Calculus Two: Linear and Nonlinear Functions

By Francis J. Flanigan and Jerry L. Kazdan

Book Overview

Calculus and linear algebra are two dominant themes in contemporary mathematics and its applications. The aim of this book is to introduce linear algebra in an intuitive geometric setting as the study of linear maps and to use these simpler linear functions to study more complicated nonlinear functions. In this way, many of the ideas, techniques, and formulas in the calculus of several variables are clarified and understood in a more conceptual way. After using this text a student should be well prepared for subsequent advanced courses in both algebra and linear differential equations as well as the many applications where linearity and its interplay with nonlinearity are significant. This second edition has been revised to clarify the concepts. Many exercises and illustrations have been included to make the text more usable for students.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0387973885
• ISBN13: 9780387973883
• Release Date: September 1990
• Publisher: Springer
• Length: 622 Pages
• Weight: 2.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

The Slow Route

I have read this book twice many years apart. Unfortunately, the first time was in an honors calculus class in college and I did not get what the authors were trying to do. The second time around it became clear.It is a very methodical approach to calculus, but in the end it is worth it. The authors take the time to develop the geometry and algebra necessary to truly do multi-variable calculus. As opposed to other texts on the subjects that just provide you with a toolbox and tell you to work away, this book gives you a foundation like a pyramid and gradually takes you to the top.At the time of taking my calculus class the book seemed ponderous. However, I took honors real analysis after that and cleaned up. I believe the reason was because of the foundations I had developed in this text. So, it is an excellent text for preparation for higher-level math classes.The reason I gave it four stars is that its greatest strength is also its greatest detractor. I did not really learn calculus of the intermediate-level from this text. I had to refer to one of the traditional gigantic tomes that are standard in taking you from limits to derivatives to multi-variable calculus. (Fit in your favorite "Calculus: Early Transcendentals" text here). So, unfortunately, for all the reading I did in this text, I was unprepared to use calculus as the workhorse of mathematics in the real word.I stand by this text, though. It is a good window to the things to come later in mathematics and builds the skills needed there. As thoroughly as this text develops is topics, it still is an enthralling text on calculus.