What is Textbook: Definition and 998 Discussions

A textbook is a book containing a comprehensive compilation of content in a branch of study with the intention of explaining it. Textbook are produced to meet the needs of educators, usually at educational institutions. Schoolbooks are textbooks and other books used in schools. Today, many textbooks are published in both print and digital formats.

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  1. JasonRox

    What is the best textbook for learning Ring Theory?

    Does there exist a solid concrete detailed textbook on Ring Theory? I'm looking for something like Rotman's book of Group Theory. My background consists of basic Ring Theory/Field Theory from Herstein's Abstract Algebra. I have Rowen's book in my hands right now (library), but it's far...
  2. 2

    Physical chemistry textbook without a lot of calculus

    Hi, I am looking for any physical chemistry textbook without a lot of calculus. I have been looking at physical chemistry for biological sciences but I am unsure if they cover the same topics as the regular atkins and other physical chemistry do. Does anyone have any suggestions for good books...
  3. T

    Help Finding Textbook for Ordinary Differential Equations

    Hey all, I was hoping someone would be able to point me at a good ordinary differential equations text. Basically right now I have been working out of 'ordinary differential equations" by boyce and brannon. but I am fed up with the book and really would just like a good book to be used as a...
  4. A

    When is a textbook to difficult for you?

    When is a textbook too difficult for you? I judge whether a textbook is the right level for me based on how many exercises I can solve from the book. So how many questions can you not know how to do from a textbook before you consider the book too difficult? In other words, what is your...
  5. P

    Solving Problem 3.19 in Purcell's E&M Textbook

    Homework Statement I'd like to preface this by saying I'm not doing this as "homework" per se, but rather reviewing my physics coursework from my undergraduate years, prepping for grad school. So w/ that brief introduction, I'm working through Problem 3.19 in Purcell's famous textbook on...
  6. R

    What is the best textbook for studying Quantum Mechanics?

    I am passionate about physics. I have had ordinary differential equations, linear algebra, single, multivariable calculus and mathematical statistics. Before I study Quantum Mechanics, I plan on studying classical mechanics, electrodynamics and waves. I plan to use MIT's "Opencourseware" to...
  7. T

    I'm looking for a replacement textbook for the one given to me in class

    I'm in AP Physics right now (currently studying energy - not sure what category that falls into. Mechanics?) and I've found my textbook to be less helpful than what I thought it would be. So I'm considering investing in a new one that I could get off ebay/amazon, and the price really doesn't...
  8. P

    Good intro electrical engineering textbook?

    Hey, I'm currently in an intro to EE course, and our textbook is horrendous (Hambley's Electrical Engineering Principles and Applications). Does anyone have a suggestion on a better alternative that provides a lot of practice problems/answers?
  9. rocomath

    Self-study, good textbook choices? from MIT OCW

    Self-study, good textbook choices? I'm getting kind of bored with my courses atm, so I'm looking for additional math course to study. Textbooks are by DeGroot and Feller, would these textbooks be okay? I don't want to just trust the reviews on Amazon but a lot of them seem to discourage...
  10. K

    Algebra Problem in Textbook: Can't Figure Out the Step!

    A problem in my textbook shows 25/9(20-y)^2 = 144+(20-y)^2 Then the very next step shows 16/9(20-y)^2=144 Maybe its just me, but I can't seem to figure out the algebra behind this step in the problem, any ideas on where to start? I thought about subtracting/dividing the (20-y)^2 from the...
  11. F

    What Physics C textbook is easiest to self-study?

    Hello, I am a student interested in learning AP Physics C material on my own because the class is not offered at my school. My goals are - 5 on the AP Physics C exam(s) - Know calculus-based physics to compete in Science Olympiad I have taken the Physics B exam and Calc AB/BC exams (5...
  12. N

    Functions in Calculus textbook do not reflect behavior in Nature

    Hopefully this isn't a foolish question but, I am up to CalcII and am anxious to apply what I've learned but have found nature fails to provide functions for it's behaviour like textbooks do. Is there a book or something I can read to develop this skill?
  13. P

    Textbook error? Incorrect derivation?

    Homework Statement Hey, In my physics textbook the derivation for the transverse velocity, {v_{s}} of a sound wave is given as, {v_{s}(x, t)} = {\frac{\partial}{\partial{t}}}{[s(x, t)]} {v_{s}(x, t)} = -{\omega}{A_{s}}sin({kx}-{{\omega}{t}}+{\phi}) Where, {s(x...
  14. N

    Studying Can anyone recommend a PDEs textbook?

