This is a solid book meant to teach you the basics of Calculus and hopefully leave you with better understanding than you had before it. It starts out by defining some things that are absolutely critical in understanding in higher mathematics, such as, What is a function?, if you wish to do well in higher mathematics then you must understand the concept of a function quite well. The book is written in somewhat informal language to make you feel more comfortable, which I think is good for everyone, because if you can't explain something simply then either you don't understand it or you have horrible communication skills, either way, you need to improve.
Though this book does a great job at teaching calculus in a down-to-earth sort of way, it may be too much for you still if you aren't competent in algebra and basic trigonometry. So I would recommend brushing up on those two things before really hitting this book hard. Whenever you find a concept difficult, look up alternative explanations to see if they help (for example khanacademy videos help many people), you still are having difficulty with something after working through other explanations, then you must analyze yourself in conjunction with the problem to pinpoint exactly what is preventing you from understanding it, then master that point and come back to the original with better understanding. Also sometimes it just takes time for new concepts to sink-in (for your brain to process and organize them in relation to already known things).
If you don't know how to read analytically, then you must learn, because that is important to teaching yourself things. One book I would recommend highly concerning reading skills is "How to read a book" by Mortimer A. Adler. It walks you through the various stages of reading. Another tool that you can use to improve your reading skills, which are critical in learning anything including mathematics, is the sq3r or psq5r method. You can google these for a better explanation but they stand for this: sq3r, skim/survey, question, read, recite, review, and psq5r, purpose, survey, question, read-selectively, recite, reduce/record, reflect, review. You can google those for a more complete understanding of them and how to apply them to your reading, but know this, if you want to be able to teach yourself anything, then you must improve your reading skills. Reading for understanding and reading for pleasure or entertainment are completely different task.
Forgive my clumsy writing, but I learnt to read later than normal because the school system failed me and I had to teach myself, which is why I know the difference between reading for entertainment and reading for understanding, these types of reading must be approached differently. My writing skills have a long way to go, but I'm more focused on mathematics and general knowledge right now. Oh, I just remembered another book that is really helpful in problem sovling "How to solve it" by George Polya, I highly recommend that book for general problem solving strategies esp. for mathematics.
So, if you want to be able to teach yourself things as well as possible then buy these two books:
How to read a book
How to solve it
Find useful resources like Khanacademy and forums concerning your issue and ask questions
Think and work through the problem, if you get stuck, then analyze it and isolate the thing that is causing you trouble, research that thing and practice it until you feel confident then come back to the original problem.
Questions you can ask yourself when you get stuck are:
Do I really understand the problem?
Which part of the problem is causing me trouble?
Is there a problem from my past that is similar in part or whole that can help me with this one?
What do I know about the problem?
What is/are the unknown/s
Can I break the problem down into a series of simpler problems that I can solve?
Those are some general questions you could ask yourself while trying to solve problems, you will learn those type of questions in "How to solve it". As Francis Bacon said "A prudent question is one half of wisdom". Asking questions is very important in the learning process and asking the right questions even more so, it forces you to think deeper and reading more actively. Good luck to all.
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There's more words than numbers
Follow me on Twitter: ViewtifulwolfThe book arrived a few days early and is in perfect condition. I'd recommend this book for high school students that want to take their academics to the next level. Or those that have plans on being a math educator, like myself. Hopefully this book can help you fully understand and conquer calculus.
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2024
- Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2024
- Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2020
- Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2024
Top reviews from other countries
- Amazon CustomerReviewed in Canada on September 25, 2024
product as described, thanks
- Carlos Rodriguez ContrerasReviewed in Mexico on August 2, 2023
This is The Book on Calculus!!!
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- AVID READERReviewed in India on August 22, 2021
Limits are nothing but ghosts of departed quantities
The most simplest explanation of calculas. Must read book. However, I have bought it for Rs. 1500/- from Amazon.Limits are nothing but ghosts of departed quantitiesAVID READER
Reviewed in India on August 22, 2021
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