Calculus For Dummies
by Mark Ryan
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Book Reviews of Calculus For Dummies
Book Review: Refreshing Approach to the Fundamentals of Calculus
Summary: 5 Stars
I have been using "Calculus for Dummies" to review my Calc I and Calc II basics. I am surprised and pleased with how well Ryan's descriptions and explanations have allowed me to better understand the underlying principles in Calculus. If you are serious about the groundwork and maintenance of your mathematical skills, you know that it is frequently beneficial to return to the basics for those fundamental concepts which can occassionally grow fuzzy with time. If you can find a text that treats the material in a new and entertaining way, the review can be enjoyable as well as instructive.I highly recommend Ryan's book. He limits complexity (and warns you when he is doing so) to keep the material accessible. For the ultra rigorous analysis, there are many college texts available. But if you are new to Calculus, or looking for a different and refreshing approach to the basics, you will find "Calculus for Dummies" a wise investment. If you are taking Calculus in school and are having some problems understanding the material (and who hasn't?), this book will help you "decode" some of the more difficult concepts. I am sure that it is destined to become a valuable catalyst text on many a struggling math student's desktop.
Book Review: It's Never Too Late To Learn
Summary: 5 Stars
Something my accounting professor taught me (as I was struggling through accounting) was the importance of seeking out the writings of other authors. Where one will assume that you will grasp a concept - another will explain it and explain it again and in a manner that can open doors quickly.
Many years back I slugged my way through Calculus I, II & III but to this day was left with the disappointment that I never grasped the practical application of even the basic concepts. You can perform the mechanics of math but its beauty is in the understanding of its application. I was determined to make good on my understanding and purchased Mark Ryan's book `Calculus for Dummies'. I was expecting the same old calculus rigor (dumbed down) but was fortunate to come across a book authored by an individual who has a passion for math and for explaining it in a way that us mere mortals can understand.
My 35+ year quest was solved in several `aha' moments as I read through this book. This is a great companion source that will bridge the gaps as you learn calculus (leaving you plenty of time for all that homework)!
Book Review: Makes a complex topic understandable and even enjoyable!
Summary: 5 Stars
Wow, it's been a long time since I've been in a math class, and to say that I am rusty is a gross understatement. So it was with great relief that I discovered that not only can I follow this book, I actually enjoyed it. I even laughed out loud a few times. Mark's humor made all the difference, and when the going got a little tough, the lively writing kept me engaged.
Mark's experience as a teacher is evident throughout-- he knows where the pitfalls are and addresses them before the reader trips. I would describe myself as a slightly above-average math student, and calculus was not an intuitively easy topic for me. There were parts of the book that I had to read several times and then digest. Fortunately, I was being taught by a great teacher. I could well imagine learning calculus from a lessor instructor and getting totally lost.
Soon my daughter will be taking calculus in school, and I'm going to make sure that she reads this book. Congratulations Mark on writing the definitive book for "dummies," scholars and everyone in between.
Book Review: Learn Calculus
Summary: 5 Stars
This is, perhaps, the most concise and informative introduction to Calculus that I have ever come across. Mr. Ryan's ability to explain how mathematics works is practically legendary. It might be stretch to say this, but even if you haven't taken or studied pre-calc, and don't remember a whole lot about algebra, you could probably still hang with this book. That being said, you'll enjoy this book the most if you have pre-calc and algebra under belt, and you won't be disappointed! Admittedly, this book stays away from proofs, and theory unless it is absolutely necessary in order to make the subject understandable. What you get is a veritable instruction manual, or "how-to" that will introduce all of the techniques you'll need to succeed in your class (unless you have happlessly stumbled into the classroom of a "proof-happy" professor). If you want to learn the techniques of Calculus and actually understand what is going on in your first and second semester Calc classes, you cannot go wrong with book!Book Review: Great as a primary textbook
Summary: 5 Stars
After a 13 year hiatus from school, I found "Calculus for Dummies" indispensable for re-learning calculus 1 and carrying me through calculus 2. My official text was Stewart's "Early Transcendentals," but I used Dummies as my primary text with great success, referring to Stewart only for homework problems.
I'm now tutoring calculus students and recommend that they first approach new concepts by reading Dummies, then follow up by reading through the examples in their primary textbook.
For calculus 1 students, the benefit is the review of algebra/trigonometry and gentle introduction to the concepts of limits and continuity. Calculus 2 students will benefit greatly from the author's strategy for trigonometric substitution and clear treatment of infinite series (two common trouble areas for calculus 2 students).
I highly recommend this book to anyone taking, preparing for, or reviewing calculus 1 and 2.