    There isn't one to go along with the course, and I imagine a textbook would be good to have, since this course seems like it will be quite difficult.
  15. A

    Preparing for AP Exams on My Own: Seeking Textbook Recommendations

    I just entered my senior year in high school. I wanted to take AP Calculus BC and AP Physics C: Mechanics and AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism. But the school requires that there should be at least 3 students for an AP; only then will they give classes. Unfortunately, I am the only one...
  16. D

    What are some recommended textbooks for an introductory EE course?

    Hi all. I'm taking an introductory EE course this semester which will cover the following topics. Just for clarification, this is my 1st year at university. The following is the syllabus for the course: My professor recommended these 2 textbooks for the course, but I checked Amazon.com...
  17. D

    Affordable Textbook Printing Options: Spiral Binding & Black and White Printing

    OK I have a need to print a textbook out, mainly because I cannot locate it for cheap anywhere. It is 690 pages and would just need to be spiral bound or something. It doesn't have to be fancy paper or anything crazy, just black and white, double sided, the normal stuff. I was thinking maybe...
  18. C

    Mathematical Physics textbook advice?

    The recommended textbook for this mathematical physics class is Mathematical Methods for Physicists by Arfken (http://www.amazon.com/dp/0120598760/?tag=pfamazon01-20), however I've read some reviews online that seem to think that this textbook is inferior to the textbook Mathematical Physics: A...
  19. M

    Solving First-Year Physics Textbook Puzzle: Adding Squared Equations

    ok this is in an example in a first-year physics textbook, yet some how i spent an hour trying to solve it (identities, tricks, etc) and could not find a solution. here is what the textbook states: (1) v2f*cos\phi = 3.5*10^5 - v1f*cos(37) (2) v2f*cos\phi = v1f*sin(37) "now we sqaure these two...
  20. F

    Gravitational Force on a 1.2kg Textbook at Various Distances from Earth's Center

    Homework Statement If the force of gravity(weight) of a 1.2kg textbook were to be measured at various distances (d) from the Earth's center, the data would appear as follows: Force(weight)[kg*m^2/s^2] 1) 11.8 2) 5.21 3) 1.9 4) 1.0 Distance[m] 1) 6.4 x 10^6 2) 9.6 x 10^6 3) 16 x 10^6 4) 22 x...
  21. B

    Top Recommended Modern Physics Textbook for Professors and Majors

    Which modern physics textbook is most recommended by physics professors and physics majors?
  22. J

    What are some recommended textbooks for learning about electronics?

    Hi all, could u just recommend some good textbooks about electronics? I'm a little familiar with it as I worked on some circuit in high school. Someone said "the art of electronics" and "Electronic Circuit Analysis and Design" are both good choices. Which one do u prefer? I can't go with both...
  23. A

    Textbook on Calculus and Fourier Series

    Hi, I'm looking for a recommendation for a good textbook which will deepen my understanding of intermediate/advanced mathematics to help me understand the above two (well I know one is subsection of the other) subjects. I would like to learn Fourier series for use with musical exploits. I...
  24. D

    Finding a Textbook for Macro-Economics Beginners

    Now, I know this is a physics forum, but I am interested in economics a bit. I am planning on competing in the Fed Challenge with a team from my school. I need to know macro-economics theory, which I do not. Does anyone know of a good textbook for macro? could I use an AP prep book? Thanks...
  25. P

    Could my textbook sample problem be wrong?

    Well, here is the problem.. In summer months, the amount of solar energy entering a house should be minimized. Window glass is made energy efficient by applying a coating to maximize reflected light. Light in the midrange of the visible spectrum (at 568 nm) travels into energy efficient window...
  26. F

    Textbook Question - Instructor's Review Copy

    I just bought a book online for one of my classes for next semester. I just received the book today, and on the cover of the book says "Instructor's Review Copy." Does this have the same content as the regular student version of the book? What are the differences between the the books, if...
  27. A

    Time Dilation: Astronaut in Moving Spaceship

    my textbook shows me an example where an astronaut is in a spaceship beside 2 parallel mirrors with a beam of light coming from the bottom, reflecting off the top and coming back to the bottom. It says that the light has to travel farther if the spaceship is moving because it must travel the...
  28. T

    Studying A quick question about textbook quality

    Why is that i always see and hear people complaining about textbooks? It is true that there are many bad textbooks but why do they buy them? Can't they read reviews or ask around like i do? Also there are many good textbooks and as a self learner I think my opinion counts for something. A...
  29. J

    Get PSPICE for 'Microelectronic' Textbook Examples

    Does anyone know where I can get a copy of pspice? I just want to try out the examples in the Sedra and Smith's "Microelectronic" textbook examples.
  30. N

    Engineering Fluid Mechanics Textbook: Any Suggestions?

