Calculus

I recently purchased this book from the store and I was very pleased with the prompt delivery and reduced price compared to the school bookstore price, however I am not without complaints. I understand that this book commands a hefty price tag, it's huge! What I don't understand is why we are in the ninth edition of printing. Have there been that many advances in this field of study to require a new edition every couple of years. As far as I can tell it is just an excuse to sell new books; very little is changed between editions except the problem sets that are assigned for homework, rendering an older edition useless. In this modern age where we are lectured constantly to reduce, re-use, and recycle, it's hard to comprehend the logic behind sending thousands of perfectly goood texts to the landfill. It is my opinion that college book sales have become one of the most corrupt business practices in our great country. They are overpriced, they can charge whatever they want because the texts are required. In conclusion I have no complaints about the content of this text, it is definitely adequate, and I don't know why I bother reviewing it because if you need it, it doesn't matter what I say you have to buy it.

The book came completely wrapped and in perfect condition. It was far less expansive than the college bookstore, which wanted $250 for it!!! Ha, too bad those kids with PELL grants are forced into buying their books at the bookstore because there they have credit and don't have the cash to buy them online. It would save them, our government and their parents tons of cash.

The item I purchased from this merchant came faster than I could have imagined. I'm extremely satisfied with the customer service. This book got to me sooner than expected which is great for any student since time is of the essence. Thanks for saving me money too! :P

Calculus by Larson,Hostetler, Edwards book was the series of books I used in my undergraduate Calc 1-3 classes.

Quick Summary:
Pros: Good number of exercises, *some* good examples, lots of illustrations, lots of good guidelines and formula sheets.
Cons: Some not-so-great examples, some examples *should* add more algebra steps, 3 editions in 7 years necessary, cost of book-per-class versus 3-set volume is absurd.

Full Review:
All in all I think this book was pretty good through the year and a half run I had for calculus 1-3, and the last two-three years since then when I have tutored the subjects.

If you need a book with a TON of good exercise sets, this book works well. There's A LOT of problems in each section, and most of the time the instructions clearly state what needs to be done, and what concept is being used. There are times that notation or instructions seem a bit obfuscated, however infrequent it may be.

As for examples... most examples are good if you have a firm grasp of algebraic skills. Unfortunately, if you are rusty or not on par with your algebra, many examples can seem painful to understand or navigate. They don't always mention what algebra trick is used, unless the specific section mandates heavy algebra (like the section for Partial Fraction Decomposition as a tool for Integration). This is probably most troubling in the first couple of chapters, since solving most limits involve quite the few algebra tricks. There should at least be a section devoted to an algebra review.

One great pro about the book is that there are plenty of guidelines and formula sheets found in it. You'll find it quite useful to copy them down, or photocopy some of these pages to have a small set of 5-6 pages full of quick reference materials. There are great guidelines on Integration by Parts, as well as Trigonometric Integrals, Series Tests, and the first/last page of the text includes FOUR pages of useful Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Calculus formulas.

The only other complaint that I have is the price tag for the sectioned versions of the book. $150 (on the store) for all three sections of Calculus isn't a bad deal. Paying $90-120 for Calc 1, Calc 2, and Calc 3 separately however, is a ripoff. If you are a Math/Engineering student that *knows* you will take all three sections, get this version.

This is also an issue I have to question... why three versions spanning from 2002-2009? It's not unique to this book, as so many books in College Education get "updates" in a 2-3 year period... but one has to question this.

This review is done from the perspective of one who is either learning or teaching Calculus II and Calculus III. In this volume, Larson and Edwards have laid out elaborate examples in terms of how applications of the integral are carried out. Accompanied with WebAssign, the text information provides three-dimensional modeling such as the highly-enhanced computer graphics that enable one to see how space is occupied not just in the Cartesian (x-y) plane but also the surfaces that require x-y-z coordinates as well as those that entail cylindrical and spherical objects. For instance, in providing examples of the shell method or the method of disks, the instructor can give students an animated visual of the physical attributes described. Those engaged can see the apparatus from virtually all angles, including top view, bottom view, side view, etc. For one from the "old school", this is quite an advancement from the attempted chalkboard drawings of yesteryear; though often reliable, this learning tool could only be displayed on a two-dimensional surface, thus leaving too much to the imagination in regard to the remaining dimension which could not, at the time, be adequately illustrated.

