Multivariable Calculus book with Taylor expansion for several variables

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the search for a suitable multivariable calculus textbook that includes coverage of Taylor expansions for two variables. Participants share their experiences with various textbooks and express their preferences, focusing on the clarity of content and graphical representation.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a preference for Ron Larson's Multivariable Calculus due to its graphics and colors but notes the absence of Taylor expansions for two variables.
  • Another participant mentions Thomas' Calculus as having some content on Taylor expansions, though they find it unclear.
  • Stewart's textbook is mentioned negatively by one participant, who did not find it appealing.
  • Adams' Calculus is noted for including Taylor expansions for two variables, but a participant criticizes its lack of color, making graphs harder to understand.
  • A suggestion is made for Hubbard and Hubbard's book, which covers vector calculus, linear algebra, and differential forms, though one participant indicates that linear algebra is a separate course and not needed.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of Taylor expansions for two variables and expresses frustration that many textbooks omit this topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on which textbook is best, as preferences vary based on individual needs and experiences. Multiple competing views on the suitability of different textbooks remain present.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express limitations in their textbook choices based on course requirements and the specific content they need, particularly regarding Taylor expansions.

Who May Find This Useful

Students seeking recommendations for multivariable calculus textbooks, particularly those interested in graphical clarity and coverage of Taylor expansions for two variables.

Hernaner28
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Hi. I borrowed many multivariable Calculus book so that I can choose one for the next semester. The one I liked most is Multivariable Calculus by Ron Larson. It is full of graphics and colours, somthing that is essential to understand functions of two variables. The only thing is that it does not have any section for Taylor expansions for two variables...

I also have Thomas' Calculus which has something about Taylor but it's not pretty clear.. but the rest is cool.

I've also got Stewart but didn't like it.

Adams' Calculus also treats Taylor for two variables but the whole book is black and white... pretty hard to understand graphs.

All books cover almost same things...

So what do you think? Am I missing some book which may have Taylor for 2 variables? Which one of the ones I mentioned would you recommend?

Thanks!
 
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I have not read more than a few sample pages of the following book myself and do not know its entire contents, but I've seen high recommendations and reviews for it. I will be buying it for my classes over the next couple of semesters, but I thought I'd throw it out there to give you some more options:

Hubbard and Hubbard - Vector Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Differential Forms.
 
That's not adequate for my semester. Linear Algebra is a separate curse... I won't get a book with material I already have. Ron Larson Multi Calculus has 4.5/5 score with 10 costumers review and I can tell you it IS damn good, but I would choose 4/5 of what I've seen because it's only missing Taylor for 2 variables. Can't believe that many books have skipped that... it's an important topic.

Thanks!
 
Hernaner28 said:
That's not adequate for my semester. Linear Algebra is a separate curse... I won't get a book with material I already have. Ron Larson Multi Calculus has 4.5/5 score with 10 costumers review and I can tell you it IS damn good, but I would choose 4/5 of what I've seen because it's only missing Taylor for 2 variables. Can't believe that many books have skipped that... it's an important topic.

Thanks!

Hubbard does not only cover linear algebra. It also covers multivariable calculus. It's an extremely good book! Perhaps one of my favorite on multivariable calculus.
 
Hm alright I will take it into account but I don't know if I'm able to get that book. Anyway, do you have any other to recommend? And from the ones I've mentiones which one would you choose?

Thanks!
 

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