Reviews (52)

Almost Perfect
This review is strictly for the 5th Edition of Calculus: Early Transcendentals (with Tools for Enriching Calculus Video CD-ROM, iLrn Homework, and vMentor)
A great math book to own
The book has a great structure.It connects well to bring a person to advance his math skill into college-level.The structure is great and easy to follow.The proofs are clear.Different from most of math textbooks where examples are easier than exercises, this book provides the same level of difficulty on both.Although the author starts skipping proofs in multivariable calculus, he explains the reason.My recommendation is that he tie-up the structure in multivariable calculus portion.It definitely will be a 5-stars book.

The Calculus Bible
If you need to buy one calculus book... buy this one.It's got everything you will need for learning basic calculus.I was referring to this book constantly, both while taking basic math, and in more advanced courses in physics and engineering, when I would need to go back and re-learn how to integrate a particular type of problem.I was actually quite shocked to see that the last several reviews rated this book quite poorly... everyone who took math with me using this book loved it.Then again, we were all engineers, so we wanted to be doing this kind of stuff. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Calculus    2. Mathematics    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Mathematics / Calculus   

Reviews (135)

Good book if you have the solutions manual
I bought this book for self study. It has ton's of examples that really help out. But like some of the other reviewers have pointed out... the book can be extremely confusing at times. That's when i reach for the solutions manual that goes with it. It has a step by step break down of the odd numbered problems. The break down's aren't 100% complete and they skip a lot of the algebra parts, but it shows all the calculus stuff.
Just because the subject is hard doesn't make the book bad
The majority of complaints about this text tend to be biased towards people who 1) have problems with the material w/o this book 2) HAD to take the class and didnt do well 3)have never seen what else is out there for calculus text
One of the best!
I underdstand that calculus is a very complicated subject and most people who have had to study it don't even want to remember about it. I guess that is the reason why this excellent book is not admired very much. However, it IS and probably will continue to be one of the very best introductory courses. I give it 5 stars because I don't think that there is a book without any weaknesses but in this case they are negligible. Overall this is a very good book and I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Calculus    2. Mathematics    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Calculus & mathematical analysis    5. Mathematics / Calculus   

Reviews (34)

not realy helpful
It is okay, if your teacher is terrible this will help A LITTLE. Honestly, this book tries so hard to make calculus interesting that it ends up making it worse. The examples are useless. The explanation of limits is so confusion. It barely spent 2 pages on continuity. I don't recommend it, its not "user friendly". I am going to buy another book because this one failed to meet my satisfaction.
Nicely done
...but I strongly advise reviewing your trig first. This book has one of the better sections on implicit differentiation and for that alone, it's worth buying.

Bone up on your algebra/geometry/trig first...
For a geezer like me who's been away from math an infinity+ (pun intended), I'd recommend checking out the prereq Dummies book first.But, once you do, Calculus For Dummies and the accompanying workbook are a fun adventure thanks to the author's merciful and witty style.Just don't leave these two volumes lying on your coffee table unless you wish to impress company with your nerdiness ! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Calculus    2. Mathematics    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Calculus & mathematical analysis    5. Mathematics / Calculus   

Reviews (3)

It's actually worth the huge price tag
I was turned on to Stewart through his excellent multivariable calculus text. Having been so impressed by that book I decided to fork out the bucks for the this text. Yea - I know - the material in this text is a pre-requisite to the other but I own a kazillion mathematics books and at this point in my life, I've been through various levels of Calc so many times that order is irrelevent. Anyway, for me, this book is really worth the huge price tag. I frequently open it up and read it for pleasure. Sick, huh? But it's that good! Stewart is great at chosing examples to work out fully for your eddification. He also is great at selecting interesting and illustrative problems that aren't presumptuous of the student's abilities at clairvoyance (unlike some other textbook authors I could mention). Lastly, the everything about this book reeks of quality: from the mathematical content (btw - it has excellent graphics!) and Stewart's obvious underlying teaching abilities to the physical characteristics of the binding and page materials. The book is a jewell.
Good Calculus Book
I've learned calculus long time ago, but recently I need it to read a financial book.This book worked for me.I am surprised to know that calculus is easy due to the book's step by step explanation.This book is good not only for readers who learn calculus for the first time but also for poeple who have some experiences.Depneding on your level and purpose, you can read this book like a novel or do all exercises.Only problem I can think of is that this book may not be suitable for people who need to learn pure mathmatics because definitions are not so strict.

