Math Is Fun Forum

NeoXx

Member

Registered: 2013-02-04

Posts: 8

Looking for a Calculus book

Hello,

I am an A-level student in Cambridge soon finishing the A2.
From doing Mathematics I got very interested in Calculus, and
now I'm looking for a complete course for Calculus in order to
learn it at a much higher depth.

Can anyone suggest a great book on Calculus?

Regards,

NeoXx

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: Looking for a Calculus book

Usually they say the Stewart books are best.

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In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.

ravz181229

Member

Registered: 2014-03-07

Posts: 4

Re: Looking for a Calculus book

Here are the list of Calculus books I feel are good:

Calculus, 7th Edition - James Stewart.
Calculus and Analytic Geometry - Thomas & Finney.
Thomas' Calculus - Thomas, Weir, Hass.
Calculus: A Complete Course - R. A. Adams.
Advanced Calculus Demystified: David Bachman.

Personally, I think Calculus and Analytic Geometry by Thomas & Finney is the best Calculus book you will ever come across.

All the best

L'Hopital

Member

Registered: 2014-03-07

Posts: 17

Re: Looking for a Calculus book

The Complete Idiot's Guide To calculus: Even if you aren't a complete idiot, this book is absolutely brilliant, period.

L'Hopital
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ShivamS

Member

Registered: 2011-02-07

Posts: 3,648

Re: Looking for a Calculus book

In my opinion, the books already listed are terrible! For some real, rigorous treatment of single variable calculus, check out Spivak or Apostle. Maybe, as a prerequisite, try Lang's "First course in calculus." Go for Courant is you want rigour and learn about applications to physics and engineering. I went through all four of those (with "Calculus made easy") and they gave me great insight on calculus. Prepared me very well for Rudin.

Last edited by ShivamS (2014-03-08 05:28:41)

zetafunc.

Guest

Re: Looking for a Calculus book

Advanced Calculus Demystified: David Bachman.

I have this one -- not very rigorous, but probably ideal if studying for an exam on multivariable calculus.

Agnishom

Real Member

From: Riemann Sphere

Registered: 2011-01-29

Posts: 24,996

Website

Re: Looking for a Calculus book

Calculus Made Easy

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'And fun? If maths is fun, then getting a tooth extraction is fun. A viral infection is fun. Rabies shots are fun.'
'God exists because Mathematics is consistent, and the devil exists because we cannot prove it'
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NeoXx

Member

Registered: 2013-02-04

Posts: 8

Re: Looking for a Calculus book

I thought of buying Spivak's Calculus. I already know the basics of Calculus so I assume I will be fine with Spivak's book.
Do you think I'm making a good choice?

Thanks for you replies!

ShivamS

Member

Registered: 2011-02-07

Posts: 3,648

Re: Looking for a Calculus book

If you know the basics of calculus and have a good knowledge of algebra 2 and precalculus, then you should be fine with Spivak. It might be a bit tough at first, but once you get used to the level of difficulty you will start finding it very enjoyable. Spivak will give you in-depth knowledge of calculus and prepare you for linear algebra or differential equations very well, so yes, you are making a good choice.