What book to use to get familiar with the epsilon-delta stuff?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around recommendations for books that help familiarize readers with the epsilon-delta definitions commonly used in calculus, particularly in the context of limits. The scope includes theoretical understanding and the challenges associated with learning these concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests Spivak's "Calculus" as a valuable resource for learning epsilon-delta concepts.
  • Another participant mentions two additional books that provide a comprehensive understanding, noting that they assume prior knowledge of calculus and may require supplementary logic or proof resources.
  • A participant shares their personal experience with Spivak's book, indicating that while the problems were challenging, the book could be enjoyable for the right reader.
  • Another participant reflects on their learning journey with Spivak, stating that although it took time to grasp the concept of limits, they found it easier to apply in broader mathematical contexts afterward.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the effectiveness of different books, with some favoring Spivak while others suggest alternative texts. There is no consensus on a single recommended book.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the need for a background in logic or proof techniques to fully benefit from the suggested books, indicating a potential limitation for readers without this foundation.

theoristo
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What book do you recommend to use to get familiar with definitions that usually contain the phrase “given any positive epsilon, however small, delta can be found such that . . .”:wink:thank you
 
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If I could go back I'd learn from Spivak, Calculus.
 
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There are many ways to answer this question.

Here are two cheap books that would give you a rather complete understanding. The first is more conceptual while the second includes multivariable topics. Both assume that you know calculus. But to get value from these, you'll probably need a logic or proof book as well as some dedication.

Without doing the whole proof thing, I'm not sure what to suggest. I'll let others who are more familiar with the calculus books that are out there answer.

Books:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0486650383/?tag=pfamazon01-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0486457958/?tag=pfamazon01-20

PS. I should add that I interpret "get familiar with definitions that use epsilon and delta" to mean, getting familiar with the definitions, understanding them in the context of the theory of calculus.
 
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Regarding Spivak's book, I quote what I wrote in the more recent thread:

I have only read the first edition of Spivak and for me, the problems were a little too difficult and left me feeling beat up after solving them. But for the right reader, it would be a highly enjoyable read for sure.
 
I learned the concept from spivak. It took me a very long time to understand the concept of a limit. However once I really got it it was surprisingly easy to apply the concept in more general settings (metric spaces, measure theory, etc).
 

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