Vector Calculus (2nd Edition) | 
 enlarge | Author: Thomas H. Barr
Publisher: Prentice Hall
Category: Book
List Price: $73.33
Buy New: $68.95
You Save: $4.38 (6%)
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Rating:  2 reviews
Sales Rank: 890326
Media: Paperback
Edition: 2
Pages: 429
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.7
Dimensions (in): 9 x 6.8 x 0.8
ISBN: 0130880051
Dewey Decimal Number: 515.63
EAN: 9780130880055
Publication Date: November 17, 2000
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
This brief book presents an accessible treatment of multivariable calculus with an early emphasis on linear algebra as a tool. Its organization draws strong analogies with the basic ideas of elementary calculus (derivative, integral, and fundamental theorem). Traditional in approach, it is written with an assumption that the student reader may have computing facilities for two- and three-dimensional graphics, and for doing symbolic algebra. Chapter topics include coordinate and vector geometry, differentiation, applications of differentiation, integration, and fundamental theorems. For those with knowledge of introductory calculus in a wide range of disciplines including—but not limited to—mathematics, engineering, physics, chemistry, and economics.
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| Customer Reviews:
Not for self study! August 16, 2006
Aaron Rutledge
Barr's "Vector Calculus" is a muddled treatment of a fascinating topic. I had a great teacher, which was lucky for me, because I could not have taught myself vector calculus from this textbook in any reasonable amount of time. The reason is simple; Barr just isn't a very good writer. He doesn't know how to break things down into their essential components, and does not seem to understand how to use his physical examples to motivate the subject. Some of his presentation has a "backwards" feel to it and I often found myself not understanding a certain paragraph until I had finished another paragraph a page later (why not put that paragraph first!). This book was written to be taught by a good professor, someone who can fill in all of the missing pieces in class and provide the depth needed for the sometimes overly terse presentation.
If you happen to get a good teacher learning from the plan of this book can be quite rewarding. Barr impliments rudimentary linear algebra and some introductory topological concepts to deepen the subject matter. Unlike many other textbooks, he introduces the notion of "n"-space and defines the vector operations and differentiation and integration in that space. He also introduces vector valued functions and vector fields (the exciting stuff!) very early so that the student gets very familiar with them by the end of the semester.
Yet, whenever I found myself in need of explanation outside of class I would look to Varberg's treatment as found in "Calculus". Varberg's explanations are much more structured and thorough, and he is much more adept at appealing to the student's intuition. For self-study, Varberg's treatment is hard to beat. Overall, though, Barr does an admirable job, but he may have been a little too ambitious. In the hands of an excellent professor, though, "Vector Calculus" can be coaxed into displaying its unique, rich treatment of this fascinating topic. 3.5 stars.
Not too explanatory,and not suitable for beginners. February 18, 1999
3 out of 6 found this review helpful
I am doing this book for cal III course in my college and we have almost finished it. But what strikes me as the good part of the book is the questions at the end of the chapter. However there is another thing which also has been very unfortunate about the book, it is very concise and starts from a level which is higher than cal II , so for most people (as i have seen in my class) it has been very rigorous at times. Unsufficient explanations and little application makes it a very dry book. Overall i remember the times when i had to stay up till 3:30 in the morning trying to understand the chapters.
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