Multivariable Calculus/Calculus & Geometry textbook suggestions

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on textbook recommendations for Multivariable Calculus, specifically addressing topics such as differentiation in several variables, inverse and implicit functions, quadratic forms, extrema, curves and surfaces, and integration in several variables. Key suggestions include "Multivariable Calculus" by Edwards and Penney, "Calculus" by Apostol, "Mathematical Analysis" by Courant, and "Div, Grad, Curl and All That" by Schey. The community emphasizes the importance of selecting a textbook that matches the reader's level of mathematical rigor and understanding.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic calculus concepts, including limits and derivatives.
  • Familiarity with linear algebra, particularly matrix operations and determinants.
  • Knowledge of vector calculus, including vector fields and line integrals.
  • Basic understanding of mathematical proofs and theorems.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "Multivariable Calculus" by Edwards and Penney for comprehensive coverage of the subject.
  • Explore "Calculus" by Apostol for a rigorous mathematical approach.
  • Investigate "Div, Grad, Curl and All That" by Schey for intuitive understanding of vector calculus.
  • Review online resources such as Khan Academy for supplementary lectures on multivariable calculus topics.
USEFUL FOR

Students retaking Multivariable Calculus, educators seeking teaching materials, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of advanced calculus concepts.

chris_0101
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Hello all,

I am currently in University and I am retaking a course that I dropped last year due to the fact that there was no textbook and the time I spent in the course was a frantic scramble for reliable information and attempting to understand what the professor was teaching. I have looked before and the only textbook that I found that was remotely close to the material that is covered in the course is Multivariable Calculus by Edwards and Penney. I am asking the community for any suggestions for textbooks that cover most, if not all of the topics listed below:

- Differentiation in Several Variables
Partial derivatives, directional derivatives, del operator, Mean-value theorem for a function of several variables, differentiation through an integral, Leibniz's Rule 2nd order derivatives and Clairaut's theorem, Hessian Matrix. Functions from several variables to several variables, Jacobian Matrix

- Inverse - and Implicit functions in several variables
Inverse function theorem
Implicit function theorem

- Quadratic forms
Matrix Representation
Change of variable & diagonalization by congruence
Positive & Negative definiteness, Semi-definieness, determinantal criteria
Sylvester's Theorem

- Extrema
Local extrema-critical points, local max, local min, saddle points, determinantal tests on the Hessian Matrix
Global extrema-existence for continuous functwions on closed, bounded sets, finiding constrained extrema by the method of Lagrange multipliers

- Curves and Surfaces
Space curves defined parametrically-tangent, normal, binormal, arc length, curvature, torsion
Surfaces-implicit and parametric definitions-tangent plane, normal line
Space curves defined as intersecting surgaces, related quadratic & cubic forms

- Integration in several Variables
Multiple and iterated integrals
Change of order of variables
Change of variable formula in general
Polar, cylindrical & spherical coordinates
Line integrals, consecutive and non-consecutive vector fields, curl operator
Surface integrals, projection onto a plane, parametric surgace integrals
Stokes' theorem, boundary curve, orientation
Gauss' theorem, boundary surgace, div operator

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated and sorry for the long list, I didn't want to leave anything out.
 
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I fully second Apostol and Courant.
 
Apostol and Courant are excellent but they are mathematically rigorous and I don't know if that is what you want. If not, then there is the book by Schey Div, Grad, Curl and All That for intuition; Marsden and Tromba Vector Calculus is an intermediate sort of book; and the old favourite is Stewart Multivariable Calculus or the relevant chapters in his Calculus. Stewart gives the simplest presentation of calculus.

I suggest going to the library and looking through all these books and deciding for yourself which one best suites your needs.
 
any multivariable calculus text will fit your description..
 
I agree that Courant and Apostol are NOT light reads. Stewart has an excellent MV book that is good for all audiences. A lesser known book is Howard Anton's Calculus, A new horizon, which has a lot of good applications of calc added in. Of course the Khan Academy has very easy-to-understand lectures, but not in all of the above mentioned topics.
 

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