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Rating: Summary: Strange...but I liked this text! Review: I'm currently in the middle of my third semester using this text. I used this text for Calc 1, Cald 2, and am using it for Calc 3. At first, I HATED this text book. The exercises are rarely the same type of problems found in the examples, and not every odd answer is given in the back of the book (There is a solution manual that is very helpful, or if you're lucky enough your school may have the complete instructor's solution manual as a .pdf). That being said...This book will make you a better problem solver, period. It forces you to grapple with the ideas and concepts presented in Calculus, and then apply it in different ways. Yes, there are some "plug and chug" exercises, where you just follow certain algorithms presented in the examples as a way to get to solutions. But most of the problems are much different than the examples, and if you can work through them (which any one can do with some persistence) you'll understand the material all the better. And, you'll be a better problem solver in other disciplines like computer science, physics, or engineering. I have several people in my other classes who did not use this text, and the difference between those who learned calculus from this text, and those who learned if from a different text, is definately noticable. So, if this is your book, be prepared to struggle, but know that it will probably be worth it in the end.
Rating: Summary: Awful Review: Ok this textbook does not teach at all. It basically just provide examples that is it. IT doesn't say why you do it or explain the calculus at all. The way the book explain calculus does not help at all when it comes to doing the problems. The answers in the back of the book does not match the problems throughout the chapters. As an undergrad, this book is not student friendly at all. I basically did not use the textbook and depended on the professor and math tutoring. I love math and I understand it, but this book does not help. I am unable to learn from this textbook.
Rating: Summary: Terrible Review: This is an absolutely terrible textbook. Hardly any explanations in any of the sections for problem solving. And the homework problems rarely relate directly to the material in the preceding section. The student solutions manual has only every fifth problem and, not unexpected from the attitude of the authors, none of the difficult homework problems are among those that are solved anywhere.
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