good
I received my item wihtin a week of my purchase. I recommed to buy books from this seller ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Calculus    2. Mathematics    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Calculus & mathematical analysis    5. Mathematics / Calculus   

Reviews (10)

Clear and understandable.
At the beginning I was a bit worried about the way the book explains the material.It seemed too simple for a book dealing with more complex subjects in math such as functions, trigonometry and analytic geometry.Then again it could be said that this quality is the one that makes the book such a joy to read.
reviews for the 7th edition?
why are the reviews for the 6th and 7th edition of this book the same?is there no difference between editions, such that reviews for the 6th should be kept for the 6th.the 7th edition might have changes that could cause some to review/change a viewpoint about its content.maybe at the core they are the same book/method, but it is overall a different book and the reviews should be kept edition specific.
well designed for self study
I taught 2 sections of precalculus with this book last spring. This book is well designed for self study. Examples are keyed to specific exercises so the student is directed to use a concept immediately after seeing it employed in a suitable exercise.
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Subjects:  1. Algebra    2. Algebra - General    3. Mathematics    4. Pre-Calculus    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Trigonometry    7. Mathematics / Calculus   

Reviews (4)

New edition for what???
Calculus is an old problem, but new editions of the same material keep coming up. Calculus will not change, the way it is presented and explained can. At least to a certain amount. But just changing the sequence of exercise-numbers for each section, and moving sections from one chapter into another chapter, does not -in my opinion-warrant a new edition.
Great book for Intro Calculus Course
This book clearly explains the different mathematical techniques of Calculus and provides great problems for practice. It shows a step-by-step process of how to perform different techniques and explains how and why they work, which is probably the most important facet of actually learning calculus. In other words, it breaks down a daunting subject into something easy to understand.

Excellent textbook for calculus; well-written.
I have been a fan of Roland Larson's math textbooks, as they have always been very clear and the practice problems always make sense. I was recently stuck in some calculus courses which used the calculus textbook by James Stewart, and that book is a nightmare! Fortunately, my multivarible calc prof prefers Larson's book, which is what we use in class. Very good book; I recommend it much over Stewart's. Also, do note that the odd-exercise solutions are posted for free online at Roland Larson's website, which is given to you in the book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Calculus    2. Geometry, Analytic    3. Mathematics    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Calculus & mathematical analysis   

Reviews (21)

too expensive
the content of the book is same as international edition which is avaible on ebay why pay this much instead of 55 dolar.

its okay
I would say this book is a little bit beter than average. The text is okay and the examples are relevant.The pictures really are relevant but generic. What it could use is some more real world examples. Stuff you might see in your engineering or science classes.Most of the examples are fairly generic.I am happy that I could use the same book for three semester too. I thought getting the student solutions manual would help.It doesn't go into as much detail as I like.The odds aren't always like the evens you do for homework either. I guess overall I think the book is good but a little on the bland side.

Disappointed With 11th Edition
I have no idea why the publishers of this book felt the need to update to the 11th edition. The organization of the topics made more sense and was in line with the traditional breakdown of the three semester series of calculus classes. In particular, the section layout in the new edition may force a student who used the 10th edition in first semester calculus to repeat material if they had to switch books for second semester calculus, perhaps at the cost of other material.
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Subjects:  1. Calculus    2. Mathematics    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Textbooks    5. Calculus & mathematical analysis    6. Mathematics / Calculus   

Subjects:  1. Calculus    2. Mathematics    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Calculus & mathematical analysis    5. Mathematics / Calculus   

Reviews (16)

A Great Book to Study Multivariable Calculus!
I'm a math major and it was my first course that I took to meet the math requirements. I had assignments almost daily but we didn't go over the assignments deeply in the class. Therefore, I had to self-studied a lot and I actually got more help from the Student Solution Manual of the book. This book is very concise to read as well. I always think that if I paid more attention in this text seriously, I would do better in the class. I suggest to buy the solution manual book together.

