Calculus: Single and Multivariable

Features

• Cover Type: Hard Cover with 1104 pages
• Published by: Wiley
• Edition: 4th Edition December 7, 2004
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 047147245X
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0471472452
• Book Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.6 x 1.6 inches
• Weighs: 5.2 pounds

Reader Reviews
I teach mathematics and computer science at a small college, so I examined this book for possible adoption as a text in our three class sequence in calculus. Since it does cover calculus all the way through flux integrals and the calculus of vector fields, there is certainly enough material for the sequence. One characteristic that I approved of was the lack of "using technology" segments. In this area, I will be the first to admit that I am of the old school, even though I have taught a course in programming with Maple and am a heavy user of Mathematica. The reason why I disapprove of using these programs in calculus is that the students have enough on their minds without having to learn how to program a symbolic mathematics package. Learning calculus is very hard, all mathematics, especially calculus, is not a spectator sport. Some people liken it to a contact sport, as it can be very exhausting to learn it. Forcing the students to simultaneously learn programming is in my opinion too much to ask. There are plenty of exercises and solutions to the odd-numbered ones are included. However, I will not be adopting this book or recommending that it be adopted. I do not think the depth of the explanations is adequate. For example, on page 50 there is the epsilon-delta definition of a limit. After that, there is only one example (limit of 2x as x goes to 3) of how this definition is used to determine a limit. On the next page there is a theorem listing many of the properties of limits but no explanations as to why they are true. Proofs are largely nonexistent, the pedagogical style is to say, "here is something that is true" and then go immediately to an example of how it is used. I will readily concede that if that is your style of teaching calculus, then this book will work for you. However, if you want to occasionally give a true proof-style explanation as to why a property holds, then you are on your own. Comment (1) | | (Report this)