Solve It is a great recommendation.

How to Solve It seems to be aimed at math teachers, but it is useful for almost anyone wanting to learn more math

"How To Solve It" George Polya. Heurists and problem solving skills, by a great mathematician.

The better approach is to get a theoretical book, something like Spivak's Calculus

I would suggest Linear Algebra Done Right by Sheldon Axler.

Knuth's "Concrete Mathematics" is a great book--but it might not count as "basic" enough for your purposes, depending on your background.

It looks like a pretty complete guide to all of modern mathematics and sounded like it was easy enough for a beginner to get through while still being able to teach math experts some new things.

But to start from scratch and learn rigorous math-by-proof, he has no equal.

Good mathematics is eternal and the Elements has some beautiful mathematics.

Start with Euclid's _Elements_

the "Head First" series

And then perhaps, one day you'll be up for Spivak's Calculus on Manifolds!

http://www.amazon.com/Road-Reality-Complete-Guide-Universe/d...

Set Theory is the building blocks of mathematics, and Halmos is a first-rate mathematician and teacher. Excellent recommendation Paul.

"Naive Set Theory" by Paul R. Halmos.

For proof based mathematics, I found "How to Prove It:A Structured Approach" helpful.

_Structure and Interpretation of Classical Mechanics_