Looking for a new textbook describing Differential Equations - recommendations?

[NutriGrainKiller]

This is my fourth week of calc4, and today we had our first test - which I do not believe I did too well on. I think differential equations are interesting (even fun), but our textbook lacks examples and proper explanations for the material we cover. As a result I turn to the internet and solutions manual to try to work backwards to see what they did.

This is vastly ineffecient and I feel if the book could just clearly and completely describe its processes I wouldn't have to waste time connecting the dots between several different sources.

With this said, can anyone recommend a textbook? I'd prefer to not go full-blown college edition just because they tend to be outrageously priced (at least the current ones), but i don't want to stoop down to the "dummies" books just because they tend to be not as thorough.

I guess what I'm looking for is some sort of review book - one that quickly and accurately describes the primary topics but skips through all the intermediate jibbajabba (so-to-speak).

If anyone has any suggestions as to online resources I would be greatly appreciative - I found that "paul's math notes" were very helpful, though it only covered a few topics.

 

[mighty2000]

Thank you for sharing your experience with the textbook and your search for additional resources. As a scientist who has also taught calculus, I understand the frustration of not having clear explanations and examples in a textbook.

I would recommend looking into textbooks by authors such as James Stewart, Ron Larson, or Howard Anton. These authors are known for their clear and comprehensive explanations, and their textbooks are often used in college-level calculus courses. You can also try searching for older editions of these textbooks, which may be more affordable.

In addition to textbooks, there are also many online resources available for studying differential equations. Some popular ones include Khan Academy, MIT OpenCourseWare, and Paul's Online Math Notes, as you have already discovered. These resources often have video lectures, practice problems, and step-by-step solutions that can supplement your textbook.

Lastly, I would suggest reaching out to your professor or teaching assistant for additional help and clarification on the material. They may have additional resources or tips for understanding the material better.

I hope these suggestions help you in your studies. Remember to keep practicing and don't get discouraged by one test – with determination and the right resources, you can excel in calculus 4. Good luck on your journey!