Is Calculus Made Easy a Good Introduction to Calculus with Physics Applications?

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    Calculus Introduction
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the suitability of the book "Calculus Made Easy" as an introduction to calculus with applications in physics. Participants explore various recommendations for calculus textbooks that may better serve the needs of a high school student seeking practical applications in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in "Calculus Made Easy" but is uncertain about its applicability to physics and seeks recommendations for other books.
  • Another participant suggests several books, including "Calculus" by Michael Spivak and "Differential and Integral Calculus" by Richard Courant, noting that Courant balances theory and application well.
  • A different participant recommends Morris Kline's book as a suitable option for the original poster's needs.
  • One participant critiques Kline's books, stating they are not appropriate for beginners and suggests "Calculus for Dummies" as a more accessible alternative with physics applications.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the best introductory calculus book, with participants offering differing opinions on the suitability of various texts for a high school student interested in physics applications.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of familiarity with the recommended books, and there is a lack of agreement on the appropriateness of Kline's work for beginners. The discussion reflects differing perspectives on what constitutes a good introductory calculus resource.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for high school students seeking introductory calculus resources, particularly those interested in applications to physics, as well as educators looking for recommendations on textbooks.

Helical
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I'm searching for a book that will introduce me to Calculus with practice problems that have some application to Physics (I would prefer this). I think I may have found a good book (I'm not sure if it has the Physics application but oh well). It is called Calculus Made Easy, and it's apparently a revised edition of an older book. I would like to know if this is a good starting point. I am still in High School and if there are things that I would need some help with my Physics teacher (who also happens to be the Calculus teacher) would be glad to help me. Also are there any other books you might recommend. Thanks.

Sorry if I posted this in the wrong section, couldn't find a section that seemed more suitable.
 
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Some of the best books on the subject are:

Calculus by Michael Spivak
Differential and Integral Calculus by Richard Courant
Calculus with Linear Algebra by Tom Apostol

For a solid applications book get the one by Thomas or Stewart, although Courant balances theory and application wonderfully.
 
Get the one by Morris Kline. I think it's precisely what you're looking for.
 
ahaha Calculus 1 and Calculus 2, by Morris Kline? I've read them, they are complete crap for a newbie. Try Calculus for Dummies, not that your stupid but that your new, and it has physics applications. Morris Klines book is out of your grasp.
 

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