Product Description
Calculus Without Limits is an original exposition of single-variable calculus using the classic differential approach. Written in an engaging, popular style by an award-winning teacher, Calculus Without Limits is the first completely new calculus book to hit the shelves in 95 years that deliberately minimizes the use of limits, one of the major stumbling blocks initially standing in the way of calculus students. Calculus Without Limits presents its subject in n… More >>
Calculus Without Limits: Almost
Tags: Almost, Calculus, Limits, without
#1 by John Gabriel on April 24, 2010 - 7:26 pm
While Sparks has tried to explain basic calculus without limits, he really adds nothing to existing books. Calculus can truly be used without limits. In fact, limits did not exist when calculus was invented. Prof. Doverman in his free book gives some nice examples that are 100% rigorous and yet include no limits at all. Although Doverman does not have all the answers, his book is worth reading. It is a step in the right direction.
Sparks’ book is wishy, lacks rigour and is somewhat disappointing. Poetry has no place in mathematics, only cold, hard facts. Unfortunately, Sparks’ book falls short in many places because it indirectly uses the exact methods used in the process of finding limits. It is still ‘Calculus with limits’, not ‘calculus without limits’.
Rating: 1 / 5
#2 by J. Sparks on April 24, 2010 - 7:54 pm
The 3rd Edition of Calculus without Limits has a full-subject index and expanded material on applied optimization problems, which includes a calculus-based demonstration of the Pythagorean Theorem. One of the unique features of Calculus without Limits is the smooth transition into elementary differential equations and associated physics. This is made possible by the almost exclusive use of differentials in order to develop the subject manner. The book has four intended uses: 1) as a supplement to a standard college calculus course, 2) as a self-help study guide, 3) as a resource for bright high school students about to tackle the AP calculus exam, 4) and as a primary high-school text for a single-term introduction to single-variable calculus (a suggested course outline is included in the introduction)–especially good for home-schoolers.
Rating: 5 / 5
#3 by Alva F. Johnson on April 24, 2010 - 9:18 pm
As I started reading this book I noticed not only math but peppered throughout is a bit of poetry, well I thought that this concept was refreshing. The integration of two subjects in one book is a novel idea.
Calculus is taxing enough on its own, however when it is broken up with any other discipline I think that it is a good thing, this tends to break up the monotonie. Great job Mr. Sparks and best of luck on the others because I know that where will be other.
Rating: 4 / 5
#4 by Robert A. Chaney on April 24, 2010 - 10:53 pm
This is a very interesting approach to understanding Calculus. John is an excellent writer and not only has strong background in Mathematics but also in Science & Engineering. He is well-versed in Computational Science and has many years of experience in applying mathematics to the solving of real world problems. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is learning or teaching Calculus.
Rating: 5 / 5
#5 by Som R. Soni on April 25, 2010 - 12:09 am
With a Ph.D. in applied mathematics (emphasis on solid mechanics) and more than 30 years experience in solving complex mechanics problems using numerical, closed form solutions and experimental techniques, I have a thorough understanding and working knowledge of the subject of calculus. Thus I feel well qualified to evaluate this newly released calculus book entitled “Calculus Without Limits — Almost” by John C. Sparks. The foreword of the book speaks about the outstanding work the author has done, not only in mathematics, but in the fields of management, teaching and poetry as well. The book is a unique blend of calculus principles, simplified and understandable illustrations, and motivational descriptions of significant contributions by various world-renowned mathematicians. Living up to the author’s objective, the book makes the complex subject of calculus simple to understand and easy to apply. Thus it takes the fear out of a subject that so many young scholars find intimidating. The author has creatively used his own diverse background to apply calculus to the solution of different problems. The book is laid out in a very orderly, systematic, easy to follow manner, and very nicely addresses all the basics of calculus. The book is divided into 9 chapters. Each chapter has a well thought out objective that is accomplished through examples and diagrams. The book has more than 330 pages, including 83 figures and 4 tables.
The book begins with a quote by Isaac Newton, emphasizing the importance of the company one keeps in one’s life. It is well known that the caliber of a person is evaluated by the caliber of people in his company.
Within each chapter, the author provides numerous, fully worked out, problems as examples, and then provides practice problems and answers. The book very nicely addresses the complex subject of calculus in a manner such that a new student to this area of learning more easily understands it. On the other hand, it is an excellent book for practicing engineers to use as a means to refresh their math skills. Clearly the author has done an excellent job of meeting these objectives in an interesting and creative way. Congratulations John on a job well done.
Rating: 5 / 5