Learning Resources for Infinite Integrals

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding learning resources for infinite integrals and related calculus topics. Participants share recommendations for books and online resources, while also expressing their preferences for self-teaching materials.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in learning about infinite integrals and seeks recommendations for resources.
  • Another participant suggests that the behavior of certain series, like \(\sum 1/n\), is similar to integrals such as \(\int 1/x\), and provides a link to a site on series convergence.
  • A participant mentions having a copy of "Schaum's Outlines: Advanced Calculus" and notes it covers infinite series and improper integrals.
  • There are inquiries about the quality and style of the Schaum's book, with some participants suggesting it is useful for self-learners due to its proofs of results.
  • Concerns are raised about the conciseness of the Schaum's book, with some participants feeling it may not provide enough detail for self-teaching.
  • One participant decides to look for alternative resources after concluding that the Schaum's book may not suit their self-teaching needs.
  • A list of specific topics of interest is shared, including functions, limits, continuity, line integrals, and functions of a complex variable, with a request for recommendations on books covering these areas.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the suitability of the Schaum's book for self-teaching, with some recommending it while others seek alternatives. No consensus is reached on a single best resource.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention limitations regarding local library access and budget constraints, which may influence their resource choices.

devious_
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I'm interested in learning these. Does anyone have any resources? Books or links would do just fine. I'd also like to learn about infinite integrals.
 
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It is a common topic. I can tell right away that the integrals [tex]\sum 1/n[/tex] behaves in a similar fashion to [tex]\int 1/x[/tex] the same with [tex]\sum 1/n^2[/tex] and and [tex]\int 1/x^2[/tex] . SOS mathematics seems to be a good site so here is a link their section on series- it is in the calculus section.

http://www.sosmath.com/calculus/series/convergence/convergence.html
 
I have a copy of Schaum's Outlines: Advanced Calculus by Murray R. Spiegel. It has chapters on infinite series and improper integrals, not to mention a lot of other calculus topics.
 
Ethereal said:
I have a copy of Schaum's Outlines: Advanced Calculus by Murray R. Spiegel. It has chapters on infinite series and improper integrals, not to mention a lot of other calculus topics.

That's what I'm looking for. Is the book any good?
 
devious_ said:
That's what I'm looking for. Is the book any good?
I think so, since it has proofs of almost every result.
 
Ethereal said:
I think so, since it has proofs of almost every result.

But how's its style?
 
I think whether it suits you or not depends on whether you are interested in learning calculus for yourself rather than because you need a textbook supplement. Since I haven't taken any course specialising in calculus, and haven't been taught it in-depth yet, I found the book tremendously useful simply because it endeavours to prove just about every formula it uses. It's your call, though. Couldn't you look through the book in your local library to see if it's any good?
 
We don't have local libraries here. :frown:

I'm doing this purely out of interest, and I'm not going to have any sort of teaching. Basically, I don't want a book that's too concise, and from your description this book appears to be the opposite. I guess I'll give it a go, then!

Thanks. :biggrin:
 
devious_ said:
We don't have local libraries here. :frown:
That's odd.

Basically, I don't want a book that's too concise, and from your description this book appears to be the opposite. I guess I'll give it a go, then!
Actually, it is quite concise, given that it was meant to be an outline. There are times when the book attempts to prove some theorem, but doesn't quite elaborate enough on what exactly it is doing. But I guess this could be due to that fact that maybe I'm too stupid to know what exactly it's doing.
 
  • #10
Hmm... If it's concise, maybe I'd better look for another one.

Thanks anyway.
 
  • #11
I would actually recommend it. The fact that it attempts to be concise should not put off anyone. Those who write textbooks often have a choice of either explaining the concepts very clearly, which would take up a lot of space (hence the high cost), or being concise. Having said that, I find that this textbook, which as I said earlier, proves just about every formula it uses strikes a balance between clarity and coverage. Here are the chapters of the book:

Numbers
Functions, Limits and Continuity
Sequences
Derivatives
Integrals
Partial Derivatives
Vectors
Application of Partial Derivatives
Multiple Integrals
Line Integrals, Surface Integrals and Integral Theorems
Infinite Series
Improper Integrals
Gamma and Beta Functions
Fourier Series
Fourier Integrals
Elliptic Integrals
Functions of a Complex Variable

Having said that, of course you could always set out to find a book which attempts to cover that many topics, but there might be a trade-off: lesser proofs given, or you might end up with a very thick and costly textbook. Of course, if cost is no object, then you could always go look for a better textbook.
 
  • #12
I'm going to give it a try.

Thanks. :smile:
 
  • #13
I gave Schaum's Outline of Advanced Calculus another look and decided it wouldn't be suitable, as I want to teach myself the material. (It was too concise.)

Anyway, I've been looking for alternatives in the same price range. I liked How to Ace the Rest of Calculus, and will be getting it. However, it doesn't cover everything I'm looking for. Here's a list of topics (from Ethereal's last post) I'd like to learn:

Functions, Limits and Continuity (I skipped Limits & Continuity when I started learning Calculus :shy:)
Line Integrals, Surface Integrals and Integral Theorems
Functions of a Complex Variable

I'd be grateful if anyone could recommend some books that cover these topics. Though please bear in mind that I want to use them for self-teaching, and that I'm on a limited budget.

Thanks.
 

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