Along with the advantages of the computer software, the exercises contained are numerous and well segued from one mastery level to the next. Having already taught Calculus from other references, I can argue that the changes from topic to topic or problem to problem are better transitioned in the 9th edition of Larson and Edwards than they are in other books. One particular standout is an outlined, shortcut method that might be used for various Integration by Parts exercises and thus drastically cut down on the number of steps that might otherwise be used, especially where repeated Integration by Parts is called for.

After reading the complaints from those in Calculus I, I recommend Silvanus Thompson's classic, Calculus Made Easy, as a cost-effective supplement for learning introductory level derivatives and integrals. So far as the intermediate, undergraduate level Calculus II and III are concerned, Larson and Edwards' work is ideal, for it seems to utilize innovative techniques in a style reminiscent of Thompson.

Don't let the deserved low ratings for the kindle version fool you. The text is portrayed in a very readable manner with a multitude of example problems for every topic of each section. There is also no shortage of pictures (in color) to aid the sample problems and the body of the text. The text only assumes that you have basic knowledge of derivatives and integration.

The text begins by describing vectors in two and three dimensions, unit vectors, real vs. vector valued functions, and how to take partial derivatives. It then explains the dot product and the cross product and how these can be used to determine the equations for a line or a plane curve. The text also describes directional derivatives and gradients. The proceeding chapters describe double and triple integrals, line integrals and iterated integrals, and how to integrate vector-valued functions. They also deal with changing between rectangular coordinates, polar coordinates, and spherical coordinates. Another chapter explains path independence, parametric surfaces, Green's Theorem, and Stoke's Theorem. The text finishes with a chapter on exactness and uniqueness, homogeneous vs. nonhomogeneous functions, Linearity, and a brief introduction to differential equations.

I took Multivariable Calculus (Calculus III) in the Spring of 2010 using this book. I have since taken Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations as part of the requirements for a math minor. As many math textbooks I have seen that assume you are mathematically mature, or that the next step in an example problem is "obvious", I am happy that my instructor assigned this text for the class. I feel the author did a good job presenting the material in a clear and informative manner.

As a instructor I have a couple complaints:

1. Discussion of exponential and logarithmic functions is delayed until after a discussion of derivatives. This is unfortunate since it limits the number of interesting examples at one's disposal early in the course. It also limits the students' exposure to these functions.

2. Antidifferentiation formulas, specifically those for inverse trig functions, are put in too general a form. For instance, the book prefers to highlight the antiderivative of u'/(a^2+u^2) where u is a function of x and a is a nonnegative real number, rather than the antiderivative of the more basic function 1/(1+x^2). This makes such formulas more difficult to remember and also more cryptic to the students. It also reduces the invaluable practice students would get in reducing problems to their basic forms.

Overall the text is OK, but falls short in demanding a thorough understanding. It seems geared more towards passing the test.

I hope this helps!

I used this book to essentially teach myself 3 semesters worth of Calculus. Now most Calculus textbooks just plain suck; they don't give you an understanding what you are doing with material; nor do they give you an understanding of how to actually calculate the material. This book gave me an understanding of how to calculate the material. I will say that I didn't know exactly what an integral was until I looked online; this is where the book falls short. It gives you the how, but not the what. However, many places (such as Slader) have the answers to the problems posted on their websites. So if you are having trouble with calculating problems, this will be a great resource. The general internet will be your source for filling in the "what". I gave it a four stars because it does have excellent problems that hit many different angles from a purely mathematical perspective, to an engineering perspective, and even sometimes an economic one. If you use this book, along with the tools mentioned, you will be ready to teach yourself Calculus from this book.

Though I am not labeled an "authorized the store purchase" in this review, I have to come to the defense of this book. I have used this book for my calculus courses, spanning from calculus level 1 to calculus level 3 and I will admit there are some hit and misses in this book; however, the writing is concice and the paragraphs and explanations will help you to solve the tougher problems that the book has to offer. After all, this is a book and just looking at the examples and analyzing the steps won't help you. Larson wrotes these paragraphs in order to explain to you the purpose of each process.

