Calculus For Dummies by Mark Ryan
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Book Reviews of Calculus For Dummies
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.
Book Review: Great book for reducing math anxiety
Summary: 5 Stars
I feel like I owe a lot to this book and Mark Ryan. I originally purchased this book two years ago when I ended my enlistment in the Marines. Needless to say, after being out of school for almost six years I had some trepidation about starting college, and especially my math courses (because, let's face it...as much as I love my fellow-Belleau woodsman, Marines don't typically have a reputation for their intellectual prowess). This book, along with it's accompanied workbook, became invaluable to me as a supplement to my calculus textbooks in college. The biggest benefit is that Ryan can explain the concepts in clear, everyday language, unlike most math texts. I ended my Calculus I course with one of the highest grades in the class. I am now a junior in college on my way to finishing my engineering degree, and this book definately helped establish a solid mathematical foundation and gave me a needed academic confidence boost.Book Review: "Calculus for DUMMIES", by Mark Ryan was one of the most val
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm a 34-year-old student, currently enrolled in Calculus II at the College of Marin.
Having recently left a position as Director of Consulting Services at Sun Gard Data Systems, to pursue a science degree, depth of knowledge and time are greatly important to me. Calculus proved to be a challenge for me on both fronts. Subsequently I purchased over six books on the subject. The best by far was "Calculus for DUMMIES". Ryan's clear explanations and analogies were of incredible value to me. Upon sharing this news with some of my fellow students they too purchased the book.
I credit hard work and "Calculus for DUMMIES" with my scores - which were all above 91%.
The only regret I have is the Ryan has not produced another book for my calculus III needs.
Thanks Mark - Keep up the good work...
Justin Manes