5 comments about Div, Grad, Curl, and All That: An Informal Text on Vector Calculus, Fourth Edition.

1. "div, grad, curl and all that" is the quintessential book of vector calculus. No other description I can think of would do it justice.



2. The book provides a very good and concise review of vector calculus. Also helpful is the context of electricity and magnetism making it a good companion book the advanced E&M class at my school [as it is recommended for]. Also good for learning Vector Calculus on its own.



3. I picked this book up, based on the reviews that said it would explain vector calculus to "engineers". I probably read the book 3 times, but I never felt I really _undestood_ the material. A few years later, I think I do understand the material; looking at the book, many of the things I read seem obvious now. I feel this is where most of the reviewers were coming from...
   
   The book is great if you already know the material, and just need a nice, unifying refresher. It is not that great for learning it the first time, since there is very little application of the material, and for me that is what motivates me to understand something. Morse & Feshbach is much more rigorous and dense, but that is where it first "clicked" for me. Also, I think this book is supposed to be in tandem with a more standard Calculus reference. Between two books one might have a better time at figuring things out.
   
   There are a few very good figures in the book that have helped me understand some key concepts (the flowchart relating the different operators and their associated assumptions), but the lack of rigor and general long-windedness of the book could actually be considered a fault, rather than a benefit "for engineers".
   
   Also, buy the cheapest edition of this book you can find. They are all basically the same (only the problems and very minor wording change between editions). Don't think you need to get the latest edition, get a cheaper earlier edition.



4. even if i tried, i couldn't find anything to complain about. The book looks great and it arrived in a timely fashion.



5. This little gem of a book is simply amazing. It managed to explain in a clear and concise manner how line and surface integrals are derived along with how div and curl are tied into those. Something Anton and Larson (with the latter making a considerably better effort) could not achieve. Everything started to make sense after reading/referencing this book.

5 comments about Single Variable Calculus: Early Transcendentals.

1. I am currently a freshman in college just finishing a calculus course, and throughout the whole semester i have been given homework assignments supposedly "based on readings in the book." Every homework assignment has resulted in a severe headache due to countless hours spent on solving problems that are so many levels above what the chapters actually explain. There are problems at the end of each chapter based on its teachings, but so many of them require knowledge of irrelevant identities never taught throughout the book. The fact that I had a good teacher for that class is the only reason why I got an A, because this textbook is a miserable labyrinth of assumptions and vague teachings. I am starting to believe that the only reason universities support this book is because of its online homework system.



2. This textbook is great combined with Calculus for Dummies. The two books together go in-depth about limits, derivatives, trig, algebra, and if your algebra is rusty it starts off with a precalculus. I highly recommend the two books together. The examples in the Single Variable Calculus:Early Transcendentals are very vague and dont show some very crucial steps but over all the book I received was in mint condition, and I just love the new book smell and knowing no one else had it but me. Thanks Amazon! J.T.



3. sorry but there's no way a calculus textbook can be worth $150. even $75 would be a huge stretch. and this book isn't good to begin with.
   i remember using it (a previous edition, although the only thing that changes are the problems) in high school. i went through the entire thing, and managed to get straight A's on everything without actually learning what calculus is. at the time i was content with good grades because i was busy worrying about other things like my clothes and friends, but looking back on it i'm really disappointed that i didn't learn anything by reading the book. it certainly won't teach you the heart of calculus. i recommend the silvanus thompson book to teach yourself. college textbooks are, in general, badly written and overpriced by a factor of 400%.



4. This book is so condescending, it jumps from point A to B without actually explaining the reasoning. Many of the diagrams are presented in a way that is hard to understand. I'm a freshmen in College and I usually don't have this much trouble in math. However, this book confuses me to the point that I use another textbook for actual learning! Thank god our teacher doesn't collect homework because the problems in the book goes from a low-level problems to a high level problems-like that! I had to do my homework from another textbook and I'm Acing the test now. A feat that would have been impossible using this textbook solely alone. If you want to learn, please consider buying another textbook!



5. the book was at a great price and in great condition. saved me great money! thanks!

5 comments about The Humongous Book of Calculus Problems: For People Who Don't Speak Math.

1. This book is truly written for people who really do not speak math...like myself! I understand what he writes about...and my calculus text is ridiculous to try to understand. This seems to be the perfect compliment to a class. Highly recommended. One thing I do wish is that there was some space between the problem and the solution so that we could try to work the problem out...but then the book would be even bigger and that's not practical. I guess just keep on with sliding the paper down the page...



2. This book is good in showing many if not all types of problems for Pre cal review and calculus but its name deceives. I was hoping that it would have practice problems. All does is that it shows you how to solve a type of problem, just once. Its a good aid for those taking calc classes, but its not as good for self study. For that The Calculus Lifesaver is much better to learn calculus, and standard textbooks or workbooks are better for providing practice.