Also I have to put some of the teachers who use this book under the bus...(sorry). Some teachers know how to use this book and take advantage of it while others are as lost with it as their students. My instructors were brilliant at their craft and knew how to use this book to help us fully grasp the concepts of each chapter.

If you are going to try and use this book for self study...DON'T you will be one who puts this book down, you need formal instruction to use this book and need to take a university calculus course that does utilize Larson.

However, if you do want to self study and are looking for a book, then I would suggest looking at SIMMONS CALCULUS WITH ANALYTIC GEOMETRY, granted he is just as wordy as Larson (if not more) but he is a very very well written author who knows his craft inside and out and is very self-learner friendly (meaning that he will walk you through every step known to a mathematician).

I have taught from the Ninth Edition for three semesters, and find it an excellent text. It is eminently suitable for engineers and students in physics and chemistry. It may, as well, be suitable for applied mathematics majors (at one end of the spectrum) and geology majors (at the other end of the spectrum). I would not recommend it for mathematics majors -- it's not detailed enough, not spending enough time on detailed and rigorous proofs -- or for business students, for which this book may not be simple enough. For engineering students, however, it has just the right level of theory, and is very thorough in presenting the material which they must master to become proficient professionals.

Aside from recommending this book as a Calculus text, I recommend it for self-study or for a source of supplementary coverage for physics and engineering students. Many physics courses teach essential mathematics -- vectors, vector calculus, integration & differentiation, etc; just sufficient to enable students to follow the material. They would be much better, however, gaining their mathematics from this text rather than from physics books. For instance, the excellent introductory text by Halliday, Resnick and Walker has a chapter on vectors. Students who have had nothing more than a high school coverage of vectors would be much better off by spending extra time reading the chapter on vectors from Larson. They should also look at Larson's coverage of concepts like work when they meet this material in their physics text.

The student engaged in self-study should, however, have available a tutor who can be called upon on occasion. Mathematical concepts can be subtle. Larson, I feel, does an excellent job of pointing out the subtleties, but they can be missed by a student studying on his own. A short conversation with someone who knows the subject can quickly resolve an issue which otherwise might create a lot of anguish ("Hey! Theorem X contradicts the answer to Problem xxx! That doesn't make sense!").

How well did my students do with Larson? Very well -- of course, I was there to help guide them through it. In three semesters I had only two complaints, but those were from students who had 'heard' that another text was better, and asked if we could use that instead. What they didn't know was that the other text was more rigorous than this one -- more suited to mathematics majors -- and they didn't know enough to know that the other text would have bounced them right out.

A near complete waste of time! 9th edition and it is still a disaster for students attempting to learn calculus. Good reviews can only be from those who already know calculus as for a learning tool it is worthless!

I am totally fed up! Each section has the same issues. You read the chapter, practice the examples and begin to work on the problems. In short order you will be presented with issues that were not covered in the section! I spend an inordinate amount of time looking for clues!

For instance You will be instructed to solve problems with the power rule and quickly encounter problems that can only be solved with the quotient rule or worse yet the chain rule that has not been presented yet! C'mon.... Over and over each section has the same issues of impossible problems that in general are beyond the scope of the material presented in the section!!!!

Calculus is not all that hard to learn but I find this book hopelessly confounds the matter. It may be ok as a refresher for those who want to brush up skills as the organization is ok.

But as a stand alone text for Calc 1 students fresh off College Algebra and Trigonometry a real disaster.

If you are an instructor please don't use this book!

Continuing on to Chapter 3. More of the same. First Derivative Test has poor explanations that takes independent research to figure out. problems jump into piece wise fns with NO explaination in the text. Numerous other similar issues. Full of arcane proofs but almost zero simple explanations in plain english. Took me an hour to read through chapter 3 and make my own flash cards. Had to use Dummies Guide and Calc. Lifesaver to make sense of Larson's mess. If I ever meet that guy........

This book does not cover everything that is in the homework problems for the book. I am in chapter 1, and it's explanation of limits is incomplete. There are not enough examples for difficult concepts, and there is not much explanation for the examples that are there. Also, the book is ridiculously overpriced, and you have to buy WebAssign on top of that. The live tutoring is slow, but at least it is there--that is, until you hit your limit of minutes, which wouldn't be hard to do with how slow everything goes in the whiteboard chat. The lectures are great, but they are incomplete, as well, unfortuantely.