Superlative
This book covers all the standard vector calculus material. What sets it apart is the pedagogic skill of the author. It is very carefully written and motivated, with clear worked examples for each new concept. A student could work through this book independently.
INCOMPREHENSIBLE!!!
Hope and pray that your professor is awesome, because the explanations in this book are absolutely incomprehensible. Also, some of the hints in the exercises are ridiculous, such as "Be careful when you do this" and "Think carefully"!!! Is the author implicitly saying that the rest of the problems can be done while being careless, or what?
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Subjects:  1. Calculus    2. Mathematics    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Vector Analysis    5. Mathematics / Calculus    6. Vector & tensor analysis   

Reviews (7)

Used to be a good book...
I used the 6th edition for a lot of the begining studying on many calculus subjects. While this book is easy, it still teaches you the stuff. You understand the material, not just get these mechanical processes to apply to the freakishly hard problems that you get. I would suggest looking for the 6th edition though...
superb
This is big, heavy, hardbound freshman text that will take you very slowly but completely into single-variable calculus.It also contains an exhaustive section on analytic geometry.
Not Happy with 7th.
I loved 6th. ed.But I'm not happy with the 7th.Bivens and Davis have clearly taken over and ruined a great textbook.I'm looking for another textbook the next time around.The other teachers at my college seem to agree.Read more

Subjects:  1. Calculus    2. Mathematics    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Calculus & mathematical analysis    5. Mathematics / Calculus   

Reviews (9)

Better for tutoring than the AP Test
i go through calculus books the way some people go through Kleenex so i'll just say this:if you are needing review or find your calculus text book verbose or maybe just some extra help in a lower level calc class purchse this one.
Dissapointed
I bought princeton U.S. history ap and calculus Ap this year.
This book's not so awesome. . .
Well, I used this book in preparation for my Calculus AB exam.Some of this text's features bothered me when I was studying.For one, the book wasn't well organized, as there was no clear distinction between what was AB material and what was solely BC material.You can sort of figure that out for yourself, however, if you know what's tested pretty well.Also, I disliked the problems that were like, "Try it on your own.".There are too many problems that get redundant pretty quickly.If you can do one, you can do several of them.Also, for the few problems that you cannot work out, there is no guide in the back that tells you step-by-step how to do them.There is only an answer key in the back.Also, the practice tests are a bit too easy.
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Subjects:  1. Advanced Placement    2. Advanced placement programs (Education)    3. Calculus    4. Examinations    5. Study Aids    6. Study Guides    7. Test Prep    8. Study Aids / Advanced Placement   

Subjects:  1. Biomathematics    2. Calculus    3. Life Sciences - Biology - General    4. Mathematics    5. Medicine    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Biology, Life Sciences    8. Calculus & mathematical analysis    9. Mathematics / Calculus    10. Medicine: General Issues   

Reviews (11)

Popular yet ordinary book!
Richard Feynman, one of America's greatest physicists, once said most of the popular textbooks (on physics) were somewhat mediocre. Larson has written one that is much better than the rest. everything is explained clearly. However, I would recommend those who are aspired for an austere treatment of elementary mathematics, ie, pre-calculus and beginning calculus, to go for the book High-school mathematics by some Russian mathematicians. ISBN: 5030010114 This series is just so comprehensive with lucid explanations that every high school math teacher should take a look at it. It's both fun and benefitial to read books on math translated from another language.

