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TheAnt
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Hi, i am looking for a good textbook for someone who knows nothing about calculus.
Calculus Made Easy by Silvanus P. ThompsonTheAnt said:Hi, i am looking for a good textbook for someone who knows nothing about calculus.
TheAnt said:Hi, i am looking for a good textbook for someone who knows nothing about calculus.
MidgetDwarf said:You are able to read spanish fluently?
micromass said:You know, reading mathematical texts is very different from usual texts. I am completely certain I can't say a single sentence in spanish. However, I am able to read spanish mathematical texts decently. Given some time and a dictionary, it's pretty easy to fluently read a foreign math book!
Joseph Richard said:This is not Spanish, it's Portuguese, I'm native Portuguese speaker (from Brazil).
I am in the french system but i think i have igcse/as level mathematics. My goal is simply to apply calculus to physics as i was told it was needed to move on.micromass said:You need to tell us what you do know and what your longterm goals are.
TheAnt said:I am in the french system but i think i have igcse/as level mathematics. My goal is simply to apply calculus to physics as i was told it was needed to move on.
Sorry for the lack of precision in my earlier reply. What i want for the moment is just a basic knowledge of calculus as it is tackled much later and in less depth in France than in other countries (eg. England). The main goal is to get on par with the British level once I reach university. As for my current level, it is pretty good in the french system (top marks) but this is without counting the knowledge I lack.micromass said:Sorry, but this tells us nothing. I know high school students who can't solve a simple arithmetic problem, and I know of some who are doing general relativity. So you'll need to be more specific.
I understand that you want to be a physicist? Or an engineer? Why is it that you want to learn physics?
TheAnt said:Sorry for the lack of precision in my earlier reply. What i want for the moment is just a basic knowledge of calculus as it is tackled much later and in less depth in France than in other countries (eg. England). The main goal is to get on par with the British level once I reach university. As for my current level, it is pretty good in the french system (top marks) but this is without counting the knowledge I lack.
The key features to look for in a beginner calculus textbook include a clear and concise explanation of fundamental concepts, plenty of practice problems with solutions, and real-life examples and applications. It should also have a good balance between theory and practical applications, and should be written in a way that is easy to understand for beginners.
Some highly recommended calculus textbooks for beginners include "Calculus: Early Transcendentals" by James Stewart, "Calculus" by Ron Larson and Bruce Edwards, and "Calculus: A Complete Course" by Robert A. Adams and Christopher Essex. These textbooks are known for their clear explanations, thorough coverage of topics, and extensive practice problems.
Yes, there are many online resources that can supplement a beginner calculus textbook. Some popular ones include Khan Academy, Paul's Online Math Notes, and MIT OpenCourseWare. These resources offer video lectures, practice problems, and additional explanations of key concepts that can help reinforce what is covered in the textbook.
Prior knowledge of algebra and trigonometry is essential for understanding calculus. Many of the concepts in calculus, such as limits, derivatives, and integrals, build upon algebraic and trigonometric concepts. It is recommended to have a strong foundation in these subjects before diving into calculus.
This ultimately depends on personal preference. Some people prefer the convenience and portability of an e-book, while others prefer the tactile experience of using a physical textbook. As long as the content is the same, either option can be effective for studying calculus. However, it is important to make sure that the e-book version has all the necessary features, such as interactive examples and practice problems, to aid in learning.