# Math Help - Book recommendations for self studying calculus

1. ## Book recommendations for self studying calculus

So far I have been suggested Amazon.com: Calculus: The Classic Edition (9780534924928): Earl W. Swokowski: Books and http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Calculu...words=Calculus and this Amazon.com: Calculus (9780521867443): Michael Spivak: Books

I know college algebra and trigonometry. I am thinking of buying the Thomas or Swokowski so I get used to the idea's so I could use spivak's to learn how to think with calculus.

2. ## Re: Book recommendations for self studying calculus

Here is a good book.
Buy a used one. By a used solution manual. They are so cheap you can't lose.

3. ## Re: Book recommendations for self studying calculus

Buying it. What do you recommend for after it though to continue my learning process then into calculus for real analysis or complex analysis if thats anything related besides title.

4. ## Re: Book recommendations for self studying calculus

AoPS Calculus is a great book as well. It covers everything you learn in a normal calculus course, and it goes a little more in-depth (more rigor, proofs than usual -- also covers the (ε,δ) definition of a limit).

Calculus

5. ## Re: Book recommendations for self studying calculus

Originally Posted by richard1234
AoPS Calculus is a great book as well. It covers everything you learn in a normal calculus course, and it goes a little more in-depth (more rigor, proofs than usual -- also covers the (ε,δ) definition of a limit).
Calculus
Anyone self-studying calculus should avoid any consideration of $\epsilon/\delta$ proofs.
The concept is hard enough to master in a well taught lecture, much less in a self-study.

6. ## Re: Book recommendations for self studying calculus

I'll just put it this way: $(\epsilon, \delta)$ proofs can be self-taught.

7. ## Re: Book recommendations for self studying calculus

Originally Posted by richard1234
I'll just put it this way: $(\epsilon, \delta)$ proofs can be self-taught.
Well "I'll just put it this way" why the H__ would you want a person to confuse himself?
For almost three centuries $(\epsilon, \delta)$ proofs had no place in basic calculus.
This is the classic argument of theory over-against practice.
If someone is self-studying calculus practice trumps theory.

8. ## Re: Book recommendations for self studying calculus

You're basically saying anyone who self-studies calculus should not cover the $(\epsilon, \delta)$ definition of a limit. I know lots of bright, intelligent students who can self-study just about anything if you give them a book on calculus or electro-magnetism or real analysis.

I'm not saying everyone who self-studies calculus should learn $(\epsilon, \delta)$ proofs either. All I'm saying is that they can be self-taught.