5 comments about Calculus of a Single Variable: Early Transcendental Functions.

1. I attended the Air Force Academy Preparatory School, and this book was issued to me. It has got to be the most helpful, easily understood, and well written calculus books ever to find its way to a school. The illustrations help visual learners to "see" what a formula looks like in three dimensions in latter chapters, and the practice sets go in order of necessity of learning (i.e. - early problems develop skills necessary to answer later problems, with no monotonous repetition of the same concepts as in most math books). It also has reference pages for basic formulas, so it becomes an invaluable tool for later calculus classes.



2. This book is good because it give you clear (easy) examples of the material it is explaining. The practice problems are also very good because they start off from the most basic then progress to advanced. This books has a lot of practical real world problems. Some of the material can be difficult at times, that's why I suggest you purchase "3,000 Solved Problems in Calculus (Schaums Solved Problems Series)" in addition to this book. The Solved Problems Series helps when you're studying quick examples just before the test.



3. This is your average math textbook. I haven't had any problems with it. It gives pretty good examples and explanations for each section.



4. This book is pretty nice. It provides you a lot useful concepts with brief explanation. Your job is to study and do the homework to digest that such concepts ( you'd better have a solution book that comes along with it). Don't blame for the book not covering everything as you expected, like other science courses, you should have a fair understanding the basics before go up to higher level.



5. This book has almost no differences from the 8th edition other than it is an older edition. Larson covers virtually all topics in calculus with multiple approaches preparing students for success whether it's on the AP exam or taking a course in Calculus. The authors focus on concepts and not just calculations enabling a deeper understanding of calculus. As a teacher, I appreciate this author's work.

5 comments about Practical Algebra: A Self-Teaching Guide, 2nd Edition.

1. This is a great book that can be used as a refresher for those needing to do algebra again. It is also good as a resource for someone taking the course and needing reference material. The examples are well done and there are plenty of test questions as you work through each topic.



2. I used the first edition of this text 29 years ago, as a 13 year old 8th grader teaching myself Algebra. This text allowed me to learn thoroughly and well, such that I was able to complete courses through Calculus while still in High School, and go on to be an engineer. My 13 year old daughter had trouble learning from her school's textbook, so I am breaking open this book again. It's step by step strategy of mastery is key to the overall success. Nothing forces you to move on until you can get all of the correct answers. I am so glad that it is still in print so that my daughter may have her own (not falling apart) copy of this excellent text.



3. This book is amazing. It teaches you everything you need to know about algebra. Seriously. I had to take a Math Placement Exam at my University to enter into College Algebra, and i was worried i wouldn't pass. So i went down to Barnes and Noble and picked this beauty up. Now, i'm not a math person; in fact, i hate math because it's always been my downfall in public education. It's never been easy for me and this book wasn't an exception. It wasn't fun for me working through this book, but i did it. For 3 weeks i slaved over this book and the results payed off tremendously. I passed the test and saved about $1,000 that i would have had to spend on a remedial class without any college credit. Thank you practical algebra! You saved me time, money, and humiliation.



4. Right now I'm a mature student preparing for college and was in need of a major brush up on my algebra knowledge. I researched and researched throughout the libraries and couldn't find the right book to teach myself what I needed to know, thats until I went on amazon and found this book. I gotta tell ya this is by far the best book for anyone brushing up on there algebra like me or anyone who's new to it. This book explains everything you need to know in easy and understandable detail. I'm a slow learner when it comes to math but with this book I rarely had to go back and reread what I just read. Everything came to me so quick and I promise it will for you as well. Like it says in the name its practical and would be money well spent. Enjoy!



5. It's not my intent to diminish the value of this book; however, in my experience using it, I am reminded that there still exists a huge void in Math and/or Algebra books that is yet to be filled. My conjecture is that "numbers people" (math professors, or those who just love math) are not in their element when they try to use language to explain how to solve math problems/ procedures. I think the authors of this book and authors of other Math books would serve the interests of their readers better if they operated from a "less is more" strategy. Namely: Present a subject; show a problem; solve the problem- and be DONE with it! A new student is burdened enough without verbose explanations.
   
   Another improvement would be large font for number problems. It's a matter of balance: Less unnecessary words leaves room for larger font for the numbers.
   
   It's also my observation that the value of a gifted professor teaching in person, will never be surpassed by authors attempting to use text to do the same thing. At least not in the subjects of Math and Algebra.

5 comments about Principles of Mathematical Analysis, Third Edition.

