Recommendations for a calculus refresher

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A user seeks to refresh their calculus skills to reach a Calculus III level for self-study in differential equations and vector calculus, ultimately aiming to study undergraduate physics. They have chosen the Kline Calculus book but find it too application-heavy and are looking for a more concise, math-focused alternative with plenty of solved examples. Another participant shares a similar experience, recommending older editions of "Calculus and Analytic Geometry" by George Thomas and "Calculus" by Tom Apostol, emphasizing the initial struggle but eventual enjoyment of the material. They encourage the user to engage with solved examples and theory for effective self-study, highlighting the supportive community available for assistance.
ibkev
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Hi all - I took engineering a while back and haven't used calculus in a very long time. I'm looking to get back up to speed via self study to a calculus III level so as a next step I can move into differential equations and vector calculus. (My real goal is to work through a self study of undergrad physics.)

I more/less remember how to apply calculus but have long forgotten the mechanics of the various differentiation/integration techniques, etc. I picked up the Kline Calculus book because it is both cheap and highly regarded. Having spent some time with it, I can see why it's highly regarded but, because it contains lengthy applications interwoven with the calculus techniques, I'd like something more succinct and math focussed.

Can anyone recommend such a text? Since I'm doing self study, lots of solved examples are valuable to me.
 
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Hi Ibkev,

I am in a similar situation than you: I started to study by myself quantum physics some time ago, and, in the process, I realized I had to to take my old calculus books.

In my case these books are two: an old edition of Calculus and Analytic Geometry by George Thomas as well as Calculus by Tom Apostol. You better be ready to struggle at the time to review these sort of topics and books, and, I confess, in the beginning you can feel overwhelming, but, later you will enjoy them: the main motivation you can use is to come back to be familiarized with these topics, and then, everything will become easier. As for my recent experience you need to read solved examples, and, to study theory as well.

You are in the right place: many people here are willing to help other as us.

Good luck
 
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The book is fascinating. If your education includes a typical math degree curriculum, with Lebesgue integration, functional analysis, etc, it teaches QFT with only a passing acquaintance of ordinary QM you would get at HS. However, I would read Lenny Susskind's book on QM first. Purchased a copy straight away, but it will not arrive until the end of December; however, Scribd has a PDF I am now studying. The first part introduces distribution theory (and other related concepts), which...

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