Piece of Sh**!
I have this book sadly for one of my classes.
A gem.But beware of Amazon bugs!
I reported them to Amazon months ago - nothing's changed.
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Subjects:  1. Algebra    2. General    3. Mathematics    4. Pre-Calculus    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Theory Of Functions    7. Calculus & mathematical analysis   

Reviews (4)

Very good for struggling in Real Analysis
There is no problem solutions for Real Analysis texts available in U.S. since most of the teachers believe that Math students in grad level should be more creative. However, not all students in Real Analysis are potential mathmatician. If they lost in class and must study by theirselves, they may feel frustrated missing all the stuff contained in problems. The material in "Principles of Real Analysis" may not superior much than other famous text(like Royden, I think Royden is clear enough but too much mysterious things lie in problems.). But use it with this workbook, you will find much comfortable in self study. It helps a lot not only in my homework assignment, but also in my understanding.

A must have!!!
This book rocks! It covers practically all the major topics of an introductory course in graduate Real Analysis. Excellent solutions that aid in the understanding of the material. This book's worth is immeasurable, or should I say, non-measurable.

Must have one
Great guide, must have for anyone taking Real Analysis. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Functions of real variables    2. Mathematical Analysis    3. Mathematics    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Calculus & mathematical analysis    6. Mathematics / General   

Reviews (4)

The worst calculus book on the market
This author has written a series of calculus books, and every one is deficient on numerous levels. She presumes a prior understanding of the subject and therefore her books do not cater to the first time student (of a particular subject). I have switched sections to get classes where her books are not used and gotten A's as a result. Its a terrible book, beware!

Terrible book!
This book does not provide enough examples, and the few they do give are nothing like the work problems. Every teacher I've had has said if they were not required to use it, they would use a different book. And on top of that, it is ridiculously expensive!I have finally been forced to get another text book, and it is much better (and cheaper). Do not get this book if you have a choice.

I got an 'A' in Calculus I
This book gives challenging examples and problems.They force you to come up with your own strategies.It helps you do well on tests and quizzes.Highly recommened book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Calculus    2. Mathematics    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Calculus & mathematical analysis    5. Mathematics / Calculus   

Reviews (20)

Very good graduate text book
This book makes no claims to be the mathematical bible on stochastic calculus and I believe that the author refers (in a blatant piece of marketing) to the other Shreve book with Karatzas, which trust me IS a very intractable read.
Correction of previous review.
My thanks to Mr Gordon Brown for commenting on my previous review. In that review I claimed that a weaker version of the Girasanov's theorem is proved ( this is correct)and that the author does this by impossing a weaker ( this should have read stronger, my apologies) condition. The remainder of my comments still stand. Specifically, it is not a priori clear form the premises that condition 4.3.1 on page 187, is indeed satisfied. Finally, Mr Gordon's last remark regarding the credibility of my person deserves no comment.

Stochastic Calculus
Probably the best introduction. Worth reading carefully many times over until the essential ideas are absorbed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Accounting - General    2. Business & Economics    3. Business/Economics    4. Calculus    5. Finance    6. Mathematics    7. Business & Economics / Finance    8. Business & Economics-Accounting - General    9. Business & Economics-Finance    10. Mathematics / Calculus   

Reviews (5)

Inconsistent
This text, though very readable, teaches too much through example problems as opposed to actually explaining the information in the text. Presentation of some topics (chapter 6 particularly) was very poor. Some chapters were out of place (chapter 9 on differential equations, which should have been placed right before the last chapter).

DO NOT buy earlier editions for class--NOT same problems.
Hey, this isn't a review. I just want to let you know that the people who claim that the fourth edition is the "same content" are trying to rip you off. The fourth edition is NOT the same as the fifth edition. The homework problems are NOT the same. If you get the fourth edition, you will not be able to complete your assignments for class if the instructor gives assignments out of the book.
this coming from a student
Having taken 3 Calculus classes in sequence at my university with this book and having used one chapter of this book in my 4th math class that I am currently in (differential equations), I would say that I've used most of this book.Let's just say that this book needs a professor to go along with it.There's really not much of a chance, unless you're really smart, that you can only use this book with no other study aids and understand all of the concepts presented.This book really is made for your math professor to more fully explain.Having said that, I must add that the CD-ROM enclosed is GREAT.I guess if you don't have your professor to go over the finer details of some of the more vague concepts, then this is the next best thing.The sounds-like-a-grad-student voice that explains each chapter in great detail is easy to understand and makes most concepts pretty clear.I have to say that this CD-ROM is saving me on my midterm. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Calculus    2. Mathematics    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Calculus & mathematical analysis    5. Mathematics / Calculus   

