Finding the Right Calculus Book for an Electrical Engineering Student

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for calculus books suitable for electrical engineering students. Participants express varying preferences regarding the level of rigor, approachability, and the inclusion of proofs in the texts.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks recommendations for a calculus book that is suitable for electrical engineering students.
  • Another participant suggests "Schaum's Outline of Advanced Calculus" for its accessibility and abundance of solved problems.
  • A different participant expresses a need for a book that thoroughly explains concepts and includes proofs in a non-intimidating manner.
  • One participant notes the contradiction between wanting a book with proofs and the typical preferences of electrical engineering students, recommending "Calculus: An Intuitive and Physical Approach" by Morris Kline for its explanations and applications.
  • This participant also mentions "Stewart's Calculus: Early Transcendentals" as a more proof-heavy option that is still solid and comprehensive.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on a single recommended book, as there are multiple competing views regarding the desired balance between rigor and approachability in calculus texts.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight differing expectations regarding the inclusion of proofs and the level of rigor appropriate for electrical engineering students, indicating a lack of clarity on what constitutes an ideal calculus book for this audience.

paulmdrdo1
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what calculus book/author can you recommend for an electrical engineering student?
 
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I need calculus book that explains concepts thoroughly and have proofs but in an UN-intimidating approach.(Nerd)
 
Your two conditions of "for an electrical engineering student" and "have proofs but in an UN-intimidating approach" are a little contradictory. That's not your fault, but the fault of many electrical engineering students, who care nothing for proofs. My standard recommendation is Calculus: An Intuitive and Physical Approach, by Morris Kline. He has great explanations, and great applications. He is a true teacher. It is not the most rigorous book on the planet, but that wasn't his goal in writing it.

A bit more proof-heavy would be my favorite current standard book, which is Stewart's Calculus: Early Transcendentals. It's a solid text, and has everything you need.
 

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