What are the differences between popular Calculus books?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the differences between popular calculus textbooks, specifically focusing on "Calculus" by Anton Howard, "Calculus: Early Transcendental Functions" by Larson, and Stewart's calculus books. Participants explore the features of these books, including the concept of early transcendental functions, and express opinions on their quality and pricing.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that "Early Transcendental Functions" refers to the inclusion of transcendental functions earlier in the curriculum compared to standard calculus books.
  • One participant expresses the view that most standard calculus books are quite similar and criticizes Stewart's book for being overpriced and of poor quality.
  • Another participant mentions that Stewart's book is best-selling, suggesting a contrast between its popularity and perceived quality.
  • Concerns are raised about the high cost of textbooks, with some participants arguing that the production costs are a significant factor in pricing.
  • There are personal recommendations for alternative texts, such as Thomas and Spivak, with one participant expressing a desire to trade Stewart's book for Spivak's due to dissatisfaction.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions on the quality and pricing of the textbooks discussed, with no consensus on which book is superior. Disagreement exists regarding the value of Stewart's book and the reasons behind its pricing.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the high costs of printing materials as a factor in textbook pricing, but there is no detailed exploration of the specific financial arrangements or profits associated with the authors.

Sword7
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Hello folks,

Because I have my old "Calculus 2nd Edition by Anton Howard" book, I checked latest editions through Amazon.com and eBay.com. I found some new kinds of books that I never heard of that before. Also, I found other Calculus books by Larson and Stewart, etc. On eBay.com, I ordered the Larson one (Calculus: Early Transcendental Functions 3rd Edition with CD bundle) and received it today. I compared it with my old Calculus but not much difference but much colorful pages and CD included.

Does anyone know what is "Early Transcendental" for? Can you explan that?

What are difference between Larson, Stewart, and Anton, etc..?

Does they offer ebook format?

Thanks!
Sword7
 
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Most "standard" (to me bad) calculus books are very much alike. Transcendental functions are those that are not algebraic (polynomials, inverses of polynomials, roots, rational functions, and the like). Examples of tranendentral functions include sin, cos, tan, Arccos, Arcsin, Arctan, exp, log, sinh, cosh, tanh, erf, and others. In a standard calculus books such functions are first used several hundreed pages in, an Early Transcendental Functions calculus book uses such functions earlier.

As far as differences there are few, although to me none are very good, though Stewart is worst (and ridiculouly overpricesd at over 200$, at price which should buy at least 10 actual good calculus books).
 
Stewart made a hell lot of money though; it is the best-selling calculus book. I personally recommend Thomas.
 
I doubt that Stewart "made a hell of a lot of money", at least not for himself. Most of the cost of textbooks goes into the cost of printing. Both paper and ink have become hellaciously expensive in recent years.
 
I did hear from someone that he made few millions. Too much money for a mathematician :biggrin:
 
It does not surprise me. They use Stewart's book in our math department. Our library sells it for ~$160 though. Largely overpriced as compared to many other, and far better books you can get for 1/4th of the price.
 
We use this book as well. In my opinion it's a piece of junk.

Wish I could trade it for a Spivak, now that I know how bad it is.
 

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