Anyone familiar with Richard Courant and Fritz John?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the textbooks "Introduction to Calculus and Analysis" by Richard Courant and Fritz John, specifically focusing on the availability of solutions for the problems presented in Volume 1 and whether Volume 2 includes these solutions. Participants share their experiences with the texts and express their preferences for learning methods.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that Volume 1 does not provide solutions to the problems at the end of each chapter and inquires if Volume 2 includes them.
  • Another participant asserts that Volume 2 contains only the solutions for the problems from Volume 1.
  • A different participant expresses disappointment at the lack of solutions in Volume 1, citing the difficulty of the exercises.
  • Some participants discuss the benefits of having a solution manual for checking answers, while others argue that relying on solutions can hinder learning.
  • One participant mentions that a solution manual for Volume 1 was prepared by Prof. Albert A. Blank and that Volume 2 includes these solutions.
  • There is a comparison made between Courant and John's text and Spivak's "Calculus," with differing opinions on the readability and educational value of each.
  • One participant suggests that needing a solutions manual may indicate a lack of readiness for the level of the textbooks.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity and value of solution manuals, with some advocating for their use while others caution against reliance on them. There is no consensus on the availability of solutions in Volume 2 or the overall comparison between the textbooks discussed.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the contents of the textbooks and the existence of a solution manual, indicating that assumptions about the materials may vary. The discussion also reflects personal experiences and subjective evaluations of the texts.

Werg22
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Springer publishes a set of two volumes of classical textbooks, Introduction to Calculus and Analysys Volume 1 and Introduction to Calculus and Analysys Volume 2. I am currently using Volume 1 for self studying... whilst I do like theory better than solving problems I find the latter still essantial. In volume 1, no solution is provided to the numerous problems at the end of each chapter... I was wondering if anyone who is in the know could tell me if Volume 2 includes all the solutions. Thanks in advance.
 
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Solutions for 2.
 
You mean volume 2 only has the solutions for the problems in it, excluding volume 1?
 
Yes. That's Wiley, Springer may have invested the time and money for vol. 1, but not likely.
 
That's sad to learn... Volume 1 had some hard exercices.
 
I'm almost certain volume 1 had solutions at the back. I could also be imagining things. :smile:
 
you imagined it. (-:
 
i taught out of vol 1 and never noticed whether any solutions were privded. try to get beyond looking in the back for answers, as it really does not help you learn.
 
While copying proofs or procedures out of a solutions manual is a poor way to learn mathematics, it is, I believe, beneficial to have a set of answers to check your final result against. I too would like to have a solution manual for Courant.
 
  • #10
By the way, mathwonk, how would you compare the first volume "Introduction to Calculus and Analysis" (Courant and John) with "Calculus" (Spivak). Since you have taught out of the former (and I assume you are at least briefly familiar with Spivak), I would be interested in your analysis. Thanks!
 
  • #11
Werg22 said:
Springer publishes a set of two volumes of classical textbooks, Introduction to Calculus and Analysys Volume 1 and Introduction to Calculus and Analysys Volume 2. I am currently using Volume 1 for self studying... whilst I do like theory better than solving problems I find the latter still essantial. In volume 1, no solution is provided to the numerous problems at the end of each chapter... I was wondering if anyone who is in the know could tell me if Volume 2 includes all the solutions. Thanks in advance.

An accompanying solution manual for Volume I was prepared by Prof. Albert A. Blank back when the book was first published. Vol II saw the inclusion of these solutions. Needless to say, the book "Problems in Calculus and Analysis" by A.A. Blank, is in fact the original solution manual to Courant's Volume I. As to whether or not it is still in print, is an entirely different question.
 
  • #12
i have taught out of both courant and john, and spivak. spivak is more fun and in a sense easier to read, but i think you may learn more (in the sense of diversity) from courant and john if you try hard enough. however mike spivak is a friend of mine and a genius, and i myself first really felt i learned calculus by reading his book. he is a superb teacher. you cannot go wrong with any of these books, they are all terrific. it is like choosing between a bmw and a mercedes.

this feels like a rude thing to say since it is probably wrong, but I still sort of want to say that if you feel the need of a solutions manulal for these books then you are not at the level these books were aimed at.
 
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