How to Solve Word Problems in Calculus

Rating:
Summary: Contains all the Classics!
Review: I was first introduced to the mysteries of limits, differentiation, and integration in the Winter of 1966. I used a text no longer available, one that really stretched your abilities through the variety and difficulty of elementary problems offered up for exercise. Since that time, I have seen many a calculus book come and go where most contain the same old tired and unimaginative problem set. This book definitely fills that woeful gap. Not only does "How to Solve Word Problems in Calculus" present a great variety of classic derivative problems completely worked out, but it also presents the solutions in a step-by-step fashion, which helps the student thoroughly familiarize themselves with a basic problem-solving process as presented in an early chapter. One thing that I like is the emphasis on precise picture drawing that allows for crucial left-right brain integration--very important when trying to figure out exactly what quanity (and subsequently function) we are trying to optimize. If the book has a weakness, it is the lack of really new and innovative problems in integration. But, integration has traditionally been a subject that eludes elementary applications other than the usual geometric fare. Don't let this stop you from buying this great and valuable teacher resource!

Rating:
Summary: Okay, as far as it goes
Review: Overall, this is an execellent book. My only criticism is this: The bulk of the problems focus on the use of differential calculus. Very little space is given to the use of integration, other than the usual "area under a curve" and "volume of a solid of revolution" stuff. Integration is useful for many other kinds of problems; they should be included.

Rating:
Summary: Okay, as far as it goes
Review: Very good, strightforward book. It leads you through word problems, the nemesis of all math students, and does so in a clear and sensible way. Don't leave home without it.

Rating:
Summary: Essential for calculus students
Review: Very good, strightforward book. It leads you through word problems, the nemesis of all math students, and does so in a clear and sensible way. Don't leave home without it.