Why are there so many versions of Thomas' Calculus?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the various editions and versions of Thomas' Calculus, exploring the differences between single variable, multivariable, and early transcendentals editions, as well as the authorship and revisions of the book over time.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the reasons for the multiple versions of Thomas' Calculus and the differences between them, particularly regarding single variable and multivariable calculus.
  • Another participant explains that the full book includes both single variable and multivariable calculus, while "Early Transcendentals" presents topics in a different order.
  • It is noted that there exists a series called "University Calculus," which includes various editions and is coauthored by Thomas, with streamlined presentations corresponding to other calculus texts.
  • A participant reflects on using a version of Thomas' Calculus from 1962, questioning the current involvement of the author.
  • Another participant confirms that Thomas passed away in 2006, implying that the revisions are made posthumously.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the existence of multiple versions of Thomas' Calculus and their respective content, but there is no consensus on the implications of these differences or the extent of revisions made after Thomas' passing.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the implications of the various editions or the specific changes made in the revisions since Thomas' death.

djh101
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I'm just starting my first semester of Calculus and am wondering why there are so many versions of this book. I've been told that the single variable version will only get me through the first two semesters and the full book (the one just titled Thomas' Calculus) would get me through calc 1-3. But then there's multivariable and early transcendents. What are those? Is the full book just single variable and another book combined? :confused:
 
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Calculus 3 = Multivariable calculus in a number of schools, so the full book = single variable edition + multivariable edition.

"Early Transcendentals" is an alternate full edition where the topics are presented slightly out of order. Note that there also exists a "Early Transcendentals, Single Variable" edition, which is an alternate single variable edition with the topics presented slightly out of order.

There is also a series entitled "University Calculus," where Thomas is listed as a coauthor. The presentation is "streamlined" (so I guess they correspond to the books entitled "Essential Calculus" by other authors). They too have a number of versions:
- University Calculus, Early Transcendentals
- University Calculus, Alternate Edition
- University Calculus, Early Transcendentals, Single Variable
- University Calculus, Alternate Edition, Single Variable
- University Calculus, Early Transcendentals, Multivariable
 
Good grief. I used a version of Thomas in 1962. Surely whoever "Thomas" is, he's not still actively involved in the books?
 
He passed away in 2006 at age 92.
 
Ah, okay, thank you. I guess they're just revising his book without him, them, because Thomas' Calculus 12 came out in '09.
 

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