Is Michael Spivak's Calculus I book worth the investment?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Michael Spivak's "Calculus I" is considered a valuable investment at $75, particularly for its rigorous approach and inclusion of an answer book. Users highlight its strengths in providing a mathematical perspective, distinguishing it from other calculus texts like Stewart's, which focus more on applications. However, some critiques note its lack of real analysis content and practical applications, suggesting that it may not be the best standalone resource for all learners. A new edition is expected by next summer, but it will not include an answer book initially.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic calculus concepts
  • Familiarity with mathematical rigor and proof techniques
  • Knowledge of real analysis fundamentals
  • Experience with different calculus perspectives (engineer vs. mathematician)
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the upcoming edition of Spivak's "Calculus I" for updates
  • Study Stewart's calculus book for practical applications
  • Read "Real Analysis" by Pugh to gain a deeper mathematical perspective
  • Investigate other calculus resources that balance theory and application
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those seeking a deeper understanding of calculus from a theoretical perspective, as well as anyone considering the purchase of Spivak's "Calculus I" for their studies.

sutupidmath
Messages
1,629
Reaction score
4
well, i would like to know whether it is worth paying $75 for the book of Michael Spivak Calculus I?? what i want to say, is that i have heard that it is a great book, so since i have never seen it personally, then would someone who has seen it or even worked with it explain to me what are some of the advantages of this book to others. SO what makes it outstand among other calculus I books?

thnx in advance
 
Physics news on Phys.org
search spivak or apostol

also, spivak's book comes with an answer book.

ps. a new edition of his book will be out by next summer/spring time but there will not be an answer book for another few months after it's release.
 
Its not that great in my opinion. Its not real analysis, and it doesn't contain many applications of calculus. Stewarts book is good for learning and applying calculus. You should then study a book on real analysis like Pugh. You need to get different perspectives from learning calculus (i.e. an engineers/scientists viewpoint and a mathematicians viewpoint). The mathematicians viewpoint comes when you study real analysis. So you might as well learn it properly then waste time on studying a half calculus/ analysis text.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
10K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
5K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
10K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
6K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K