NathanaelNolk said:As far as I know, Spivak's book has got a lot of hard exercices to see if you really have a deep understanding of the material. I think you should also try Apostol's books on Calculus, which are great books (I have them).
Muon said:[...] Why do so much people hate Stewart's calculus ?
HakimPhilo said:Since everything in it is really standardized to fit some testing model.
Muon said:Is that it? so do you mean that it is aimed towards all of the students that are not interested in becoming mathematicians?
Muon said:I also have Stewarts calculus 3rd edition and I've taught myself up to applications of integration in 1 week
NathanaelNolk said:How can one go so far in a book in one week? Have you done the exercises? Because, it seems quite unusual. It must be some kind of introductory book then, isn't it ?
NathanaelNolk said:How can one go so far in a book in one week? Have you done the exercises? Because, it seems quite unusual. It must be some kind of introductory book then, isn't it ?
NathanaelNolk said:So, do you feel at ease with most of the subjects you have covered in this book ? Are you able to do 85% of the exercices and get the right answer ? I mean, even if you don't do it, when you see the exercice, can you think about how you're going to do it ?
If the answers are no, then you should consider re-reading it, or trying a new book I guess. You should start with Lang's introduction to calculus, and then move on to Apostol's or Spivak's Calculus book. Maybe, if you'd rather attend lectures on the subject, you should try this : http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/mathematics/18-01sc-single-variable-calculus-fall-2010/ and then move on to the Multivariable one.
By the way, that post belongs to Academic Guidance, not Calculus.
The main difference between Spivak and Lang's Calculus books is the level of difficulty. Spivak's book is known for being more rigorous and challenging, while Lang's book is more accessible for beginners. Spivak's book also covers more advanced topics such as real analysis, while Lang's book focuses more on traditional calculus concepts.
Both Spivak and Lang's books are great for self-study, but it ultimately depends on your learning style and background knowledge. If you have a strong foundation in mathematics and are looking for a challenging and in-depth approach, Spivak's book may be a better choice. However, if you are new to calculus or prefer a more straightforward approach, Lang's book may be a better fit.
Both Spivak and Lang's books assume some familiarity with basic algebra and trigonometry. However, Spivak's book may require a stronger understanding of mathematical concepts and proofs. It is recommended to have completed a pre-calculus course before using either of these books.
Both Spivak and Lang's books are excellent resources for preparing for college-level calculus. However, since Spivak's book covers more advanced topics, it may better prepare you for higher-level mathematics courses. Lang's book, on the other hand, may be more suitable for those looking for a solid foundation in traditional calculus concepts.
Yes, both Spivak and Lang's books can be used as supplements to a calculus course. Spivak's book may provide additional challenging problems and a deeper understanding of calculus concepts, while Lang's book may offer a more straightforward explanation and examples. However, it is always best to check with your instructor to ensure that the material covered in these books aligns with your course curriculum.