Another serious math program for serious math students presented in the un-serious Life of Fred way by Dr. Stanley Schmidt. This program is college level, to be used only after algebra, geometry, and calculus courses are mastered. Real Analysis takes real numbers that were studied in algebra, and functions and limits that were studied in calculus, and asks the student to analyze them using the process of proofs that were studied in geometry. Dr. Schmidt calls these proofs "puzzles", and the idea is not to solve problems but to understand concepts. Some will be short and straightforward, while others will take some time to work through. Answers to all 113 puzzles are included in the back of the book; however, the idea is not to rush through the book, but take enough time to see the real beauty of higher level math. All the important concepts that start with mathematician names are covered: Cauchy sequences, the Bolzano-Weierstrass theorem, Fibonacci sequences, Schwarzschild radii, etc, but in a context that the student will enjoy and remember. Enjoy, because the text is so entertaining, and remember, because Dr. Schmidt explains complex concepts in such a clear way. So if you have a serious math student that can't get enough math, put this one on his desk.
Life of Fred: Real Analysis
Description
This book covers Real Analysis, a topic studied by math majors in college. This math is more advanced than what most non-majors ever see, but it still has Fred, and he has a very good time with his favorite topic. Real Analysis is the study of real numbers, functions using the real numbers, and the properties of the real numbers and their functions. It is heavy on theorems and proofs. Calculus is a requirement before studying this topic, and Life of Fred: Five Days is recommended.
Topics include:
- The Real Numbers
- Sequences
- Series
- Tests for Series Convergence
- Limits and Continuity
- Derivatives
- The Riemann Integral
- Sequences of Functions
- Series of Functions
- Two Cow-Moving Theorems
- Looking Ahead to Topics beyond a First Course in Real Analysis.
Calculus is required before studying this topic and Life of Fred: Five Days is highly recommended.
Each of the 113 assignments/puzzles/questions that he gives his students calls for creativity rather than doing drill work. Some of these can be done in a minute. Some will take several hours to complete. They are all meant to be enjoyed. The goal is not to finish the book. It's just like life.
All answers are included in the textbook.
Life of Fred Real Analysis is a hardcover textbook containing 302 pages. This book is not consumable. All answers are written on separate paper or in a notebook.
Number of Lessons: 113 assignments over 10 Chapters. It is not broken up into daily lessons.
Life of Fred (LOF) is a one-of-a-kind, unconventional homeschool math curriculum that turns learning into an entertaining adventure. Follow the hilarious life of Fred Gauss—a 5-year-old math professor at KITTENS University—as he encounters real-life situations requiring math. Created by Dr. Stanley Schmidt, this series teaches solid concepts without endless repetition, redundancy, or drill-heavy problems.
Perfect for students who dislike traditional math programs, LOF is written directly to the student for self-teaching. Motivated, independent, or gifted learners thrive here, building deep understanding and mathematical thinking. Solutions (in the book) include extra instruction and are addressed to the student—encouraging them to try problems first, then learn from detailed explanations. Math in a captivating story context often "clicks" better than isolated concepts—especially with Fred's quirky humor!
Curriculum Levels and Recommended Grades/Pacing
- Elementary (Apples through Jelly Beans): Start any time after basic addition/subtraction (often grades 1-4; quick pace possible). Our Elementary Packages contain these ordered sets of workbooks.
- Intermediate (Kidneys, Liver, Mineshaft): Bridge to upper levels (grades 4-6). Our Intermediate Package contains these workbooks.
- Before High School (Fractions; Decimals & Percents; Pre-Algebra 0 with Physics, Pre-Algebra 1 with Biology, Pre-Algebra 2 with Economics): Grades 5-8; typically two books per year up through pre-algebra. Our Pre-Algebra Set includes all of these titles.
- High School & Beyond (Beginning/Advanced Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus, Statistics, Linear Algebra, etc.): One book per year; full high school sequence plus college-level. Our two High School Sets include these workbooks.
Books are hardcover, non-consumable, reusable, and comprehensive—covering more math than most homeschool programs.
Pros of the program:
- Engaging narrative makes kids excited for math.
- Minimal problems focus on mastery and application.
- Affordable, complete standalone curriculum.
- Great for reluctant math learners or advanced students.
Important considerations:
- Light on repetitive practice/review (supplement with "Zillions of Practice Problems" books for retention).
- Requires strong reading/independent work (not ideal for very young or struggling readers without parent help).
- Unconventional sequence (concepts integrated uniquely).
Life of Fred is a top choice for families seeking a rigorous yet joyful homeschool math curriculum that fosters love for the subject. Start with Apples for the full experience—Fred's adventures will have your student begging for the next chapter!
| Product Format: | Hardcover |
|---|---|
| Grades: | 12-AD |
| Brand: | Z-twist Books |
| Author: | Stanley Schmidt |
| ISBN: | 9781937032524 |
| Length in Inches: | 10.3125 |
| Width in Inches: | 7.25 |
| Height in Inches: | 1 |
| Weight in Pounds: | 1.8 |