AP Self-Study Question

[noimagination]

<p>I’ve already posted on Calc in the past, so I’ll copy it over:

@noimagination

<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Calculus-Analytic-Geometry-Roland-Larson/dp/0669164062/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251941195&sr=8-4”>http://www.amazon.com/Calculus-Analytic-Geometry-Roland-Larson/dp/0669164062/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251941195&sr=8-4&lt;/a&gt;
This book is marvelous if you want to learn the material that is on the tests (and that is therefore taught in the class). We use this one in my BC class (an abbreviated version is used in AB). It has acceptable lessons, and while the exercises are hopelessly plug-and-chug they really do teach for the test. There are cheap used copies on the Amazon link provided (don’t order it from them direct; apart from the price, it will be delayed shipping). Note that this book has many editions and versions; while I favor this one, they are all very similar. Just check the page count because some are AB-only.</p>

<p>[Free</a> Online MIT Course Materials | Supplemental Resources | MIT OpenCourseWare](<a href=“http://ocw.mit.edu/ans7870/resources/Strang/strangtext.htm]Free”>http://ocw.mit.edu/ans7870/resources/Strang/strangtext.htm)
MIT professor Gilbert Strang has a gift for organizing information. This book is superb at both explaining concepts and reinforcing them with exercises. It does not shy away from proof but recognizes that first-time calculus students probably aren’t ready to handle something like Apostol. There are a few areas where I would have liked a different angle, but this is a great and surprisingly readable text. The price is right too</p>

<p>[Elementary</a> Calculus](<a href=“http://www.math.wisc.edu/~keisler/calc.html]Elementary”>Elementary Calculus)
I only heard about this book a few weeks ago, and so far I am very impressed. Keisler approaches calculus in a somewhat unique way and has superb proofs and lessons. The exercises seem pretty decent too.</p>

<p>I have personally self-studied from the first two books and can recommend them wholeheartedly. The third represents a bit of a leap of faith, but so far I am pleased enough to go ahead with the recommendation. Definitely look at both online texts, since they are free and you can try them out right now. The Larson book will probably be closest to what you use in class, but it isn’t nearly as inspiring.

The two online books cover more than you need for the test in more depth, but they are (in my opinion) better written and the price is right (free).</p>