Calculus For Dummies by Mark Ryan
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Book Reviews of Calculus For Dummies
Book Review: An excellent introduction to the subject and a good review
Summary: 5 Stars
I would define a calculus dummy as 1) A non-math major that want to get a good introduction to what calculus is about, 2) An individual that had long taken calculus that wants a quick refresher on the subject, perhaps to dig in deeper for more, 3) A student that is too lazy to read the real text book and thinks this book will be enough.
That said, I had taken calculus in college (10+ years ago), remembered some, but forgotten most of what I learned. After all, if you don't use it you lose it. As an design engineer turned software engineer I am about to make a life-changing career change back into design of RF electronics. I needed a quick refresher to get started. This was the book.
Mark does a very good job introducing the fundamental calculus topics including limits, differentiation, and integration. Among the tools covered are the derivatives, convergent and divergent series, functions, inverse functions, graphs, graph extrema, points of inflection, minima, maxima, mean-value-theorem, chain rule, power rules, product rule, implicit and explicit differentiation, first and second derivatives tests, integration, fundamental rule of calculus, trapezoidal rule, Simpson's rule, and much more.
I remembered enough of the subject while reading to make this book an easy read. I could, however, imagine that had I read this book prior to my calculus I course in college, how I would had a head-start advantage. There are several good "step back and a practical look at what these means" explanations that I sure wish my Bob Dylan look-alike graduate student calculus instructor could learn from.
I am now ready to move on to James Stewart's "Calculus" book.
Book Review: Excellent calculus companion for high school and college
Summary: 5 Stars
In the tradition of the "For Dummies" series, "Calculus For Dummies" offers its readers with the advantage of clearly understanding critical ideas in calculus. The book starts off with a refresher for algebra and such and then eliminates any fears of limits the reader might have. The fundamental idea of a limit (without the advanced delta-epsilon notation) allows the reader to thoroughly understand the backbone of calculus.
Differentiation is treated in detail with examples in power rule, chain rule, quotient rule, and applications (which the reader will have absolutely NO problem with after reading this book).
The concept of integration is explained so that the reader may see the fundamental principles of infinite summation of rectangles of miniature area. "Calculus For Dummies" has a strong presentation of integration techniques (especially integration by parts and the LIATE method pneumonic device) as well as trigonometric, volume and surface area, substitution, and indefinite integration.
Lastly, "Calc for Dummies" concludes with a discussion of infinite series. The book explains each of the 10 methods covered and also offers tips as to which method to use for a specific occasion.
All in all, a tremendously well-written book for those taking Calculus for the first time, those who need a companion for their current calc class, as well as those wishing for a refresher. "Calculus For Dummies" is very readable and allows the reader to understand the beautiful language of calculus without the rigors of proofs most calc textbooks have.
Book Review: AMAZING!
Summary: 5 Stars
I am a college student who enrolled in calculus for the first time this semester. I had ordered this book prior to starting class but it had not arrived before our first meeting. I was really worried that I would not be able to understand the material after the first lecture. I read the text book and it still did not make much sense. About a week after class started, Calculus for Dummies arrives in the mail. WOW! Mark Ryan does such an amazing job of breaking difficult concepts into more than manageable pieces. And since math builds on itself, this book seems to follow so closely with my text book it is as if they were written for each other. I think one of the greatest advantages of this book is that in the very beginning Mark explains WHAT calculus is. What a novel concept! Realizing that calculus is primarily broken in to two sections, differentiation and integration, allowed me to get an idea of what lays ahead. And getting "math speak" explained in a plainer english format makes reading my textbook a breeze. I do recommend using this book as a supplement to your text book though...not as a substitute. Using it to aid the material that you are learning in class will increasing your understanding immensely. I'm proof of that. At this point, we've taken our first mid-term exam and I earned a 94%. Thanks Mark!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)!