
If you want to give your study of calculus a solid foundation, you should read these explanations. With this in mind, I’ve put a lot of effort into explaining the underlying logic of many of the ideas in this book. It can be a great aid to true understanding of calculus - or any math topic for that matter - to focus on the why in addition to the how-to. In the step-by-step problem-solving methods, the general action you need to take is in bold, followed by the specifics of the particular problem. The following conventions keep the text consistent and oh-so-easy to follow:Ĭalculus terms are italicized and defined when they first appear in the text. All explanations are in plain English, not math-speak. Only later do I give you the fancy calculus formulas. I then show you how the calculus concepts work in concrete examples. Whenever possible, I explain the calculus concepts by showing you connections between the calculus ideas and easier ideas from algebra and geometry. Calculus For Dummies, 2nd Edition, takes calculus out of the ivory tower and brings it down to earth. Non-student readers will find the book’s exposition clear and accessible. If you’ve had elementary calculus, but it’s been a couple of years and you want to review the concepts to prepare for, say, some graduate program, Calculus For Dummies, 2nd Edition will give you a thorough, no-nonsense refresher course. It covers the most important topics in the first year of calculus: differentiation, integration, and infinite series. If you’re enrolled in a calculus course and you find your textbook less than crystal clear, this is the book for you. About This BookĬalculus For Dummies, 2nd Edition, is intended for three groups of readers: students taking their first calculus course, students who need to brush up on their calculus to prepare for other studies, and adults of all ages who’d like a good introduction to the subject. Read this jargon-free book, get a handle on calculus, and join the happy few who can proudly say, Calculus? Oh, sure, I know calculus. There are many who say that calculus is one of the crowning achievements in all of intellectual history.

Everest? Why listen to Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony? Why visit the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa? Why watch South Park? Like these endeavors, doing calculus can be its own reward. If you can do algebra, geometry, and trig, you can do calculus.īut why should you bother - apart from being required to take a course? Why climb Mt. It builds upon and is a logical extension of those subjects. Much of calculus is really just very advanced algebra, geometry, and trig. It’s not nearly as tough as its mystique would lead you to think. Well, I’m here to tell you that you can master calculus. Others who have no intention of ever studying the subject have this notion that calculus is impossibly difficult unless you happen to be a direct descendant of Einstein. The mere thought of having to take a required calculus course is enough to make legions of students break out in a cold sweat. Calculus For Dummies, 2nd Edition provides a roadmap for success, and the backup you need to get there. With this comprehensive study guide, you'll gain the skills and confidence that make all the difference. Stop fearing calculus, and learn to embrace the challenge. Features things to remember, things to forget, and things you can't get away with.
Algebra and calculus for dummies how to#

It's the logical extension of the algebra, geometry, and trigonometry you've already taken, and Calculus For Dummies, 2nd Edition proves that if you can master those classes, you can tackle calculus and win. Breaking that barrier down means recognizing calculus for what it is-simply a tool for studying the ways in which variables interact. Through relevant instruction and practical examples, you'll soon learn that real-life calculus isn't nearly the monster it's made out to be.Ĭalculus is a required course for many college majors, and for students without a strong math foundation, it can be a real barrier to graduation. This user-friendly math book leads you step-by-step through each concept, operation, and solution, explaining the "how" and "why" in plain English instead of math-speak. By breaking down differentiation and integration into digestible concepts, this guide helps you build a stronger foundation with a solid understanding of the big ideas at work. Slay the calculus monster with this user-friendly guideĬalculus For Dummies, 2nd Edition makes calculus manageable-even if you're one of the many students who sweat at the thought of it.
