Calculus for Scientists And Engineers: An Analytical Approach

by K.D. Joshi

This text attempts to lay emphasis on the whys of mathematics rather than on the hows. The material covered is the same as is generally found in a first course in calculus, namely, the study of functions of a real variable, but the approach is different. A conscious effort is made to give strong motivation for the abstract concepts covered and thereby help a beginner overcome most of the aversion one has for abstraction. For example, instead of merely giving the epsilon-delta definition of a limit, a whole section is devoted to explain how the definition evolved and why it is a most natural formulation of the basic concept of a limit. This should help the student get over the clumsiness of the definition, which can be quite repulsive otherwise.

816 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002