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Before I started reading this book, I had been told that the explanations will be different to how I learnt calculus 1 about 10 years ago. After reading the book, I found out that this book has not been out of print since it was originally published in 1910. So this book still seems to have a place in mathematics education.
Thompson's approach to teaching calculus is what sets this book apart. He breaks down complex mathematical concepts into simple, understandable terms. I found the everyday examples used to illustrate these concepts made the subject much more approachable and less intimidating.
What struck me most about this book is its simplicity. Thompson doesn't shy away from the inherent complexity of calculus. Instead, he embraces it, presenting it in a way that's easy to understand without oversimplifying. The language he uses is accessible to anyone, regardless of their mathematical background. Some of the examples show the real-life usage of calculus in areas such as engineering and physics.
It doesn't teach calculus in the way it's typically taught today. He focuses on understanding the underlying concepts rather than memorising formulas and developing technical skills. He skips a big part of basic calculus in the area of limits which is what is used as a basis for explaining how derivatives work and is a basis for integration, but I had to remind myself that the original was written over 100 years ago before modern techniques were popularized.
Despite its age, "Calculus Made Easy" remains relevant today. It offers a different approach to learning calculus, one that prioritizes understanding over memorization. This interesting take on a complex subject is why I believe this book is still worth reading today.
Thompson's approach to teaching calculus is what sets this book apart. He breaks down complex mathematical concepts into simple, understandable terms. I found the everyday examples used to illustrate these concepts made the subject much more approachable and less intimidating.
What struck me most about this book is its simplicity. Thompson doesn't shy away from the inherent complexity of calculus. Instead, he embraces it, presenting it in a way that's easy to understand without oversimplifying. The language he uses is accessible to anyone, regardless of their mathematical background. Some of the examples show the real-life usage of calculus in areas such as engineering and physics.
It doesn't teach calculus in the way it's typically taught today. He focuses on understanding the underlying concepts rather than memorising formulas and developing technical skills. He skips a big part of basic calculus in the area of limits which is what is used as a basis for explaining how derivatives work and is a basis for integration, but I had to remind myself that the original was written over 100 years ago before modern techniques were popularized.
Despite its age, "Calculus Made Easy" remains relevant today. It offers a different approach to learning calculus, one that prioritizes understanding over memorization. This interesting take on a complex subject is why I believe this book is still worth reading today.
