Is multivariable calculus fun?

[rohit13]

I've been studying calculus A and B on and off over the last ten years, and I'm starting to learn calculus again for fun as soon as I can get my hands on a textbook. I was wondering if multivariable calc is as fun as A and B have been so far.

 

[fresh_42]

Depends very much on what you mean with fun. You can only differentiate in one direction, so the multivariate version is mainly about: How to keep the components together, how to arrange them. Even integration is direction by direction, and limits depend on direction, too, namely the path along which you approach a point.

 

[jedishrfu]

It's even more fun as you progress to the cool concepts of Vector Analysis. Vector Analysis is the language of Classical Mechanics and EM Theory.

3blue1brown has a sequence of videos on Calculus that may bring new insight into your Calculus understanding.

https://www.3blue1brown.com/eoc1-thanks

 

[hutchphd]

In fact I don't even like single variable calculus. But the calculus of vector fields is breathtaking. Honest.

 

[fresh_42]

Maybe you want to have a look on the insight series (5 parts) about it:
https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/the-pantheon-of-derivatives-i/

 

[wrobel]

I was wondering if multivariable calc is as fun as

it is much more complicated and rich of effects that do not appear in the one variable calc. Yes it is fun for those who love math

see for example Gelbaum Olmsted Counterexamples in Analysis

 

[robphy]

I've been studying calculus A and B on and off over the last ten years, and I'm starting to learn calculus again for fun as soon as I can get my hands on a textbook. I was wondering if multivariable calc is as fun as A and B have been so far.

Prof Ghrist thinks so
vol 1 Vectors and Matrices


vol 2 Derivatives


vol 3 Integrals


vol 4 Fields (Ch 3 introduces differential forms, Ch 7 Grad Curl & Div, Ch 8 differential forms in 3-D)



here's a link to Calculus: Single Variable.

 

[MidgetDwarf]

It can be hell, at least certain parts. Ie., the 3-dimensional graphs of functions needed for analysis. Some grasp it easy, most don't. So this area requires a bit of practice. But it is neat, to see what holds in R, and what holds in R^n. So in essence, you can think multivariable calculus, as the generalization of concepts in single variable calculus. Make sure you review your calculus a bit.

If you are not taking a multivariable calculus course in the spring, I would suggest instead to learn Calculus 1 from a stronger perspective. You mentioned relearning calculus. Maybe take a gander at the book of Moise: Calculus. It is a bit easier than Spivak, Courant, Apostol, but does not skimp on the mathematics. Clear writing, and everything is explained. I gained a lot from his book. It is closer to Courant in style. To really appreciate multivariable calculus, some linear algebra is required. So maybe reviewing single variable Calculus and learning intro linear algebra would suit you well...

 

[symbolipoint]

I've been studying calculus A and B on and off over the last ten years, and I'm starting to learn calculus again for fun as soon as I can get my hands on a textbook. I was wondering if multivariable calc is as fun as A and B have been so far.

Not having read ANY of the responses, I'll say this:
As long as you are competent enough, the funness of studying Multivariable Calculus depends on just how it articulates within YOU. The content or course could be more fun (if it could be fun at all) if you are studying without a grade to deal with and if you are not on a strictly enforced time limit.

 

[symbolipoint]

I've been studying calculus A and B on and off over the last ten years, and I'm starting to learn calculus again for fun as soon as I can get my hands on a textbook. I was wondering if multivariable calc is as fun as A and B have been so far.

Another way of looking at this -

You are already acquainted with studying "Calculus A and B", assuming that means first year or introductory Calculus, single variable. You should review from start to finish, almost nonstop for however many months, the Calclulus 1 &2 material, and while it is as fresh as it can possibly be, CONTINUE ON THRough Multivariable Calculus, all of this as if you were studying as a student in college.

My guess is that you need between 5 and 9 months to properly review Calcul 1&2, and then maybe 4 or 5 months to study through half of Multivariable Calc. ( You would have about 9 weeks to do half of the first semester of multivariable - in fact often ONE single semester is the course for Multivariable Calculus in college.)

 

[strangerep]

I was wondering if multivariable calc is as fun as A and B have been so far.

Well, I loved it. But don't forget to study the calculus of a single complex variable -- also referred to by the phrases "Cauchy-Riemann equations", "Cauchy residue theorem", and [drumroll...] "Contour Integration". The latter is one of the most elegant and powerful techniques in all of applied mathematics. [When you can walk a contour integral, and leave no trace (of error), you will have learned, grasshopper. ]

In Quantum Field Theory, one needs it all: multivariate real calculus as well as complex variable calculus.

 

[Infrared]

Well, I loved it. But don't forget to study the calculus of a single complex variable

You're leaving out the natural culmination of several complex variables!