Another Calculus Book (sorry, quick one)

[EEWannabe]

Hey there, i'd really like a simple answer if I could =P

I'm considering buying Stewarts "Calculus";

browsing through these forums and amazon, it's amazing how much stick this book gets, although many people have highlighted its good qualities as well so basically;

I have no interest at all in rigour and analysis (pure maths) and am only looking to learn how to compute calculus based problems, is Stewart the right book for this?

Having browsed through some calculus textbooks from College & the library, all of them seem SO analysis based its unreal, one book insisted on teaching you mean-value theorum & epsilon delta proofs before touching partial differentiation, I want to be an EE major, is there any point in me learning any of that stuff?

Thanks again for reading, I realize there has been a million threads already on this, and have been trawling through them for literally hours, but I understand the priorities of EE/physics majors and math majors are not the same, so apologies for another one.

 

[story645]

but I understand the priorities of EE/physics majors and math majors are not the same

I'm computer engineering, had to use the Stewarts book, adore it. Most of the other engineers I know also dig it, but the book is required for all the calc courses at my school. Grab a copy from your school library and see if it's your speed.

one book insisted on teaching you mean-value theorum & epsilon delta proofs before touching partial differentiation, I want to be an EE major, is there any point in me learning any of that stuff?

Sure. Some of this stuff shows up in the signal analysis/communications courses, but professors usually either give a brief refresher on the material or it's something you can jot down and look up later.

 

[charng]

I understand the importance of finding the right resources for learning and I appreciate your desire for a simple answer. In terms of your particular situation, I would say that Stewart's "Calculus" is a good choice for learning how to compute calculus problems. It is known for its clear and concise explanations, making it a popular choice for students who are not as interested in rigour and analysis.

That being said, it is important to note that some level of understanding in rigour and analysis can be beneficial in the long run, especially if you plan on pursuing a career in engineering or physics. These fields often require a strong foundation in mathematics, and having a deeper understanding of the concepts can help you in problem-solving and critical thinking.

However, if your main focus is on learning how to compute calculus problems, then Stewart's book should suffice. You can always supplement your learning with additional resources or seek help from a tutor if you feel the need for a deeper understanding of the concepts. Ultimately, the most important thing is to find a resource that works for you and helps you achieve your learning goals.