Calculus in Context

by James J. Callahan, Kenneth M. Hoffman, David A. Cox, et al.

Book Overview

This text covers the standard agenda for a two-term course on calculus, but moves the course from purely theoretical realms to real-world problems where calculus is applied.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0716726300
• ISBN13: 9780716726302
• Release Date: February 1995
• Publisher: W.H. Freeman & Company
• Length: 818 Pages
• Weight: 4.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.8" x 8.2" x 10.2"
• Grade Range: Grade 11 and higher

Customer Reviews

Wonderful!

If you can deduce, by my "star" rating of this text, that I disagree with the Amherst, MA reader, then you have enough scruples to learn quite a lot from this text, and have fun doing it!

The only calculus text you'll ever need

This text is astounding. As someone who frequently needs to brush up on my math, I find this to be the most well organized, well written, and well-thought out text that I've encountered. Of particular interest is the acknowledgment of computer-based numerical methods, which helps alleviate that 'black-box' feeling that one often gets when your favorite analytic program spits an answer out.I normally wouldn't bother to write a review, but I felt compelled to write one after reading through the critical review below. This reviewer was clearly frustrated by the text, but the reasons for his frustration are actually the texts strengths. Namely, this is not a 'recipe book'. To do the problems, one must learn the underlying theory and concepts, (which are laid out very well in the text). Ultimately, this is a much more powerful teaching method, to which nearly ANY educational professional will attest. This is text to keep on your shelf!

Excellent, fun, and challenging! Best MATH text I've had!

As a college student, I used this text for Calculus I and found it amazing! After being turned off from math by years of dry, repetitive exercises and abstract concepts which I failed to see as useful, here is a math book that has intriguing, fun problems, helpful visualizations, and encourages THINKING. This textbook introduces calculus as a language and tool for exploration and understanding in the life and social sciences. Through CONTEXT (e.g. problems involving epidemiology, population dynamics, physics etc.)one gets an in-depth knowledge of mathematical concepts and procedures. Emphasis is given to differential equations, approximation and successive approximations, geometric visualization and mathematical models, and technology (coaching students through programing and utilizing calculators and computers). For those who miss having the formulas spoon-fed to them ahead of time, there are lengthy appendices which include: graphing calculator programs for 5 different calculators, formulas from geometry, algebra, and trig, differential equations, derivatives of functions and inverses, integrals, Taylor polynomials, Taylor's Theorem, antiderivatives, and answers to selected problems. _Calculus in Context_ challenges readers to figure out problems for themselves; use our OWN brains to come up not only with solutions, but to figure out the MEANS by which to get these solutions. *** NOT spoon-fed and NOT dry or boring!!! ***