What is the best textbook for understanding differentials?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for textbooks on differentials, specifically focusing on differential equations. Participants are seeking alternatives to a specific textbook that is perceived as inadequate for an upcoming course.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses dissatisfaction with the recommended textbook for their differential equations course and seeks better alternatives.
  • Another participant suggests a Dover book as a good option for beginners and mentions additional resources for problem-solving.
  • A third participant reiterates the need for a textbook that covers the same topics as the original textbook mentioned.
  • A different participant recommends an older book by Ross, highlighting its suitability for introductory courses and its comprehensive content for further study. They also mention Arnold's book as a more advanced option, noting its depth and pedagogical approach.
  • The participant who recommends Ross shares a personal perspective, indicating that the book changed their view on the subject despite their initial dislike for differential equations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on a single recommended textbook, as multiple suggestions are offered, reflecting differing preferences and levels of complexity.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference specific textbooks without providing detailed comparisons or content outlines, which may limit the ability to assess their suitability for the original request.

jhami
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Hi,

I am an undergrad looking to purchase a good textbook on differentials for my course which I will be taking soon, and the textbook listed for the differentials course is this one (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1118531779/?tag=pfamazon01-20) which apparently is not very good. So can anyone recommend a good textbook on this subject which teaches the same concepts as this textbook?

Thanks,
 
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Are you looking for a book for differential equations? I like this Dover book. In addition, this is a good book for a begineer. Another good book is this. Fro problems, this is a good book.
 
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Yeah, just one with all the same topics in the original textbook i posted.
 
An older book, would be the one by Ross. I am to lazy to look at the table of contents of your book, But Ross: Differential Equations, is a very good introduction to the subject that also has enough content for a second course. The best book on differential equations is by Arnold, but that's an advance book, and I doubt many undergraduate math majors could grasp it. The author provides proofs when they can be proved at that level. Or he gives an intuitive explanation. Also explains the methods of solutions for non-homogenous solutions, and how to derive them, instead of memorizing a chart, like many current books on ODE do.

I really hated the subject of Differential Equations, I like more pure mathematics, but Ross made me like the subject, and Arnold made me love it.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006BM12I/?tag=pfamazon01-20
That is the link for the Ross book. It's no more than 10 shipped used.
 
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