What preparation is necessary for Rudin's Mathematical Analysis?

stakehoagy

I was wondering what knowledge is necessary before attempting to read Rudin's Principles of Mathematical Analysis. I heard somewhere that Axiomatic Set Theory by Suppes is a good start. Maybe a topology book. And probably a good understanding of calculus and linear algebra. Anything else come to mind?

trinitron

That sounds like a whole lot of overkill for that book. Perhaps what you've heard refers to Real and Complex Analysis? Even then...

zhentil

Calculus. I had linear algebra prior to real analysis, but it wasn't really necessary.

stakehoagy

thanks for the advice. I'm going to get the book from the library soon and get started.

redrzewski

I'd recommend Munkres' Topology as a good companion text.

bmm9

If you aren't used to doing proofs then you might want to find a book on the basics of proofs. "How to Prove It" by Velleman has a good reputation.

If you're studying on your own, access to someone who knows analysis well (e.g. a professor) is great.

Also, MIT uses this book for their real analysis course, and the open courseware has some solutions to the problems (and extra problems).

ytoruno

try Elementary analysis by Kenneth ross. Its an easier read and it covers only single variable topics, but its good prep for rudin.