How long does it take on avg. to finish Spivak's Calculus book?

In summary, the conversation discusses the speaker's plan to self-study Calculus during winter break and their goal of gaining a deeper understanding. They inquire about the time it takes for a student who has already taken Calculus 2 to finish a book. The other person suggests a regular analysis book and mentions that Spivak may be overrated. They also mention that it may take years to fully master the material and advise against studying it in a concentrated block of time.
  • #1
rocomath
1,755
1
i would like to gain a deeper understanding of Calculus so I'm planning on self-studying more on the side. i will do majority of my studies during winter break but i'd like to know long it takes a student who has already taken Calculus 2 to finish his book?

i know it's dependent on the person, but I'm committed and would just like to know.
 
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  • #2
Why not just get a regular analysis book like Pugh? He explains things very well. I don't think Spivak covers metric spaces or topology. Spivak is more like a half calculus/ half analysis book. In my opinion, it is pretty overrated.Here is the book.
 
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  • #3
If you're going back over it for mastery...possibly years. ;)

It's not something you really want to do for speed...figure first pass over the course of a few months, maybe? Not full time, obviously. You don't want to do it as a block, anyway, you need time to digest & rest.
 

FAQ: How long does it take on avg. to finish Spivak's Calculus book?

How long does it typically take to finish Spivak's Calculus book?

The answer to this question varies depending on the individual's prior knowledge and study habits. On average, it can take anywhere from 6-12 months to finish Spivak's Calculus book.

Is it necessary to have prior knowledge in calculus to finish Spivak's book?

While prior knowledge in calculus can be helpful, it is not necessary to finish Spivak's book. The book is designed to be accessible to those with little to no prior knowledge in calculus.

How many hours per day should I dedicate to studying Spivak's Calculus book?

This ultimately depends on the individual's learning pace and schedule. However, it is recommended to study at least 1-2 hours per day to make steady progress.

Are there any supplemental materials that can aid in understanding Spivak's Calculus book?

Yes, there are many supplemental materials available such as online lectures, practice problems, and study guides. These can be helpful in reinforcing the concepts presented in the book.

How can I stay motivated and focused while studying Spivak's Calculus book?

One way to stay motivated is to set small, achievable goals and reward yourself when you reach them. It can also be helpful to study with a group or find a study partner to keep each other accountable and motivated.

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