What preparation is necessary for Rudin's Mathematical Analysis?

[stakehoagy]

I was wondering what knowledge is necessary before attempting to read Rudin's Principles of Mathematical Analysis. I heard somewhere that Axiomatic Set Theory by Suppes is a good start. Maybe a topology book. And probably a good understanding of calculus and linear algebra. Anything else come to mind?

 

[trinitron]

That sounds like a whole lot of overkill for that book. Perhaps what you've heard refers to Real and Complex Analysis? Even then...

 

[zhentil]

Calculus. I had linear algebra prior to real analysis, but it wasn't really necessary.

 

[stakehoagy]

thanks for the advice. I'm going to get the book from the library soon and get started.

 

[redrzewski]

I'd recommend Munkres' Topology as a good companion text.

 

[bmm9]

If you aren't used to doing proofs then you might want to find a book on the basics of proofs. "How to Prove It" by Velleman has a good reputation.

If you're studying on your own, access to someone who knows analysis well (e.g. a professor) is great.

Also, MIT uses this book for their real analysis course, and the open courseware has some solutions to the problems (and extra problems).

 

[ytoruno]

try Elementary analysis by Kenneth ross. Its an easier read and it covers only single variable topics, but its good prep for rudin.