The author/editor should have sat down with someone learning calculus and asked them what they thought about what they were putting in the book for explanations.

Oh, and I almost forgot to mention... the typos make it even harder to understand!

Pros

Pros
The Exercise problems at the end of each section are very good.

Cons
The example problems in each section are lacking enough explanation to understand. The publisher and authors have instead cut much of the example problems explanations out and place them on the web forcing you to pay them even more for to gain a complete explanation of the example problems. Bait and switch tactic.

Overall i didn't even use this book for my Calculus 1-3 classes. I only used the exercise problems at the end of each section for practice and study. I learned my understanding of calculus solely from my instructor. The discussion material in the book offered very little to help me understand calculus.

This is my second math text authored by Larson, and both texts have the same faults. Most concepts aren't sufficiently covered, I have had to get handbook with both books. The even problems are often significantly harder than the odd problems, and the lesson/examples use the most basic problems. There are usually not enough standard problems to get you ready for the slew of abstract problems that follow. This book might be alright for someone who already knows Calc and needs to brush up, but for the people such as myself who are new to the subject the book is hardly worth the pages it is printed on. I'm finding myself spending way more time searching the web for supplementary materials than actually working on Calculus. This book has definitely sharpened my web searching skills, but I would rather spend my time learning Calculus.

First time learning Calculus, and luck would have it I am left with this book. Compared to some of my other math textbooks, this one is not very clear and does not provide nearly enough examples to provide for different contingencies that pop up in the homework assignments. Each section barely contains three or four stripped down examples of important concepts.

I am confused and annoyed...

While the book does go over the required material, the steps described lack definition and clarity. Too often the example material does not go far enough in explaining, you will find that the steps are often combined on one line and doesn't note the method used! Examples lack edge case exposure. I guess you could say that this was written assuming the reader has at least failed calculus once, formulas are sometimes reversed in the same passages making following difficult. The Stewart Calculus book is much clearer and offers more examples. If you can avoid it, do not use the web assign to complete your homework, sure its easier but you will not get the practice you need. There are some tutorials along with the web version but its not replacement for working the problem out with a human being who understands calculus...

This book is totally sufficient. I've read a couple reviews that say stuff like 'needs adequate examples to cover problems people will potentially be seeing in the problem sections...'
I had this book in college & I'm a workaholic. If you assign me 10 homework problems, I'll do 50 & then I'll do them again to make sure I really understood them.
There were very few times where there was a problem that couldn't be done. I'm not a 'brain' and the only reason I get good grades in math is due to work ethic, not special talent. If you do the problems in order, you shouldn't have a problem with understanding the questions. The sections are designed to step your level up as you're going through the problems. The theory questions may throw you but thats normal & there are too few of those to trip you up any way. This book isn't for the theory, its for Calc I, Calc II or Calc III which has very little theory in the syllabus. There's a seperate course for theory & it will give you its own headaches b/c when you have questions about why things were proved in certain ways, your teacher will have no clue but they still try to give a BS answer to trick you into thinking they do (they restate the definition/proof the way gradeschooler rewrites an Encyclopedia page for a report. They don't realize that students would respect them more if they just say 'I really don't know but if you understand the proof for what it is rather than how it came to be, you'll get through the section fine.' Which is how honest one of my teachers was at the beginning of a class I had in theory.).

Truth be told, I barely used this book for anything but homework problems because most stuff in Calc III has a lot to do with concepts that can be learned on the first try or be fretted over with hours of frustration. However, my homework problems were quite different than the test problems, and it made a good reference to go back to understand what I might've missed in lecture. It's quite good, although sometimes I feel like they could've done a better job on Stoke's Theorem.

This is absolutely one of the worst academic texts that I have ever had the displeasure of experiencing as a student. It made everything more difficult and complicated than it should have been. Anytime that I tried using the book, I always ended up more confused than I was before I started. My professor absolutely refused to use it in class (it was assigned by the department) and my class ended the term greatly regretting the money that we spent on it.

I would strongly recommend that if you are assigned this book that you spend the money on something else with the potential to be useful.

For context: I got an A in Calculus and I am a great student. This book is just plain useless to students at all levels.