3. Excellent book,I always had serious problems with calculus because I don't had a good preparation on high school,and now that I'm studying University this book was really helpful.



4. I'm going back to school after a long time away. I'd never taken calculus in my first time through undergrad and graduate school so I was nervous about taking it the first time.
   
   This book is handy in that it explains, in pretty simply language, what's going on in a certain step, especially in those steps were people most often say, "Huh? Where did *that* come from?"
   
   If you're looking for a book that gives you the same basic problem asked for in many different ways, this isn't the book. Go for Schaum's or Problem Solver by REA. But this book might help you figure out exactly what you're missing if you're working your way through a million Schaum's questions and find yourself stuck.



5. I am no sales representative but an average student who has never taken calculus before and was lost when I had to take it for college. See I have a professor who expects students to know everything and won't go at a pace or stop to explain and skims through it like we're geniuses.
   
   This book doesn't do that and in fact it explains EVERY LITTLE THING for you. It's also fun and entertaining and doesn't really make you feel dumb for not understanding it. I absolutely love this book and I had bought this book earlier, but had not expected it to be any good until I opened it 3 days before my midterm. Every thing I had not understand or comprehend was understood after reading through the explanation.
   
   If you're a student who feels weak in maths and/or is lost and confuse. Seek help from this book. You definitely won't regret it.

5 comments about College Algebra (4th Edition).

1. Very much liked the review of the prerequisite math rules needed to make progress with algebra. Good examples, good practice problems.



2. If you take the time to read the book it is engaging and sometimes funny. The author explains the math very well using real-world situtations. The application problems are great for bringing the concepts home.



3. Received via UPS in couple of days. Book was in perfect condition. Couldn't believe it was used. Saved lots of money.



4. Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2MLUH1X1KFVA2 This is one of the better textbooks I have
   on the subject. One will have to put the
   time in but the book does a
   good job explaining concepts.
   If I may suggest something that
   has helped my studies greatly, a little book called
   Don't Like to Read, Then Don't, Listen!: How to
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   material than have to read it themselves. I use
   programs like the one that is reading this review
   to have my texts read to me. This is a god send
   for me. One can get this title on amazon.



5. this covers the basics first and then goes on to of course the harder stuff. It is a good book. I received it soon after ordering and it was a great price for such a "good-looking" used book.

5 comments about Calculus: Early Transcendentals (Stewart's Calculus Series).

1. This book is written for those intending to move onwards in math, rather than those who are learning calculus for practical purposes. In general, the book is not user-friendly and at times throws in "points of interest" about math and calculus that are not labeled well, and can thus confuse/ distract the reader. The book does not contextualize what it attempts to teach and as a result, forces the reader to skim a chapter to understand the general thrust and conclusion, before attempting a detailed reading. I do not know of better calculus books, but for one inclined to search, this is not the one at which to stop.



2. The textbook shipped quickly, and arrived in excellent shape. It has tons of sample and exercise problems to sharpen your calc skills.



3. As another reviewer said, the learning curve for those coming out of pre-calculus is too steep. The sample problems presented in this book are not explained clearly, and the problem sets are useless when it comes to creating an exam.



4. This is a great book for people who already have a firm grasp on the understanding of mathematics. The problem sets show you various scenarios that allow you to use your newly found skills flexibly.



5. The book arrived as promised using expedited shipping. However, the heavy text book was placed in a box twice the size of the book with a piece of bubble packing material. The weight of the book popped the packing material and it bounced off the sides of the box unprotected as it was shipped around the country. The book arrived with bent corners and a creased spine. Not much chance that I'll get a great resale price for it. Thanks a lot Amazon. Good work.

5 comments about Linear Algebra and Its Applications, Third Updated Edition.

1. I've used this book for two university classes. The book covers the material conceptually well, but the exercises are written as though you've masted the material before doing any exercises: basic theorems introduced in the book are not covered in simple exercises, and a high understanding is required to answer even some of the early exercises.
   
   The study guide/answers solution guide is not terribly helpful, often giving answers without showing the needed work to get there (often the only reason you're reaching for the study guide in the first place).
   
   If you have a choice between two classes, one which uses this book and another which doesn't, take the other class: avoid this book. If you just want to learn linear algebra, there's much better books out there. Avoid this book. Go with another book that doesn't have majorly negative reviews.



2. This is a very confusing book. Most students will have experienced simple operations with matrices at some point in their algebra education. But that's not linear algebra. Linear algebra is about vector spaces and linear transformations.
   
   This book takes the approach of introducing a wide range of topics in the first chapter and then in subsequent chapters presenting topics that build on the preliminaries from the first chapter, but never going back and ties things together.
   
