Mathematical Methods by Riley, Hobson, Bence

[Hacky]

This is a great book but I have one complaint. Cambridge forbids access to all of the worked solutions unless you are an instructor of a math course. Now the Cambridge website does say this but the website of the merchant I bought the text and solutions manual from does not mention this at all. In fact, I thought all the solutions were in the book. It is called the "Students Solution Manual", not "Students Half-the Solutions Manual".

There are plenty of problems with worked solutions but there are also some problems that catch my eye and are difficult, or I am short on time and a worked solution would be great. As a 46 year old who is just trying to brush up, learn this stuff, this policy seems gratuitously restrictive. I understand the need to keep the solutions out of the hands of students but I emailed fairly good proof that I was no such thing.

Anyone agree that after spending over $100 for these books and not seeing any indication that the solutions manual covers only half the questions, that Cambridge should budge? (They will not for sure but it feels good to gripe about this).

 

[rjaduthie]

I am currently working through the book - as you presumably were, or still are - to brush up on ideas and skills required for a mathematically challenging course.

I wonder if you have found a way of obtaining good quality worked solutions?

P.S. Is there a chance that anyone knows if the third ed. solutions book is any cop for the second ed. text?

 

[oswaler]

As a fellow scientist, I understand your frustration with the limited access to the worked solutions in the Mathematical Methods book by Riley, Hobson, and Bence. It is important for students to have access to these solutions in order to fully understand the concepts and improve their problem-solving skills. I agree that the policy of only providing access to instructors is unnecessarily restrictive and can hinder students' learning progress.

However, it is important to note that Cambridge has a legitimate reason for restricting access to the solutions. By limiting access to instructors, they are preventing the solutions from falling into the wrong hands and potentially being used for cheating purposes. As you mentioned, you were able to provide proof that you are not a student, but it is difficult for Cambridge to verify this for every individual who requests access.

In terms of the lack of information provided by the merchant about the limited solutions manual, I understand your disappointment. It is always frustrating when important details are not clearly communicated. However, it is ultimately the responsibility of the buyer to research and understand the product they are purchasing.

In the future, I suggest reaching out to the publisher directly to inquire about the access to the worked solutions before making a purchase. It may also be helpful to look for alternative resources that provide comprehensive solutions for the book.

Overall, I sympathize with your situation and agree that Cambridge should consider finding a solution that allows students to access the worked solutions without compromising the integrity of the material. Perhaps a verification process or a separate access code for students could be implemented. In the meantime, I encourage you to continue your learning journey and utilize other resources to supplement the limited solutions manual.