1. This book is well known for being terse. I will not refute this, but I will say that it is certainly not the tersest math book I have read (that honor might go to Samuel's algebraic number theory text). I am a graduate student in computer science, and I found this book to be enjoyable, well-structured, easy-to-read, and with excellent exercises. I probably would not attempt to use it for independent reading, though. The book develops calculus from the beginning, wasting no time, and giving almost no examples (unless you take the time to work through all the exercises). It is thus important to have a good instructor who can fill in the gaps as you go along.
   
   The price, however, is ridiculous.



2. Walter Rudin's book barely needs introduction at this point. It has gained a reputation as the best text anywhere for an introduction to real analysis, and is the gold standard for many first year graduate courses in the subject. Rudin's work is a masterpiece of style and form, and his presentation is second to none. Care has been taken with every proof to make it as elegant as possible. The selection of problems typically ranges from those requiring a few minutes thought, to the fantastically difficult.
   
   Therein does lie one of the two problems with this book, however. Occasionally Rudin relegates an important--and useful--result to the exercises where it could be overlooked by the unwary. There are some sections where more examples aimed at getting a student to practice applying fundamental concepts would be useful, instead of making them bend over backwards to find an answer.
   
   The only other problem, which is often brought up as a criticism of the book, is that Rudin is often perhaps a bit too terse in his exposition between proofs. There isn't always a strong motivation given for a topic, which makes this book a difficult one to learn from without a good instructor.
   
   Overall, it would be hard to do better than the so-called "baby" Rudin book. The price tag is a little steep for something so slender, but the content inside can easily outshine any other 3 similar texts in the area. This is an absolute must own for any aspiring analyst.



3. Having now got to measure and integration, the only comment that can be made about this text is that it is fundamental if you want to move to this level. There is no better analysis text.



4. I'll preface this by saying I'm an engineer. I thought engineering books were dull, but this book is even worse. That said, it has all the important theorems and their proofs, but no fluff whatsoever. So if you want just the facts this book would be for you.



5. I had to grow to like this book. After looking through it several times, I had realised that Rudin is not so bad. He has a lot of challenging exercises. I am still trying to find solutions to some today even after using this text in a course. I do not like chapters 10 and 11 too much though. I think Rudin should have done a better job.

5 comments about Precalculus : Mathematics for Calculus: 5th Edition (with CD-ROM).

1. There are tons of textbooks on Precalculus like this one out there. Larson's is just another equally good textbook on the subject of calculus and Precalculus. However, I see no much uniqueness and innovations in any of the calculus books like this type. Richard Feynman, one of America's greatest physicists, once said most of the popular textbooks (on physics) were somewhat mediocre. I would recommend those who are aspired for an austere treatment of elementary mathematics, ie, pre-calculus and beginning calculus, to go for the book High-school mathematics by some Russian mathematicians. ISBN: 5030010114 This series is just so comprehensive with lucid explanations that every high school math teacher should take a look at it. It's both fun and benefitial to read books on math translated from another language.



2. This product was everything that it promised to be. I will continue to order from amazon.



3. I have never used the CD, but the book is okay. If you are going to take calculus in the future than you should get a cheaper precalculus book and save some money. This is essentially the same as the 4th edition, except the price tag. Only get if you absolutely must for a class.



4. This and the student guide have enough errors in the solutions that it'll have you questioning your work. Thank goodness for a patient professor (and I'm an A student). The sections don't cover very well the material in the questions at the end of the chapter. It is written a little better than the Algebra book by the same authors but if this can be avoided, avoid it. My own professor doesnt teach out of it, just assigns work from the end of the chapters...thats how bad it is.



5. One of the best online shopping experiences I've ever had. I placed an order and the book was at my home in 1 week in the condition listed. I will definitely look to buy from this person again!

No comments about Graphical Approach to College Algebra, A (4th Edition) (Hornsby/Lial/Rockswold Series).

No comments about Beginning & Intermediate Algebra (4th Edition) (The Martin-Gay Developmental Algebra Series (hardbacks)).

4 comments about Precalculus: Enhanced with Graphing Utilities (5th Edition).

1. After going back into this book more and more I can only revise my opinion upward. Sullivan covers almost every topic before calculus and does it in a very straightforward manner. The text has rigor proving many important statements but this is never used in sacrifice of understanding. The student solution manual is also great and highly recomended. A great text and reference book.



2. Came in a good condition and very timely shipping



3. I teach high school math and reviewed many textbooks before I chose this title. The examples are diverse and the problem sets complete. Students will appreciate the excellent review at the end of each chapter. Completing this book will leave one in good stead to take calculus and linear algebra.



4. Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2R7G3QXPSYY0U This is one of the better textbooks I have
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5 comments about Cracking the AP Calculus AB & BC Exams, 2008 Edition (College Test Prep).