Reviews (1)

Excellent!
This is a useful book for anyone involved in mathematics.This book has many practice problems as well as solutions.It also contains many problems that pertain to everyday life at home or office.This book is amust for any high school student wanting to get a head start on the collegemathematics.This book reads very well, and contains excellent drawings toenhance the comprehension of the topics discussed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Advanced    2. Calculus    3. General    4. Mathematics    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Calculus & mathematical analysis    7. Mathematics / General   

Reviews (7)

great calculus book
I agree whole heartedly with the other reviews here, and merely wish to second their opinions.I bought my copy in 1960 and would never part with it. I still have crystal clear images in my mind from courant's exposition of the 1-1 correspondence between points of the real line and infinite decimals, his comment that all absolute convergence tests result from comparing with a known convergent object - either the geometric series or an integral,and his preface emphasizing "the chief task" of one who would pursue the study of Science: acquiring a firm grasp of the application of general principles in particular cases.
Best Calculus book
This is the best calculus text for aspiring physicists as well as applied mathematics students. However, don't know why Amazon sent the book with different front cover to me. It's not the one shown in the picture but rather a black cover--exactly the one seen on barnesandnoble with the same isbn. Although the covers are different, the content is the same.

Classical book
I will not say, as is common in reviewers of books on calculus, that this is the best book of calculus that there is. Indeed, calculus is a subject with so many textbooks that it can be said that there is no best textbook, but that each person can find one that suits his/her needs.Read more

Subjects:  1. Calculus    2. Mathematics    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Unassigned Title    5. Calculus & mathematical analysis    6. Mathematics / Calculus   

Reviews (69)

Calculus From a Practical Point of View
I like this book because I hate limits.From a strict mathematical point of view limits are standard for explaining calculus.But from a practical point of view (physicists, engineers, economists) the notion of the infinitesimal may be the most appropriate.It's worth noting that Thompson's degrees of smallness are an accurate reflection of the theory of nilpotent infinitesimals described in "A Primer of Infinitesimal Analysis".A combination of these two books might make for a great introduction to practical and alternative-theoretical calculus.

Don't be afraid of maths.
If all maths teachers explained maths as clearly and gently as Mr. Thompson, very few, especially the ladies would no longer say I can't do maths. We are desperatly short of mathmaticians in this country and this usually starts when at secondary school level.
The concepts of calculus as clear as possible
A topic as complicated as calculus can be approached in many different ways, each appealing to a different kind of audience at a different level of understanding.I began my second college career as a physics major and consequently had to take calculus.Despite a firm grasp of precalc algebra and trig, I didn't really grasp the concepts at an intuitive level, which is necessary for facing anything other than very obvious problems cooked up for the occasion.Calculus Made Simple offered me a window into the crucial concepts and let me enter the mindset needed for tackling calculus problems.I read the original version without the benefit of Martin Gardner's improvements (I am sure he did a spectacular job) so I am not sure about the new version, but the writing did seem a little dated at times.It didn't bother me, but I know for others who might already be turned off by having to learn calc, it could just be another detail that pushes them away.A more modern approach is How to Ace Calculus, which I also found useful.Be warned, though, for those about to take calculus for engineering and the physical sciences, these books deal with grounding you in the most basic nuts and bolts of the subject.The problems you encounter in, say, the Thomas's calc textbook become waaaay more complicated than what you get in these guides.Regardless, I give the book high marks and hope you find it helpful too. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Calculus    2. Mathematics    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Calculus & mathematical analysis