Is Calculus for Dummies a Worthwhile Investment?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the value of the book "Calculus for Dummies" and whether it effectively aids in understanding calculus concepts, particularly integrals. Participants explore the clarity of the explanations provided in the book and their usefulness in grasping fundamental ideas in calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the overall value of "Calculus for Dummies," citing opinions that it may be a waste of money despite its potential to simplify concepts.
  • Another participant seeks clarification on a specific explanation in the book regarding integrals, suggesting that an integral can be understood as the area under a curve between two points.
  • A different participant expresses uncertainty about the clarity of the explanation, asking if there was an accompanying diagram in the book.
  • One participant shares a positive personal experience, stating that a friend found the book to be very helpful.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the book's value, with some finding it helpful and others questioning its effectiveness. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the overall worth of the book.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference specific explanations and examples from the book, but there is uncertainty about the clarity and completeness of these explanations. The discussion does not resolve whether the book is universally beneficial or not.

QuantumTheory
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Someone on this forum mentioned to me the book calculus for dummies is a book, and even though the author mentions what he says isn't strict by any means, people have told me its a waste of money. Is this true? At least, it makes the concepts easier to grasp.

For an example the integral (the anti derivitave ) he explains that the interval with a limit (without the +C) from a to b is like taking a object and its curvature and the a is the bottom and the b is the top. is this a good way to look of it?
 
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QuantumTheory said:
For an example the integral (the anti derivitave ) he explains that the interval with a limit (without the +C) from a to b is like taking a object and its curvature and the a is the bottom and the b is the top. is this a good way to look of it?
I don't understand quite what you mean by "taking a object and its curvature" here--could you quote a paragraph of the book? An integral can be understood as the area underneath a curve from one point to another, if that's what you mean...see the diagram http://members.aol.com/purseweb/integral-def.jpg , where the value of the integral is equal to the purple area under the curve, with a and b being two points along the x-axis.
 
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Quantum Theory: is this a good way to look of it?

Are you sure there was not a picture to look at along with the explanation?
 
my friend has it and he says its SO helpful
 

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