Good book for vector/multivariable calculus

In summary, the best books for multivariable calculus depend on the individual's learning style and level of understanding. Some recommended books include Courant, Spivak, Apostol, Williamson Crowell and Fox, Fleming, and Shifrin. Other options include older books by Widder, Buck, and Henry Edwards, as well as more advanced texts such as Dieudonne's "Foundations of Modern Analysis" and Lang's "Analysis I." It is also important for the individual to actively participate in choosing a book that works best for them.
  • #1
gangsta316
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What's the best book for multivariable calculus? I'm a second year undergraduate student in Mathematics. Here is the content:

Functions from Rn to Rm: differentiation, contractions, Newton’s method, inverse function
theorem, implicit function theorem, higher derivatives.
Optimisation: extrema, constraints, Lagrange multipliers.
Calculus of variations: Euler-Lagrange, simple applications.
Integrals in Rn: curves, line integrals, Green’s theorem, transformation of integrals.
Vector calculus: vector fields, grad, div, curl, surface integrals, divergence theorem, Stokes’s
theorem, curvilinear coordinates.
Partial differential equations(simple wave, Laplace, heat).
Cartesian tensors: simple properties and notation, invariance.


At the moment I am having some difficulty with the integration (line integrals, surface integrals, divergence theorem, Green's theorem etc.).

Thanks for any help.
 
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  • #2
there is no best book. a book is good for you if you can learn from it, so you must participate in deciding which is best for you. I suggest courant, or courant and john, vol. 2, or spivak calculus on manifolds, or apostol vol. 2, or apostol mathematical analysis, or williamson crowell and fox, or fleming, or theodore shifrin's book. there are also many older books that are excellent if more traditional such as by widder, buck, or henry edwards. at a very advanced level there is the book by dieudonne, foundations of modern analysis. oh yes, and some students will benefit from loomis and sternberg, but only those who already know the material well. there are also books by lang, such as analysis I.
 
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1. What is vector/multivariable calculus?

Vector/multivariable calculus is a branch of mathematics that deals with functions of multiple variables, such as three-dimensional space. It involves the study of vectors, which are quantities that have both magnitude and direction, and how they change over time and space.

2. Why is it important to learn vector/multivariable calculus?

Vector/multivariable calculus is used in many areas of science, engineering, and technology. It helps us understand and describe the behavior of physical systems and make predictions about their future states. It also provides a foundation for more advanced topics such as differential equations and partial differential equations.

3. What are some real-world applications of vector/multivariable calculus?

Vector/multivariable calculus is used in fields such as physics, engineering, economics, and computer graphics. It is used to study the motion of objects and fluids, optimize systems and processes, analyze economic data, and create 3D models and animations.

4. What are some resources for learning vector/multivariable calculus?

There are many textbooks, online courses, and video tutorials available for learning vector/multivariable calculus. Some popular ones include "Vector Calculus" by Jerrold E. Marsden and Anthony J. Tromba, "Multivariable Calculus" by James Stewart, and the MIT OpenCourseWare course "Multivariable Calculus."

5. What are some tips for studying vector/multivariable calculus effectively?

One tip is to practice a lot of problems to gain a deeper understanding of the concepts. It is also helpful to visualize the concepts using graphs and diagrams. Additionally, breaking down the material into smaller, manageable sections can make it easier to digest. Seeking help from a tutor or joining a study group can also be beneficial.

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