Is Principles of Mathematics a Good Book for Learning Calculus from Scratch?

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The discussion centers on recommendations for a calculus book suitable for beginners, ideally transitioning from high school to freshman-level understanding. Participants note that while no book may start entirely from scratch, some options are more accessible than others. "Practical Analysis in One Variable" by Estep is highlighted for its foundational approach, covering basic arithmetic concepts. "Basic Mathematics" by Lang is also recommended for its comprehensive content necessary for starting calculus. Additionally, "Principles of Mathematics" by Allendoerfer is mentioned as a rigorous text that builds up to calculus, covering essential topics like functions and induction. Overall, these books are suggested as valuable resources for those new to calculus.
Darth Frodo
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Can anyone recommend a good calculus book that starts from the very beginning and also explains the theory behind differentiation and integration. If it were to go from HS to Freshman year that would be great!

Thanks!
 
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There is no such book, I fear. Every book will assume some knowledge, some books will require more knowledge than others.

A book I like is "Practical Analysis in One Variable" by Estep. It goes over integers and rational number arithmetic and stuff, so you could say that it doesn't assume very much.

In any case, let me also recommend you "Basic mathematics" by Lang. This book contains literally everything you need to know in order to start calculus.
 
Great! Thanks micromass! Yeah I already picked up Lang's book based on your numerous recommendations! I also wrote down that calculus book from reading your blogs, just wasn't sure if it was a good starting point.

Thanks again! Very helpful as always!
 
there is such a book!

Principles of Mathematics by Allendoerfer

This is the book that first got me into mathematics. It covers everything from functions, counting, induction, building up to calculus. And it is also a fairly rigorous book ( has delta-epsilons )
 
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wisvuze said:
there is such a book!

Principles of Mathematics by Allendoefer

This is the book that first got me into mathematics. It covers everything from functions, counting, induction, building up to calculus. And it is also a fairly rigorous book ( has delta-epsilons )

Ooh, sounds like an exciting book. I need to check it out.
 
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