Calculus For Dummies
by Mark Ryan
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Book Reviews of Calculus For Dummies
Book Review: Calculus For Dummies
Summary: 5 Stars
In the world of engineering it's essential to know basic mathematics and calculus. For those of us just starting out in technical math, I can recommend three outstanding references. You cannot do better than this matched set; "Calculus For Dummies" and "The Idiots Guide To Calculus". Both are wonderfully lucid and yet cover the essentials. They should be bought as a set since they approach many concepts in ways that differ yet in a cooperative fashion. If your just starting out with calculus or just feel shaky on the basics I also very strongly recommend "Effortless Algebra" by Maran Publications. I call these books The Three Kings. The problem with math books generally, is that they are either trivial and aimed at children or are so daunting that they intimidate the math-impaired. These books strike that magic median. Thorough but accessible.Book Review: Weak Calculus Guide fo $19.99
Summary: 2 Stars
If you're simply looking for a manual to brush up on some points in introductory calculus or you're taking a calculus course that does not emphasize real-world applications of Calculus-based mathematics, then this book might be useful. Otherwise, it simply does not go into the breadth and depth necessary for a serious Calculus student, especially when physics problems are introduced into the curriculum. If you've purchased Dummies guides in the past, you're probably already familiar with the middle American English prose found throughout the pages of this text, while some may find this moderately off-putting. There are more serious guides available, such as Schaum's Outline of Calculus, 5ed: Schaum's Outline of Calc, 5ed (Schaum's Outline Series)Book Review: Calculus translated into English
Summary: 5 Stars
Mark Ryan is the kind of author you wish you'd had as a teacher when you were struggling with this stuff in college. He makes a very difficult subject not only quite accessible, but almost fun.
I know that's a bit of a stretch for some to believe. But even if you're only hoping for an explanation that doesn't put you to sleep, this is your book.
I especially appreciated the memory aids he presented and the humor with which he dealt with the Math Police.
He gave enough detail on difficult concepts to be thorough without trying to impress you about how smart he is by overdoing it. That is a tough balance to reach, but I feel he succeeded.
One caveat: The workbook that goes with this text is pretty much essential to truly learning the subject and it's very reasonably priced.
Book Review: Far better than ponderous academic texts
Summary: 5 Stars
I took college calculus 30 years ago. Wanting to refresh my memory, I first looked at my original and massive college textbook. Comprehensive but indecipherable. An academic tomb written to prove every theorem in the calculus - nice if you are a math major but not very helpful for those interested in applying calculus to real world problems quickly. I then found Calculus for Dummies which gets right to the key concepts in an accessible and direct fashion. The author's sense of humor is also helpful. With Ryan's book, you'll learn how to do calculus and solve problems. Great book. Highly recommended. While I scored highest in the class a long time ago, I had to study so hard - I only wish we had this book and graphic calculators 30 years ago and math class would have been a bit easier!Book Review: Excellent Preparatory Book
Summary: 5 Stars
This text is an excellent resource if you are going to be taking any calculus courses in school (high school or college). I used this book and the accompanying workbook (ISBN: 978-0764587825) to prepare for Calculus I and Calculus II courses I would be taking in an upcoming semester. These texts not only assisted me in obtaining an A in both courses but also allowed me to maintain a good pace within the courses and retain much of the knowledge.
I highly recommend you purchase the accompanying workbook with this text so that you can study and do problems on Calculus at your own pace. It really helps with Calculus courses especially if you have not been exposed to math recently. To me the text was a great supplement between pre-calculus course and calculus courses.