The purpose of this book is to help siudenls understand and use the calculus. Everything has been aimed toward making this easier, especially for students with limited background in mathematics or for readers who have forgotten their earlier training in mathematics. The topics covered include all the material of standard courses in elementary and intermediate calculus. The direct and concise exposition typical of the Schaum Outline series has been amplified by a large number of examples, followed by many carefully solved problems. In choosing these problems, we have attempted to anticipate the difficulties that normally beset the beginner. In addition, each chapter concludes with a collection of supplementary exercises with answers.
This fifth edition has enlarged the number of solved problems and supplementary exercises. Moreover, we have made a great effort to go over ticklish points of algebra or geometry that are likely to confuse the student. The author believes that most of the mistakes that students make in a calculus course are not due to a deficient comprehension of the principles of calculus, but rather to their weakness in high-school algebra or geometry. Students are urged to continue the study of each chapter until they are confident about their mastery of the material. A good test of that accomplishment would be their ability to answer the supplementary problems.
The author would like to thank many people who have written to me with corrections and suggestions, in particular Danielle Cinq-Mars, Lawrence Collins, L.D. De Jonge. Konrad Duch, Stephanie Happ. Lindsey Oh, and Stephen B. Soffer. He is also grateful to his editor, Charles Wall, for all his patient help and guidance.