Calculus for Dummies

Well, the good news is that you can master calculus. It's not nearly as tough as its mystique would lead you to think. Much of calculus is really just very advanced algebra, geometry, and trig. It builds upon and is a logical extension of those subjects. If you can do algebra, geometry, and trig, you can do calculus.

Calculus For Dummies is intended for three groups of readers:

The book starts off with a refresher for algebra and such and then eliminates any fears of limits the reader might have. The fundamental idea of a limit (without the advanced delta-epsilon notation) allows the reader to thoroughly understand the backbone of calculus.

Differentiation is treated in detail with examples in power rule, chain rule, quotient rule, and applications (which the reader will have absolutely NO problem with after reading this book).

The concept of integration is explained so that the reader may see the fundamental principles of infinite summation of rectangles of miniature area. "Calculus For Dummies" has a strong presentation of integration techniques (especially integration by parts and the LIATE method pneumonic device) as well as trigonometric, volume and surface area, substitution, and indefinite integration.

Lastly, "Calc for Dummies" concludes with a discussion of infinite series. The book explains each of the 10 methods covered and also offers tips as to which method to use for a specific occasion.

All in all, a tremendously well-written book for those taking Calculus for the first time, those who need a companion for their current calc class, as well as those wishing for a refresher. "Calculus For Dummies" is very readable and allows the reader to understand the beautiful language of calculus without the rigors of proofs most calc textbooks have.


Refreshing Approach to the Fundamentals of Calculus   January 7, 2004
Vito A. Carbonaro (Brentwood, CA USA)
80 out of 80 found this review helpful

I have been using "Calculus for Dummies" to review my Calc I and Calc II basics. I am surprised and pleased with how well Ryan's descriptions and explanations have allowed me to better understand the underlying principles in Calculus. If you are serious about the groundwork and maintenance of your mathematical skills, you know that it is frequently beneficial to return to the basics for those fundamental concepts which can occassionally grow fuzzy with time. If you can find a text that treats the material in a new and entertaining way, the review can be enjoyable as well as instructive.

I highly recommend Ryan's book. He limits complexity (and warns you when he is doing so) to keep the material accessible. For the ultra rigorous analysis, there are many college texts available. But if you are new to Calculus, or looking for a different and refreshing approach to the basics, you will find "Calculus for Dummies" a wise investment. If you are taking Calculus in school and are having some problems understanding the material (and who hasn't?), this book will help you "decode" some of the more difficult concepts. I am sure that it is destined to become a valuable catalyst text on many a struggling math student's desktop.


Calculus For Dummies   November 3, 2006
D. Barber (Tacoma.Wash.)
18 out of 18 found this review helpful

In the world of engineering it's essential to know basic mathematics and calculus. For those of us just starting out in technical math, I can recommend three outstanding references. You cannot do better than this matched set; "Calculus For Dummies" and "The Idiots Guide To Calculus". Both are wonderfully lucid and yet cover the essentials. They should be bought as a set since they approach many concepts in ways that differ yet in a cooperative fashion. If your just starting out with calculus or just feel shaky on the basics I also very strongly recommend "Effortless Algebra" by Maran Publications. I call these books The Three Kings. The problem with math books generally, is that they are either trivial and aimed at children or are so daunting that they intimidate the math-impaired. These books strike that magic median. Thorough but accessible.


Excellent Book   December 11, 2003
16 out of 16 found this review helpful

As a freshman college student, I purchased this book to help me understand what my awful professor and text book were trying to say. This book does a fantastic job at bringing calculus "down to earth", to quote Mark Ryan. It eliminates the pages of proofs my text book had and cuts right to the chase, explaining calculus in plain English. This book actually TEACHES calculus in a fun way.

This book is worth every penny if you are a student. If you're a beginning calculus student, you will probably get more use out of this book than your text, as did I.


Calculus translated into English   March 12, 2006
thorzues (Concord, CA)
16 out of 16 found this review helpful

Mark Ryan is the kind of author you wish you'd had as a teacher when you were struggling with this stuff in college. He makes a very difficult subject not only quite accessible, but almost fun.

I know that's a bit of a stretch for some to believe. But even if you're only hoping for an explanation that doesn't put you to sleep, this is your book.

I especially appreciated the memory aids he presented and the humor with which he dealt with the Math Police.

He gave enough detail on difficult concepts to be thorough without trying to impress you about how smart he is by overdoing it. That is a tough balance to reach, but I feel he succeeded.

One caveat: The workbook that goes with this text is pretty much essential to truly learning the subject and it's very reasonably priced.