Single Variable Calculus with Vector Functions for AP* Calculus

Single Variable Calculus with Vector Functions for AP* Calculus Review

The title shown with this listing is in error. The correct title is that visible on the book's picture, "Single Variable Calculus with Vector Functions". The title does not include "for AP* Calculus" as shown in the item listing. That's appropriate, as this book is not specifically focused on AP Calculus. In fact, it contains considerable material that is not needed or relevant for the AP exam, e.g., proofs of theorems such as Fermat's Theorem on page 282, etc. If you're seeking a text targeted to AP Calculus, its probably best to look elsewhere.

Other than that caution, this is the typical Stewart Calculus text starting with a gentle introduction to functions and models. The primary difference between this edition and, for example, Stewart's Single Variable Calculus, 5th edition, 2004 is the addition of about 20 pages on vectors and curvilinear motion. Thus, if your goal is to use Stewart for self-study, you can save yourself some expense by purchasing an earlier edition and get essentially the same material, without the minor additions mentioned above.

Stewart's calculus texts tend to get mixed reviews, some folks rate them highly and others find them awful. We all learn slightly differently.

For engineering and science based problems, some may wish Stewart included dimensional analysis in his problem solving steps. For example, in the section on related rates, Chapter 3, he drops the dimensions involved, such as cm^3 and cm^2 and uses only numbers during problem solving. This makes the problems easier to write, but the lack of dimensions in solution steps means that dimensional analysis cannot be used to confirm that results are in the correct dimensions, i.e. as an additional check that there was not a mistake in the problem solution process.

Most likely, your impression of this text will depend a good deal on your prior mathematics background and current needs. For many with strong pre-calculus skills or those with prior exposure to Calculus somewhere in their background, this text may be quite attractive. Others may find that they need more worked examples, or alternative explanations.

For those needing or wanting additional examples, either of two relatively inexpensive paperbacks may do the job: An AP oriented work, David Kahn's "Cracking the AP Calculus AB & BC Exams, 2009 Edition" while not comprehensive, can be highly recommended. Its explanations are concise and its solutions are fully worked out and well-explained. Another excellent source of solved examples is, "The Humongous Book of Calculus Problems" by Michael Kelly.

Alternatively, the 500 page plus, "Student Solutions Manual" by Anderson, Cole, and Drucker (ISBN 0-534-39333-0) for the 5th edition of Stewart's 'Calculus Early Transcendentals Single Variable', appears to coincide nicely with the odd number problems in this text - except of the sections on vectors and curvilinear motion - and it provides fully worked solutions.

In conclusion, this is not an AP Calculus oriented text, but a standard single variable text with some relatively minor additions covering vectors and curvilinear motion. If this is your class text, you may want to consider supplementing it with one of the books mentioned above.

As of the date of this review, there is not a "Look inside this book" option available. Thus, the chapter titles from the table of contents may prove helpful:

1. Functions and Models
2. Limits and Derivatives
3. Differentiation Rules
4. Applications of Differentiation
5. Integrals
6. Applications of Integration
7. Techniques of Integration
8. Further Applications of Integration
9. Differential Equations
10. Curves in Parametric, Vector, and Polar Coordinates
11. Infinite Sequences and Series
Appendixes
Index





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Overviews

Stewart's SINGLE VARIABLE CALCULUS WITH VECTOR FUNCTIONS has the mathematical precision, accuracy, clarity of exposition and outstanding examples and problem sets that characterized all of James Stewart’s texts. In this new text, Stewart focuses on problem solving, using the pedagogical system that has worked so well for students in a wide variety of academic settings throughout the world.

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horrible service - kim -
My order hasn't arrived, and it has been more than 1 month. I get no response after several attempts of emails. I would never do business with this vendor again and would never recommend it to anyone.

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