Originally posted by: FoBoT
i think this has something to do with math, so i voted the last option
Originally posted by: Chronoshock
Wtf are you talking about
OHHH you're talking about square roots. Do freaking sqrt(x) if you're going to represent it.
And yes you should rationalize the denom like you posted
Originally posted by: TheVrolok
We stopped rationalizing denominators after basic algebra. I don't usually rationalize anymore, I don't really think of it as any kind of simplification, so I don't do it.
Originally posted by: Chaotic42
For example, if you had 2/sqrt(3), would you leave it as is or change it to 2*sqrt(3)/3? My calc teacher says to leave the denominator as is.
I'm taking it at Pearl River Community College. I'm not sure of the book (it's in the car), but it loves to rationalize the denominator.Originally posted by: DWW
When I took calculus they always stressed rationalizing it.
BTW what school are you taking calc at and what book are you using?
Originally posted by: DWW
If you want a good calculus book, and I mean, to really LEARN it then buy Michael Spivak's Calculus.
Most community colleges settle for crap like Stewart. Spivak can be heavy but it is well worth it, and I'm not even that far into the book.
Though I did have some experience with calculus before picking up the book. Calculus noobs would prob find it difficult but you might enjoy reading it alongside to really understand the topics.
Originally posted by: DWW
If you want a good calculus book, and I mean, to really LEARN it then buy Michael Spivak's Calculus.
Most community colleges settle for crap like Stewart. Spivak can be heavy but it is well worth it, and I'm not even that far into the book.
Though I did have some experience with calculus before picking up the book. Calculus noobs would prob find it difficult but you might enjoy reading it alongside to really understand the topics.
Originally posted by: Mo0o
Originally posted by: DWW
If you want a good calculus book, and I mean, to really LEARN it then buy Michael Spivak's Calculus.
Most community colleges settle for crap like Stewart. Spivak can be heavy but it is well worth it, and I'm not even that far into the book.
Though I did have some experience with calculus before picking up the book. Calculus noobs would prob find it difficult but you might enjoy reading it alongside to really understand the topics.
I think for a nonmath major a book thats easier and just gets the general points across is more than enough.
Originally posted by: DWW
If you want a good calculus book, and I mean, to really LEARN it then buy Michael Spivak's Calculus.
Most community colleges settle for crap like Stewart. Spivak can be heavy but it is well worth it, and I'm not even that far into the book.
Though I did have some experience with calculus before picking up the book. Calculus noobs would prob find it difficult but you might enjoy reading it alongside to really understand the topics.
The first calc book that I ever read was Sylvanus P. Thompson's "Calculus Made Easy". That was 4 years ago. This is the first actual calc class I've taken.Originally posted by: Dowfen
I don't find Stewart's book crap, there's things I like about it and things I don't, but in the end I consider it a fairly adequate calculus book. After all, it's only a means to practice problems and you can still get into the formal definition of limits, epsilon/delta/n arguments if you so desire.
Originally posted by: Chaotic42
The first calc book that I ever read was Sylvanus P. Thompson's "Calculus Made Easy". That was 4 years ago. This is the first actual calc class I've taken.Originally posted by: Dowfen
I don't find Stewart's book crap, there's things I like about it and things I don't, but in the end I consider it a fairly adequate calculus book. After all, it's only a means to practice problems and you can still get into the formal definition of limits, epsilon/delta/n arguments if you so desire.
I'm going for a PhD in mathematics so I'm open for whatever you have to recommend.Originally posted by: DWW
You probably won't require much in a community college calc class anyhow. Forget my recommendation (unless you find calculus interesting and want to learn more)