    I'm looking for a good Engineering Fluid Mechanics textbook. Any suggestions?
  31. M

    Need opinions on my Differential Eqations textbook

    I was wondering what you guys think of my textbook. My textbook is called: A First Course in Differential Eqations (Eight Edition) Author: Dennis G. Zill ISBN: 0534418783 I have been using this book for my DE class, and I do not feel like I am really learning anything. This class is...
  32. K

    Contradiction about Electric Potential / Voltage in my Textbook

    Of course it's not a contradiction, it's really just my misunderstanding. But here's what I don't get: (N.B.: I'll be using the terms "electric potential" and "voltage" interchangeably in this post.) Consider a charge moving in the direction of an electric field. If it moves a distance of x...
  33. L

    Studying Modern VLSI Textbook Recommendations for Technological Advancements

    VLSI textbook... Could someone recommend me a good technologically up to date book on VLSI? I am studying the 4th edition of streetman right now, but the VLSI stuff is a bit outdated. Thanks.
  34. D

    Finding the Best Textbook for Introductory Calculus Refresher

    Homework Statement just looking for opinions regarding the best text for introductory calculus as in refresher--I used Taylor eons ago, which i recall as being pretty descent. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution
  35. D

    Recommendations for Intermediate Mechanical Textbook with In-Depth Explanations?

    Hi, could anyone recommend a good mechanical textbook, i was after something intermediate but that defines the functions / equations it gives rather then just stating them. thanks
  36. R

    Textbook Recommendation for General Physics

    I seek a recommendation for a comprehensive calculus-based general physics textbook, one that would include an introduction to relativity and quantum theory and whatever else comprises modern physics. I would prefer a calculus-based textbook where the derivation of the algebraic formulae used...
  37. P

    Studying Is it better to learn from another student or from a textbook?

    If you had the option of learning some material from a textbook or from another undergad student who has done the subject the previous year, which would you choose? Or is it better do learn from the textbook and ask questions when it comes up?
  38. H

    Boost Your Undergraduate Math Skills with Self-Study Textbook Recommendations

    I would really appreciate any help in regards to textbooks you could give that I may study undergraduate maths from. I have recently become fascinated by maths through recent exposure to Euclid's "Elements". I was already self-studying the maths A level and am just about finishing studying and...
  39. T

    Finding the Right A-level Maths Textbook

    right, basically, i am 16, and currently only read maths at the standard level for people my age (granted i find it easy as, and best in school and all sorta, by anyways, that enough ego boost for now hehe). and i want to start reading A-level maths (A-level is the UK maths level for 17-18 year...
  40. F

    Learning Math Beyond a Calculus Textbook

    What is the best way to self teach yourself math beyond a calculus textbook?
  41. malawi_glenn

    Error in Textbook Series: Who is Right?

    Hi i found this "error" in my textbook in series. https://www.physicsforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=9420&stc=1&d=1173538014 This is a geometric one, it converges for |z|< 1/rot(2) when i calculate this, but the textbook claims that |z|<1/2 I also checked different values on z...
  42. K

    David C. Lay's textbook, need info

    Does the David C. Lay’s Linear Algebra and Its Applications, 3E textbook is a REVISED edition of the 2nd, or, only a FEW CHANGES from a 2nd edition? Any info would be highly appreciated.
  43. A

    Recommendations for diff geom. textbook

    I've been reading Nakahara as well as the sections of 'Superstring theory' by Green etc. on differential geometry in relation to all the methods used in string theory, particularly stuff on complex manifolds. However, while both of them are excellent introductions, they are somewhat devoid of...
  44. N

    Aerodynamics Textbook: Self Study Guide

    My school doesn't offer any courses on aerodynamics, except a graduate level engineering course. I was hoping someone could recommend a good textbook for self study.
  45. A

    What are the key features to look for in an advanced calculus textbook?

    Hello, I am currently taking an advanced calculus class and the textbook is "Advanced Calulus" By Folland. This textbook is interesting because it goes deep into every subject treated, but at the same time I HATE it because it is very thin compared to the material treated: ie everything is...
  46. heusdens

    Download a Free, Well-Documented Physics Textbook at MotionMountain.net

    Go to http://www.motionmountain.net/text.html It's not yet complete, but a remarkable well documented and elaborated Physics Textbook. Download it free!
  47. T

    Studying I'm doing EVERY exercise in munkres' topology textbook

    i think I've accelerated my learning enough, and now I'm going to start doing problems, problems, and more problems to strengthen my mathematical thinking. this thread will be devoted to munkres' well-used topology textbook. I've done all the problems in chapter 1 so far, and i haven't gotten...
  48. C

    Finding Resources for "A Contemporary View of Elementary Physics" Textbook

    I have found an old physics text entitled "A Contemporary View of Elementary Physics" written by Borowitz & Bornstein, published by McGraw-Hill book company. I was curious about using this book concurrently with the physics texts required in: 4A. Mechanics; 4B. Mechanics, Fluids, Waves and Heat...
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