Is Spivak's Calculus 4th Edition Too Dry for Beginners?

[micromass]

Hmm, first off, if you're going to be a doctor, then you really don't need to read Spivak or proof books. If you're interesting in mathematics, then great, you should read the books But if you just want to know the material to pass the test, then Spivak really isn't necessary.

Not that I don't want you to read Spivak or Velleman, but I don't want to give you false information!

Anyway, I have read Polya's book and the book is not a proof book. It doesn't explain proof methods like induction and stuff. The book is actually written for future teachers to give them methods how to make coherent explanations and how to teach students the art of problem solving.

It's a good read, but it's not the book you're looking for!

 

[BloodyFrozen]

Hmm, first off, if you're going to be a doctor, then you really don't need to read Spivak or proof books. If you're interesting in mathematics, then great, you should read the books But if you just want to know the material to pass the test, then Spivak really isn't necessary.

Not that I don't want you to read Spivak or Velleman, but I don't want to give you false information!

Anyway, I have read Polya's book and the book is not a proof book. It doesn't explain proof methods like induction and stuff. The book is actually written for future teachers to give them methods how to make coherent explanations and how to teach students the art of problem solving.

It's a good read, but it's not the book you're looking for!

I'm not just learning to pass the test, but also to have a solid foundation for the future.

Ok, so I'm probably getting Velleman.

MATH is the best!

@The teacher part-- I knew it! I was wondering why he kept talking about what the teacher could tell to the student to help him/her solve the problem. (I'll be able to use this if I ever tutor lower leveled classes)


One last question: Any concepts I should know really well before I attempt Spivak? I know about the standard algebra and trigonometry. Anything else?

Thanks for taking the time to help me!

EDIT:What about knowing deMorgan's Laws for proofs etc? I hear a lot of people talking about proofs mention this.

 

[micromass]

Nice!

For attempting Spivak, you'll need nothing more than basic algebra, ability to reason logically and some knowledge of proofs. It'll still be a hard book though, but hard books can be fun!

Good luck!

 

[BloodyFrozen]

Nice!

For attempting Spivak, you'll need nothing more than basic algebra, ability to reason logically and some knowledge of proofs. It'll still be a hard book though, but hard books can be fun!

Good luck!

Thanks to everyone (especially micromass).

I proclaim this thread to be done. (unless someone responds:zzz:)