Calculus Just got Courant's calculus text -- Need some tips to work through it

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the use of Courant's "Calculus Volume 1" as a primary textbook for learning calculus. The user seeks guidance on potential errors, important topics to focus on, and supplementary problem books. They have a solid mathematical background, with knowledge from Spivak's work and experience in proof techniques. The consensus is that while Courant's book is comprehensive, it contains fewer problems, which may not be sufficient for thorough practice. Spivak is noted as a modern interpretation of Courant, suggesting that the two can be used in conjunction. The advice emphasizes the importance of engaging directly with the material, as the challenges will remain regardless of preparation. Overall, the discussion encourages diving into the text and tackling the complexities of calculus head-on.
Mr.Husky
Gold Member
Messages
89
Reaction score
28
Hi everyone!

I just bought the courant John calculus volume-1 from uni bookstore. I need some tips like errors, topics which are not explained well and topics which are really important and need to focus more on etc..

My background:- have Spivak as a supplement. Knows how to prove and read theorems( from the book how to prove it ).Halfway through schaum's outline of matrices.
IMG_20211109_102059.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
I don't recall any glaring errors in Courant. I have the first edition without FritzJohn? as coauthor.

Everything is important in Courant :).
 
Thanks @MidgetDwarf , Good to hear that.
 
There are less problems in this book. Are they enough to test my theory? Can someone recommend me a problem book which is at this level?(can I solve problems in Spivak with theory of courant?)
 
yes, spivak is essentially a modern version of courant. i.e. spivak himself perhaps took calculus from courant (i.e. Courant's book) and then wrote his own take on the material, with some proofs lifted from courant, but with many additions and elaborations.

Basically you just need to start digging into the book, without worrying any more about what problems you will encounter. No matter what preparation you make, it will still be challenging. I advise just opening it. (Of course I also need that advice myself in my current projects!) Good luck! (to us both.)
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes Mr.Husky, PhDeezNutz and vanhees71
Thanks mathwonk for your advice.
 
For the following four books, has anyone used them in a course or for self study? Compiler Construction Principles and Practice 1st Edition by Kenneth C Louden Programming Languages Principles and Practices 3rd Edition by Kenneth C Louden, and Kenneth A Lambert Programming Languages 2nd Edition by Allen B Tucker, Robert E Noonan Concepts of Programming Languages 9th Edition by Robert W Sebesta If yes to either, can you share your opinions about your personal experience using them. I...
Hi, I have notice that Ashcroft, Mermin and Wei worked at a revised edition of the original solid state physics book (here). The book, however, seems to be never available. I have also read that the reason is related to some disputes related to copyright. Do you have any further information about it? Did you have the opportunity to get your hands on this revised edition? I am really curious about it, also considering that I am planning to buy the book in the near future... Thanks!
I’ve heard that in some countries (for example, Argentina), the curriculum is structured differently from the typical American program. In the U.S., students usually take a general physics course first, then move on to a textbook like Griffiths, and only encounter Jackson at the graduate level. In contrast, in those countries students go through a general physics course (such as Resnick-Halliday) and then proceed directly to Jackson. If the slower, more gradual approach is considered...

Similar threads

Back
Top