Calculus Textbooks

T.O.E Dream

And what's the difference between the 5th and the 6th.

thrill3rnit3

Well you don't have to get an exact edition, but typically older editions are better. Which author are you planning to buy?

T.O.E Dream

Well, i'm planing to buy Stewart. I think i'm going to get the 5th edition because there is no difference between that and the 6th. The only difference is the problems, but i'm just self studying, i'm not in a course that needs the problems from 6e.

Also, do you know how well Stewart's text covers vector calculus. Just Curious.

thrill3rnit3

It's got sections on vectors but it's not as in depth as books dedicated on vector calculus

thrill3rnit3

I also suggest Strang's textbook. It's a great introductory text that has the balance of depth and applications.

http://www.amazon.com/Calculus-Gilbe...pr_product_top

best of all, it's free

http://ocw.mit.edu/ans7870/resources...strangtext.htm

qspeechc

Another book to consider: I think Stewart's book is unnecessarily too long. A few hundred pages too long, so he can charge you extra. If you're looking for a smaller text, try getting an old edition of Lang's calculus. I haven't read his multivariable calculus book though.

kuahji

I used Thomas's Calculus in college, & as a complementary text I used the Calculus Lifesaver. Thomas's Calculus has plenty of problems to work & for the most part isn't too confusing, but at times I also read chapters from Stewart's book which was more down to earth, and I also used Calculus by Earl W. Swokowski http://www.amazon.com/Calculus-Earl-...2395859&sr=1-6. Can't really beat the rating on that one.

pmacias

Can someone explain why certain people look at Stewart's with disgust? I honestly don't know why, as this is the only book I have learned from thus far. Have I been robbed of a proper foundation in calculus by using this (university chosen) book??

thrill3rnit3

I guess it's not a bad textbook if you're just starting to learn calculus, as you're just learning primarily the methods used and their applications.

But if you're looking to study the theory behind all these techniques, then you ought to look for something else.

physicsnoob93

I agree with thrill3rnit3. Another book for those who are starting out is the Springer Undergraduate Mathematics Series text. Very good IMO, without too much rigor.

T.O.E Dream

Oh, i've already bought the stewart 5th edition. But i mean you guys can keep discussing if you want.

maxplank14

Thomas's Calculus 11th ed for Single variable and multivariable along side Michael Spivak's Calculus .., start Spivak when done with single variable calculus. don't get scared of spivak

ronaldor9

i have thomas 7th edition its rock solid, has good intro to diff eqn, and a nice intro to matrices

thrill3rnit3

Personally I learned Calculus with Thomas's Classic 2nd edition, and it was pretty good, didn't have some of the topics that later editions have, but it was a pretty good introduction.