   The organization can be VERY confusing. The ideas are never brought together in a meaningful way. This book is full of digrams and definition boxes that obscure the flow of the text, what little there is. In addition, I had an instructor who was not a native english speaker so my linear algebra class was very challenging.
   
   If you have this book for a class, be prepared to spend a lot of time flipping pages, attempting to connect the dots. There are much better linear algebra books out there.



3. I bought it used for half the price of the same book used at my college textbook, and yet when I received it the book was practically brand new. Excellent Service.



4. This book is very readable and has plenty of examples that make sense. The book is definitely organized in an order that makes sense to follow it straight through, and not jump ahead since many of the concepts build upon themselves and others.



5. This book is an overview of Linear Algebra rather than a comprehensive study. The problems that really dwell deep into the concepts are left unanswered even when the problem is odd. You go to the back of the book and the answer isn't there; instead, it tells you to go to the STUDY GUIDE for the answer. Here's the clincher. You buy a $30 study guide, and then you flip to the correct section and the ANSWER ISN'T THERE. This is a BAD SALES SCHEME. The author claims that giving students answers inhibits critical thinking, but it's clear that he really intends for unwary students to buy his study guide so he can get money without exerting minimum mental effort. I strongly discourage people from buying this book. You'd be better off asking for help on the internet blogs.

5 comments about Pre-Calculus Demystified.

1. I am one of those pathetic cases who should have been a math major, but could not stay awake during the freshman pre-calc lectures conducted by bored and boring grad students. Now, nearly 40 years later I am determined to self-educate my way through calculus.
   
   At first I took a crack at the Wiley "Precalculus A Self Teaching Guide". Holy cripes, what a disaster! Unnerving to find such an improbable number of errors, especially for student picking up after decades of non-study.
   
   Then, I grabbed Rhonda Huettenmeuller's fine work, and am doing the practice at the end of chapter four. I actually remembered some of my advanced algebra and managed to work my way through the problems.
   
   Well written and clear, she provides enough dimensions on problems to give you insight, then gives you room enough to have to think a bit. The answers are all provided, and are *correct*. Well, at least we agree, so that is certainly a good sign.
   
   I especially appreciate how she teaches this from the perspective of tackling calculus as the next step, pointing out issues that particularly apply, and how, to more advanced mathematics.
   
   Now, if we can just get her to write more books...



2. I received this book 2 weeks before my college entrance exam to smooth over what I momentarily learned in high school--I Do not want to end up in a lower than Calculus math class, paying for a class that does not give me any college credit.
   
   So far I have been getting through a chapter each day, in about hour and a half of on and off study.
   
   It is continuing to get me more comfortable with my math skills in a very short time. I Recommend it to anyone who fears there college entrance exam, or interested in learning Precalc on their own.



3. It was a great book, gave me what I needed at the pace I found acceptable. I also jumped into the middle of the book once to give a friend a hand and it was on polynomial functions. In ten minutes flat I was already calculating them! Amazing! If I continue at this rate, I can slack off in my Pre-Calculus college class and still pass! No, but seriously though, it's an awesome book and have recommended it to all my friends.



4. Pros:
   
   1. Excellent for the first semester of precalculus, especially the study of different families of functions.
   2. Does a good job of explaining topics in detail and providing examples of problems.
   3. Provides plenty of problems for practice of concepts.
   4. Provides excellent end of chapter tests for review and feedback.
   
   Cons:
   
   1. Trignometry section is lacking. Needs more detail on trignometric identities.
   2. Lacks information in the second semester of precalculus. Does not have anything on vectors, parametric equations, polar equations, statistics, or limits.
   3. Does not have anything on rotating conic sections.



5. I took a tough Precalculus class last year and found myself half-way through the semester totally and hopelessly confused. I couldn't afford tutoring (financially or time-wise - I work full-time and take night classes) and seriously contemplated dropping the class to save my GPA. I bought this book and ended up aceing the class. I know that sounds unlikely, but the author has a way of describing the concepts in a totally understandable way and it all just clicked. I enjoy math, but tend to be a little slow at picking things up, and the lay person approach of the book really worked for me.

5 comments about Algebra II For Dummies (For Dummies (Math & Science)).

1. This is a GREAT book for studying and reviewing algebra 2, but if you have not taken algebra, or if you took algebra and couldnt grasp most topics without going back to your textbooks to remember something, then you may want to get algebra for dummies to review, this book begins with a slight amount of review from algebra 1, but it will definetly not each you all of algebra 1 topics. I bought this book to study algebra 2 during the summer so I wont have to worry so much next year and ive learned alot from this book, great for dummies book I recomend it completely.



2. I am using the book to tutor a couple of kids and it is working out great. It gives me an easy way to help them learn these concepts. I recommend it for any one who needs to review their skills or is having trouble learning these concepts.



