Best books for Pre-calc and calculus

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The discussion revolves around seeking rigorous textbooks for learning calculus and the necessary precalculus concepts. Participants recommend specific books, including a precalculus textbook and a calculus book that are both affordable and comprehensive, with complete proofs and minimal skipped steps. Additionally, a freely available MIT calculus textbook by Strang is suggested for those preferring online resources. For advanced studies, Hubbard's book is highlighted as an excellent resource for multivariable calculus and linear algebra, particularly after mastering calculus at a higher level. The importance of having physical textbooks is emphasized, as some participants find them easier to use than online versions. Overall, the conversation focuses on establishing a strong mathematical foundation before progressing to advanced topics.
AdrianHudson
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Hello all! I am looking to dive into the world of calculus before my peers in high school, I am looking for some really good books for the knowledge leading up to calculus and then the whole spiel for calculus. I am guessing I am going to need a series of books for this learning en devour and I am ready for it, if I could just have a couple hints or nudges in the right direction it would be much appreciated :) :-p :smile:

P.S: I am looking for some pretty rigorous textbooks, it would be a lot more helpful if it isn't sugar coated, it will set me up for success in calculus that much more.

P.S.S: Books that lead up to university Calc-1 and Calc-2 would be lovely as well :)
 
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Student100 said:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0471756849/?tag=pfamazon01-20
for precalculus.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0471153060/?tag=pfamazon01-20

for calculus is the only book I've gone through in great detail. It's a good every mans book and cheap. The proofs are all there and no steps are skipped. It's kinda lacking for calc three, but there's enough there to keep you busy for a long time.

Thankyou for the quick reply my man! This is going to be quite the exciting journey, I get bored way to fast with the current stuff we are doing bleh. This math and beyond is way more intriguing and tickles my fancy.
 
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Good luck, I'd just like to add-don't skimp on the present by looking to the future.
 
bhobba said:
For Calculus check out the freely available book by Strang from MIT
http://ocw.mit.edu/resources/res-18-001-calculus-online-textbook-spring-2005/textbook/

For beyond that into multivariable calculus and linear algebra check out Hubbard's book - its simply superb:
http://matrixeditions.com/UnifiedApproach4th.html

Thanks
Bill

Thankya for the links! The only problem I have with online textbooks is I don't have a hard copy, to me its a lot easier having a real physical textbook in hand.

As for that textbook by Hubbard would I read that after I read the textbook from Anton ?
 
AdrianHudson said:
As for that textbook by Hubbard would I read that after I read the textbook from Anton ?

Yes.

Its specifically designed for once you have grasped calculus at the level of Calculus BC in the US system, IB Math HL in an IB program, or if you are in Australia like I am, you did both math B and C (which is roughly equivalent to US Calc BC).

Its so good it will take you to math well into upper division university subjects, and even graduate level with things like Lebesque integration and differential forms. I learned Lebesque integration final year uni and differential forms by self study, but if you study Hubbards book you will have a truly wonderful foundation in calculus and analysis (analysis is calculus done carefully - sometimes called doing your epsilonics). Just as an aside when I did my degree you had to do analysis first year, but so many people hated it they removed it and it became a graduate level elective - which I always thought was a great pity.

Thanks
Bill
 
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