Calculus for the Utterly Confused
by
Robert M. Oman and Daniel M. Oman
Review and Ordering Information
This book, now in second edition, is intended as a complement to the non-engineering calculus course. Because of the large number of problems from diverse fields, those studying calculus for scientists and engineers may also benefit from this book. Applied problems are taken from business, medicine, finance, economics, chemistry, sociology, physics, and health and environmental sciences. All the problems are presented at a level understandable to those in different disciplines.
There are two primary problems that prevent the non-engineering calculus student from achieving success in calculus. The first problem is a lack of algebra skills. We attack this problem in two ways. One of the largest chapters in the book is the one devoted to a review of algebra skills necessary for the calculus course. When we do a problem we take the reader through all the steps, the calculus steps and all those pesky little algebra steps, tricks some might call them. When we present a problem it is a complete presentation.
The second problem impeding success is the student's inability to set up the problems. In most cases the calculus is easy, the algebra possibly tedious, but writing the written problem in mathematical statements the most difficult of all. Translating a word problem to a math problem is not easy. We spend time in each problem teaching this skill.
The book, in pre-publication form received excellent student reviews.
Sample Pages are available by following the links listed below.
If you see errors in the second edition, please let us know. We and future readers thank you.
In the first edition page 33, the first page of the chapter on derivatives, has some pieces missing in the last paragraph on that page. We didn't plan it that way, but it happened. For this and other corrections in the first edition click on the Errata Page for the first edition link and view all the corrections.
The book can be purchased from amazon.com by clicking on the amazon.com logo, which will take you directly to the Calculus for the Utterly Confused page at amazon.