1. I ordered this book about a month before I took the AP calculus BC exam and it was a life saver. It had everything in it that I wanted. The practice tests were slightly harder than the real AP exam and that is a good thing, because then you are prepared. If you are going to be taking the AP calculus exam I would highly recommend buying this book.



2. After reading the Amazon reviews, I purchased this book and the Kaplan version. I quickly set aside the Kaplan book and focused on "Cracking the AP Calculus AB & BC Exams," though. The review information is comprehensive yet abbreviated, as most of the concepts are taught in class. However, enough information is given to fill in any knowledge gaps. The practice after each chapter is good, and the solutions are fully explained. I was particularly impressed with the practice tests. The problems mirrored those on the actual AP Calculus AB exam exactly. There were only a few problems I didn't encounter in this book that were on the AP exam. This book did the trick... I got a 5!



3. I can't say quite enough about how much this book has really helped me with calculus. The teacher I had over the summer at a community college was crap compared to this book, I highly, HIGHLY recommend it.



4. My school does not offer AP Calculus, but by AP rules, you can take the test despite not having the class. So, my son decided to use this book to help him prepare. My son is very good at math, so he was able to learn from the way this presented the material. He ended up getting the highest possible score.
   
   If you have the class-imagine what you can accomplish with this aid.



5. I took the Calc BC Exam this May. I do not know what else I can say besides that this book will get you a 5 on calc BC. Of course, I got a 5 on it, with the subgrade also being 5. I HIGHLY recommend this book!!!!

1 comments about Calculus: Graphical, Numerical, Algebraic, AP Edition.

1. Book was in good condition, only thing is that it was shipped very late. I received the book almost after 15 days of placing my order.

5 comments about Godel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid.

1. I realized after recommending this to a friend that I've never reviewed it. Strange, since it's one of the dozen most important books I've ever read in my nearly half-century on this planet. I first read it over 20 years ago, and continue to refer to its literate and well-crafted pages frequently.
   
   This book is Doug Hofstadter's religion. Since it's so good and so right about so many things, people run off into strange places with Hofstadter's words, sort of like the Bible. GEB (the shorthand name for the book) is, for me, a meta-level examination of what it is to be human. Some people see the shadows of the gods in there. I'm not trying to be melodramatic, nor do I believe I'm overstating the value of this book.
   
   Hofstadter takes the reader along on a Carrollian trip using metaphor and fable. Then he employs pedagogical, practical exercises, and good old-fashion lecture. Rinse and repeat, again and again. When he tells you to get pen and paper, please do it. Take your time with this book. I tried and failed on my first attempt. When I finally settled into it, it took me three months to joyously work my way through it. Take a year if you need it.
   
   Reception, analysis, recursion, reapplication. Hofstadter examines the basic evidences of intelligence, forms sensible, fundamental meta-rules, and builds from there. This book - as others have said - is hard work, like climbing a mountain. But at the end of the endeavor, the view is dazzling.



2. The author complains in the new preface that a vast majority of the reviewers, including those who have rated this book very highly, seem to have no idea of what he has been trying to say. In my opinion, this is a self-indictment that does not leave much for others to say. If the author cannot get his ideas across in 700 pages, perhaps people should not waste their time on him. I have learnt it the hard way: after buying this book, five years ago, on high recommendations of friends, only to find it so boring and confused that I could never go beyond a few pages even though I gave it innumerable attempts.



3. This is one of my favourite book of all time. I first read it twenty years ago as an undergraduate on my computer science degree. The nice thing about getting older, but still remaining young, is that you can go back and revistit master works - and lets make no bones about it, this is a master work. As such, it requires time, effort and mastery of the ideas.
   This is not a book that you can just pick up and read in a couple of days. Of course you can delve into it and loose yourself for a few hours, but to obtain mastery will take serious time and effort. Using Howard Gardener's terminology, Hofstadter synthesises across the domains of music, maths and art. This is no mean feat.
   Buy it, only if you have the time for it. Treasure it, enjot it and love it as much as I do.



4. This is a work of incredible depth and scope. From number theory to cognition to genetics, Hofstadter offers some incredible insights about the way we and the world work. One word of advice: don't worry if you can't understand all of his ideas. This book is so chock-full of content that most readers could spend a decade plowing through it, only to find that they've missed something important. Just read it. You'll get some of it, and that's enough.



5. Early this summer at a computer programming conference I found myself with a group of programmers of different ages and nationalities. The one thing we all had in common is that we'd read this book while in high school or college and found it fascinating. For some of us the book was life changing. Most of us rediscovered a love of math that our high school education had nearly destroyed. Many of us became programmers because of it. The book may seem to be dated in some respects after 20 plus years, but on the whole it is as relevant and exciting today as it was when it was first published.