Calculus (London School of Economics Mathematics) [Paperback]

K. G. Binmore (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521289521 | ISBN-13: 978-0521289528 | Publication Date: November 25, 1983

This book is concerned with the calculus of several variables and provides an introduction to elementary differential and difference equations. The emphasis is on practical problem-solving rather than the proof of formal theorems. Many worked examples are supplied as well as problems for the student to solve, together with their solutions. The techniques are illustrated with applications drawn chiefly from economics, statistics and operational research. Some elementary knowledge of the calculus of one variable is assumed but revision material is supplied throughout the text. A confident approach to problem-solving is not possible without some understanding of the background theory. In this book the theory is presented systematically but informally. Wherever possible, geometric arguments are used and the text is illustrated with numerous diagrams. Particular care has been taken to make the main body of the text suitable for students who are studying independently of a taught course. The book will interest students at universities and other higher education institutions. At the London School of Economics, the course on which this book is based is attended by students reading for a variety of different degrees and with a wide disparity in their previous levels of mathematical training. Some are graduates and some are first-year undergraduates. It is hoped that this book will attract a similar audience: not only of economists, statisticians and other social scientists but also physical scientists, engineers and mathematicians.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This beautifully written book reminds me of the first time I fell in love with calculus. ...The text is clear and readable; and the book has a good balance among theory, exercises, and applications in economics and science. ...It is an excellent resource for any calculus teacher." Mathematics Teacher --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Book Description

This textbook is concerned with the calculus of several variables and provides an introduction to elementary differential and difference equations. The emphasis is on practical problem-solving rather than the proof of formal theories. The techniques are illustrated with applications drawn mainly from economics, statistics and operational research.

Product Details

• Paperback: 498 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (November 25, 1983)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521289521
• ISBN-13: 978-0521289528
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,680,953 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An outstanding book, August 24, 2005

By 

Nicholas Warren (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Calculus: Concepts and Methods (Paperback)

This book would also be of considerable value to physicists and engineers, although the primary audience is probably economists. The aproach is a thoroughly modern one of using a linear algebra approach to calculus.

The book makes no pretense about avoiding the formal definition-theorem-proof approach appropriate to a mathematician. It is not intended to be a rigorous approach. Instead, it focuses on geometric intuition and the "whys" as well as the "hows." The many excellent multi-colo(u)r diagrams are extremely helpful in explaining concepts. Although the book says that prerequisites are basic familiarity with single-variable calculus and linear algebra, the review sections on those topics are thorough enough to learn from, as long as the reader is not completely unfamiliar, by working through the carefully constructed exercises. In fact, the first chapter is, in of itself, an excellent primer on linear algebra.

My hope, for the next edition, is that the authors, having beautifully developed the vector calculus of Grad, might extend the development to Div and Curl (along the intuitive lines of Schey - Div, Grad, Curl and All That) to make the book even more appropriate to physicists/engineers.

If you want a crystal-clear exposition of multi-variable calculus, while learning linear algebra at the same time, this is THE book (and there is nothing else like it that I have seen out there). The book is wonderfully laid out, attractive to work through, and the examples and problem sets are first rate. I hesitate to say it, but I believe you will actually really enjoy the topic, whatever your previous misgivings about calculus may have been. If that is true, you will learn a tremendous amount from this book.

Bravo, the authors!

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent book, August 14, 2008

By 

FLORA "cuisinella" (france) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Calculus: Concepts and Methods (Paperback)

excellent book I used it very easy to follow easy access and will help you if you have some problems with calculus

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars very good, April 28, 2008

By 

Barrier Options (London School of Economics) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Calculus: Concepts and Methods (Paperback)

sophisticatedly simple and effective. very good book for calculus 101, coupled with lang and you are done