3. The book is very detailed and gives anchor text to help understand what the steps are all about



4. This book assumes a level of knowledge about Algebra and goes from there. It includes the usual "Dummies" cartoons and funny antics so it is enjoying to read for a "dreaded" subject. Not sure if it has helped me yet though.



5. The Algebra II for Dummies is an excellent book. It's explainations are thorough and complete. I recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn Algrebra II.

5 comments about The Calculus Lifesaver: All the Tools You Need to Excel at Calculus (Princeton Lifesaver Study Guides).

1. Before I even start talking about the actual book, let me just tell you that this is a steal. I don't know what the publisher was thinking, but a 750 page, recently published book on Calculus never sells for such a low price. On Amazon it sells for $16, which is a ridiculously low price for this 5 star tome. The average Calculus book is far from cheap, so this excellent guide is a pure bargain. Now, let's talk about the content of the book.
   
   I'm very exigent when it comes to Calculus books and usually like a very formal and rigorous style. Most people don't. Many tend to like accessible books that speak to them in plain English. And this book is marketed as such. This is supposed to be an extra aid, on top of a regular textbook, to make Calculus more accessible. However, it stands on its own, thanks to its comprehensiveness and clarity. If commonly adopted Calculus books puzzle you, or if you are studying on your own, this is the book for you. Every step is clearly explained and it doesn't fail when it comes to covering all the pre-requisites/fundamentals. Thanks to its style and approach, pretty much anyone who's willing to learn, will. I'd even recommend it to high school students who wish to learn more about this subject, because I don't think they would have any trouble following along. The tone is informal, friendly and often even funny, making it one of the least boring math books I've ever read. I highly recommend it to those who are struggling and would like to really understand the subject.



2. This is the best book I found for single variable Calculus. It should cover all or most of the topics from what is offered at school as Calculus 1 and Calculus 2. However, the book does not offer any or much information about Calculus 3, or Multivariable Calculus. However, most calculus help books do not offer much information about multivariable calculus. In addition, this book just came out. Maybe the author is working on or will work on that talks about multivariable caclulus. This book is a definite buy, however. Buy it, it covers all or most of single variable Calculus and is written in very understandable words. I was just writing this review to point out my problems with trying to find a multivariable book.



3. I was a math/chemistry major and have a PhD in Biochemistry. I was looking for a review book to teach my son after being away from Calculus for 30 years. This is the Best Calculus book - Ever!! It is written in plain English as if you had your own personal tutor. There are many many examples of problems solved for you with step by step explanation and some real world examples. This book is must if you are taking Calculus for the first time or reviewing it. This book is Awesome!



4. This is one of the best books I have found for a beginning calculus student. If you have a good knowledge of algebra you a desire to learn, you will succeed with this book. There are clear explanations and very difficult material is broken down into understandable pieces. Also, the videos on the website are really good. This is also a real bargain at under $20.00. Excellent book. Excellent teacher.



5. I wish I had this book in college. If I did, I would've had an A in Calculus. Oh I managed to squeaked by and I was thankful I didn't need to take the class twice, but that was never acceptable to my ego. I have read other calculus books since college. They helped some, but didn't fill in the holes the way I wanted. I thumbed through this book last night and it filled in some of those holes in just a couple hours! Yes!!! This is the book I have been looking for. If you are taking calculus and feel something is missing, buy this book. If you plan to take calculus, buy this book now. I also would recommend the Humongous book of Calculus problems, lots of paper, and a good set of pencils.

5 comments about Calculus (With Analytic Geometry)(8th edition).

1. It came quickly, and as expected except the integral tear out from the first page was missing



2. Everything was sent as advertised and in great shape. It was also on time and saved me some money. Thanks!



3. Possibly the worst Calculus compilation I've ever seen. No, definitely. The book has several glaring omissions, in terms of concepts, and refuses to use passable grammar or even descriptive language to illustrate its point. It also makes the assumption that your knowledge of pre-calculus and algebra is photographic. In other words, it's impossible to follow the steps outlined in examples without a complimentary reference (unintentional I'm sure...). My students and I were absolutely stunned at the lack of scope in the examples. The accompanying website is moody, at best, and frequently goes down. The ONLY redeeming quality about this book is that it has an abundance of proofs which are explained (terribly) before each section.
   
   I could go on, but why? As others mentioned, new editions make no attempt to solve these problems; they're just there to make money.
   
   Private Tutors and Teachers: If you're looking for a decent Calculus I/II book, you haven't found it here.



4. it's my first buy a book from the internet.I am so wrriered about the quality of the book, but I am wrong. The book looks awesome and it is a real new book. also, the prise is so cheap, if i bought this book in school's book store, it will cost $191 !OMG ! last thing is shiping is very fast!



5. The calculus book came on time and was is good condition. I am pleased with my purchase.