Calculus Advanced Calculus textbooks that are useful for Cal BC

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The discussion centers on a high school junior preparing to take Calculus BC while also enrolled in Calculus 1 and 2 at Orange Coast College. The student seeks insights on the rigor of "Calculus by Spivak," which is known for its emphasis on proofs over practical problems, and inquires about additional advanced textbooks to enhance their calculus skills and prepare for the AP Calculus BC exam, as well as Linear Algebra and Multivariable Calculus. Responses suggest that completing Spivak thoroughly would be sufficient for mastery, with Courant and Apostol recommended as supplementary resources for applied topics. Concerns about whether Spivak covers differential equations are addressed, with suggestions for additional texts like Martin Braun's "Ordinary Differential Equations." Overall, the advice emphasizes the importance of understanding the material and practicing problems rather than worrying about future courses.
Dng1233
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Hi everyone,
I will be junior next year in my high school and take Calculus BC. However, I also take Calculus 1&2 Honor in the community college which is known as Orange Coast College ( If anyone has studied here before, please tell me the difference between the content of this course and standard Calculus 2). I already looked up the textbook that this course uses, and it is "Calculus by Spivak". I have heard many comments that this book is very rigorous ( I am ok with it since I have a strong math background), just emphasizes on proof and less practical problems. My question is that besides "Calculus by Spivak" are there any advanced textbooks that helps me to master my Calculus skill, get a high grade on Ap Cal Bc exam and also be ready for Linear Algebra and Cal 3 ( Multivariable Calculus)? I've heard about Apostol and Courant's Calculus and still wonder which one will be useful for my Calculus skill.
Thank you guys.
 
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Spivak is probably enough, if you do it all, including many problems. Courant and Apostol might be useful supplements for a few more applied topics and a different sort of flavor of treatment. I learned something different from all of them. I never took any AP tests, but presume any would serve well as preparation. My advice in preparing for tests is first to know the material well and then practice a few old tests to see how they look.
 
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Hi
Thank you for your advice
I still have one question for Spivak's book content. Does it cover the differential and parametric equation and will I be fine in Cal 3 after finishit this book ?
Thanks again
 
it may not cover differential equations, for that try martin braun, ordinary diff eq. or courant as i said, for such applied topics. but my point is that if you complete spivak =you will be in a very small subset of all students and have nothing to worry about at all. i mean no disrespect but i doubt you will finish spivak. (i still haven't, 50 years later, or courant either.) indeed, with all respect, i recommend you suspend these questions about things that are years down the line, and just start reading and working problems.
 
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