Advanced undergrad text on Calculus and Differential eqns

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding suitable textbooks and online resources for refreshing knowledge in calculus and differential equations. Participants share recommendations for materials that include integrals of trigonometric functions and ordinary differential equations, as well as problems and examples to aid learning.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a need for a comprehensive resource that covers both calculus and differential equations, noting a lack of familiarity with the fundamentals.
  • Another participant suggests MIT OpenCourseWare lectures for single and multivariable calculus as potential resources.
  • A recommendation is made for the book "Differential Equations" by Shepley L. Ross, which is noted to have a PDF version available.
  • Online notes from a specific tutorial website are mentioned as frequently recommended and potentially covering the desired topics.
  • Khan Academy is highlighted as a resource with tutorials on single and multivariable calculus, as well as differential equations.
  • A participant shares their son's positive experience with "Multivariable Calculus" by Larson and Edwards, describing it as a good applied text, though less rigorous than some alternatives.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the usefulness of various online resources and textbooks, but there is no consensus on a single comprehensive text that covers all desired topics in both calculus and differential equations.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the availability of a single textbook that adequately covers both calculus and differential equations, indicating a potential gap in resources.

Gene Naden
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Hi,
I have a masters in physics but it is decades old and I am a little rusty. Plus, I didn't study calculus and differential equations carefully or systematically, as I was young and arrogant (not to say that all young people are arrogant, but I was). Returning to physics now, I find that I can get through advanced derivations, but the process is slow and painful as I am not as strong on the fundamentals as I should be. Plus, I feel I am handicapped helping others in this Forum. So I am looking for a textbook, or online resource, that will help me refresh and solidify my skills. It should include integrals of trigonometric functions and also ordinary differential equations. There should be problems and examples. Any recommendations would be appreciated.
 
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I don't know one book that covers all the topics both calculus and Diff Equations (Also I am not sure that's possible or not)
Gene Naden said:
So I am looking for a textbook, or online resource, that will help me refresh and solidify my skills.
You can try MIT lectures
Calculus I (https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/mathematics/18-01sc-single-variable-calculus-fall-2010/)
Calculus II (https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/mathematics/18-02sc-multivariable-calculus-fall-2010/)

For Diff Equation's I recommend "Shepley L. Ross, ”Differential Equations” J. Wiley (1984) 3rd Ed". there's a pdf version of the book.
 
Thank you that sounds very helpful. I love to use online resources.
 
The following online notes are frequently recommended here because they are really good! I believe they cover the topics you are looking for and then some.

http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu
 
Thanks, ibev. This looks great!
 
Khan Academy has tutorials on Single and Multivariable calculus, and also differential equations:

Single variable calculus: https://www.khanacademy.org/math/calculus-home

Multivariable calculus: https://www.khanacademy.org/math/multivariable-calculus

Differential equations: https://www.khanacademy.org/math/differential-equations

One of my seniors in first year suggested me this book on multivariable calculus last year (I couldn't buy it as it was a bit costly):

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My son used Multivariable Calculus by Larson and Edwards (10th Edition) for his Multivariable calculus class that he took from JHU as a junior in high school. I flipped through it and found it to be pretty good as an applied calculus text. He liked it and by the time he was done with the course, he had the material down pat. It does not have the rigor of an Apostol but it doesn't sound from your original message that you are looking for a rigorous proof-based approach anyway
 

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