General questions on Rudin's Baby book

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around Walter Rudin's "Principles of Mathematical Analysis," commonly referred to as the "Baby book." Participants explore the challenges posed by the book's problems and whether mastering it facilitates the study of other mathematical branches. The conversation touches on personal experiences with the book and comparisons to other analysis texts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that solving all problems in Rudin's book may make studying other branches of mathematics easier, given that analysis is viewed as foundational for research mathematics.
  • One participant recommends a specific review of the book on Amazon, suggesting it provides a vigorous answer to the question of its difficulty and impact on mathematical understanding.
  • Another participant argues that they find Rudin's book easier than Maxwell Rosenlicht's analysis book, indicating a personal preference for Rudin's explanations.
  • A suggestion is made that Koerner's "A Companion to Analysis" could serve as a helpful prerequisite for those struggling with Rudin's text.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the relative difficulty of Rudin's book compared to other analysis texts, and there is no consensus on whether mastering it universally aids in understanding other mathematical areas.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference personal experiences and recommendations without establishing a definitive framework for comparing the difficulty of various analysis books.

issacnewton
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Hi

I just have some question about the Walter Rudin's Baby book, aka, "Principles of Mathematical Analysis". This is considered very difficult book, especially the problems. So if somebody has solved all the problems from this book, does studying other branches of mathematics become easier for such a person.
Since analysis is considered the starting point of research mathematics, I would assume that this is the case.
 
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IssacNewton said:
Hi

I just have some question about the Walter Rudin's Baby book, aka, "Principles of Mathematical Analysis". This is considered very difficult book, especially the problems. So if somebody has solved all the problems from this book, does studying other branches of mathematics become easier for such a person.
Since analysis is considered the starting point of research mathematics, I would assume that this is the case.

My recommendation is to go to Amazon's web page for that book, and read the review by Bolzano Bourbaki entitled, Book should be called "Tada! You're a mathematician!", written October 26, 2005. Too bad more math book reviews aren't written like that one. Anyway, I think that review answers your question in quite a vigorous manner.
 
IssacNewton said:
Hi

I just have some question about the Walter Rudin's Baby book, aka, "Principles of Mathematical Analysis". This is considered very difficult book, especially the problems. So if somebody has solved all the problems from this book, does studying other branches of mathematics become easier for such a person.
Since analysis is considered the starting point of research mathematics, I would assume that this is the case.

I think Rudin's book is easier than Maxwell Rosenlicht Analysis book. In fact, I bought this book just to go through since the other analysis books I have are a lot harder.

If you use some other analysis book, you may come to love this one. The explanations are very nice. Whereas with others, you read trivial when you have no idea what they did.
 
thanks...on some other forum, somebody suggested koerner's "A Companion to Analysis" as a prerequisite if people struggle with baby book... :)
 

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