Spivak or LA this Summer? [independent study]

[nickadams]

I have taken Calc 1 (computational) and Discrete Math (low-rigor proofs), and am currently taking Calc 2 (calc is a 2 semester course at my school), in the Fall I will take Vector Cal (mostly computational), probability (mostly computational), and LA (supposed to transition students to the rigor of RA and Algebra etc.)


I was wondering if I should spend this summer working through Spivak Calculus or an intro to LA book?

 

[micromass]

Why not do both??

Spivak is a great preperation for a real analysis class. The concepts are very nicely worked out. The exercises are quite challenging.

Linear algebra could be a good self-study provided you pick a good book. If you pick Serge Lang's book or Friedberg, then you can't go wrong.

Both topics are worth to self-study. If I were you, I would do Spivak. But it's your choice.

 

[DeadOriginal]

I am working on Spivak this summer! LA can wait!

 

[nickadams]

Why not do both??

I'm a slow learner and I'm already taking 2 classes this summer so I'm afraid there wouldn't be time enough to make meaningful progress on both Spivak and LA. :/

If I were you, I would do Spivak. But it's your choice.

K I think I'll do Spivak (unless someone makes a really good case for studying LA instead).
Should I just attempt to work through the whole book from the beginning or focus on a few key chapters? I doubt I will be able to get through even a quarter of the material in the book this summer but I want to get the most benefit out of my time spent.

I am working on Spivak this summer! LA can wait!

Cool; good luck!

 

[nickadams]

Should I just attempt to work through the whole book from the beginning or focus on a few key chapters? I doubt I will be able to get through even a quarter of the material in the book this summer but I want to get the most benefit out of my time spent.

bumping this question

 

[Infinitum]

bumping this question

I do each chapter thoroughly. Its much more rewarding to know something in detail, than just have glancing ideas about everything.

 

[micromass]

I do each chapter thoroughly. Its much more rewarding to know something in detail, than just have glancing ideas about everything.

Yes, this is true. Try to work through everything.