Reviews (1)

Excellent Self Study Guide for the Math ILITERATE
This book taught me, a 32 year old electrical contractor, enough math to help my 15 year old son in algebra, and finally understand the science I learned in High School. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Algebra - General    2. Arithmetic    3. Mathematics    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Mathematics / General   

Reviews (7)

too vague
I was really disappointed by this book.It lacked in explanations and examples.Too short to be benefitual.

Great "Review" Book
This book is the 2nd Algebra book that I bought. I am the type of person who goes beyond what is given to me. This book is a great book for review purposes. I am over half way through the year in Algebra 1 and already know how to do everything that will be taught to me by the end of the year. I have really learned a lot from these books and I will say, that this is a great book for anyone that is studying Algebra.

It Really Helps!
I have only bought this book for learning and for studying before I am gonna go back to school, but I have learn a lot from it! I really explains clearly enough so you can understand what it is talking about or you can do it after its example. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Algebra    2. Algebra - General    3. Book Notes    4. College Entrance    5. Study Aids    6. Study Guides    7. Mathematics / Algebra / General   

Reviews (2)

Solutions Manual only!
Be careful - this is only the student's solutions manual and NOT the textbook.

The total revision of chapter 5, improves the 4th Edition.
The complete revision of Chapter 5, Factoring Polynomials greatly enhancesthe students ability to understand factoring by grouping.It is a fareasier process than the trial and error in previous editions.The graphicsare also greatly improved, but the visibility of the check yourselfexercises, found in the chapters, has been absurdly diminished!-1 starfor that error in judgement! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Algebra - General    2. Mathematics    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Algebra    5. Mathematics / Algebra / General   

Editorial Review

"Intended as an upper-level undergraduate or introductory graduate text in computer science theory," this book lucidly covers the key concepts and theorems of the theory of computation. The presentation is remarkably clear; for example, the "proof idea," which offers the reader an intuitive feel for how the proof was constructed, accompanies many of the theorems and a proof. Read more

Reviews (45)

Terrible
I do not understand why this book is rated so highly.
Most appropriate for CS students
As a teacher of the subject, I have had the chance to evaluate numerous books on the theory of computation.Of all the available texts, I think this one is the most appropriate for CS students.In the past I taught out of Dexter Kozen's book, which is incredibly elegant, but had some resistance from the students.Thinking it over I decided that Kozen's text, although beautiful, may be better suited to students pursuing a degree in pure math.Sipser's book, on the other hand, is more gentle.I find that Sipser demands far less mathematical maturity from his readers, and thus allows the difficulty to be shifted from excessive formalism to the inherent challenges present in the material.In addition, following Sipser's treatment, I was able to cover finite state machines and pushdown automata in far less time, thus allowing me to concentrate on computability and beyond.The book really shines in its treatment of computability theory, eloquently directing attention to some of the most beautiful aspects.
Excellent accessible textbook on the theory of computation
The theory of computation is the branch of computer science that deals with whether and how efficiently problems can be solved on a computer. The field is divided into two major branches: computability theory and complexity theory, but both branches deal with formal models of computation, and both of these subjects are dealt with in this book. This is an important subject because no matter what leaps forward computers make, something that is proved undecidable and not computable will always be so, thus the theory behind this subject is very important.
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Subjects:  1. Advanced    2. Computational complexity    3. Computers - General Information    4. Discrete Mathematics    5. General    6. Logic    7. Machine Learning    8. Machine theory    9. Mathematics    10. Science/Mathematics    11. Systems Analysis    12. Computers / Information Theory    13. Mathematical theory of computation   

Reviews (1)

Not in good condition
This book wasadvertised as in good condition, I picked it up and the cover almost completly tore off! Thats not exactly good! I bought another book that was labeled as good condition and it was ten times better then this math book.
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Subjects:  1. Algebra    2. Algebra - Elementary    3. Algebra - Intermediate    4. Mathematics    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Mathematics / Algebra / General   

Reviews (7)

Image Analysis Book Review
I found the book to be very informative and I acquired several ideas from reading it. But, I repeatedly found myself searching the book for definitions of some of the terms it uses throughout its text. Practical Algorithms for Image Analysis will introduce new terms without any hint of their meaning, assuming that the reader already knows all they need to know about the subject matter (which would negate the need to buy the book!). This book sorely needs a glossary.

It's just great
The book is just great! I used the source code from the CD-ROM for various image processing projects. The algorithms are also very practical if you have to deal with images. The code is neat and ready to compile and run. Luis J Gutierrez
Excelente libro.hace un tiempo que he estado estudiando y desarrollando estrategias para la implementaci�n de sistemas de vision computarizada. Este libro es de una gran claridad pr�ctica sin abandonar la necesaria base teorica. Muy buenos ejemplo, informaci�n adicional, ejemplos y aplicaciones.Para cualquier investigador en el �rea debe ser considerado como un recurso indispensable. (if you want my comments in english please send me an e-mail to innovacl@vtr.net) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Algorithms    2. Algorithms (Computer Programming)    3. Computer Books: Database    4. Computers    5. Data Transmission Systems - General    6. Data processing    7. Digital Image Processing    8. Digital techniques    9. Discrete Mathematics    10. General    11. Image analysis    12. Image processing    13. Imaging Systems    14. Mathematics    15. Applied optics    16. Image processing--Digital techniques    17. Science / History   

Reviews (3)

Elementary Algebra:Concepts and Applications (7th Edition)
Recieved the book fast and in great condition. Very satisfied w/ order.

Great condition and fast service!
I was very pleased with the condition of the book and how fast I got it! Thank you!You did a great job!
Easy - Simple - Plain
The problems given in this book were very easy to understand. The author shows step by step how to do the given problems and the answers are refferenced in the back. I always used how the book did the problems, not the teacher's way.I am always coming back to this book to refresh my math skills. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Algebra    2. Algebra - Elementary    3. Mathematics    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Mathematics / Algebra / General   

Reviews (19)

Could be better
I don't think this is a good book for learning from, but if you know the material, it is a good reference.

Differential equation text
The textbook was in good condition and i recieved within a week

Pretty good
Not a bad book at all. Physical applications well explained, theory OK but not as good in my opinion. Unfortunately, contains a fair number of typos, and the book is physically weak (the binding of mine is splitting after only 4 months of use) for a book of this price. Still, pretty good overall. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Advanced    2. Boundary Value Problems    3. Differential Equations    4. Functional Analysis    5. Mathematics    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Mathematics / Advanced   

Reviews (14)

Wonderful precalculus deep inside the functions and modeling
I really have difficulties to understand some reviewers given one star for such a wonderfull book. If you read this book before Uni, you will have a stable ground for calculus.
Incomplete, discouraging, Unhelpfull book that only hinders the learning process
This is probably the most incoplete, inarticulate book I've ever used so far in my 3 years in college. It fails to COMPLETELY explain ALL THE MANY concepts you will ,sort-of ummmm, need to pass the class,tests or even complete the problems within the book. Expect to buy at least one other pre-calc text to clearly explain EVERYTHING this book consistently DOESN'T. This book is not a student-friendly one, its more of an EXPERT MATHEMETICIAN-FRIENDLY text book, written for people who already have lots of experience with pre-calculous. First time precalculous students should not actually expect to learn from this book or be able to count on this book as a reliable source to turn to during homework assignments or study sessions... As this book consistently fails to articulate even the most simple of precalculous concepts. If you don't beleive mine along with most other negative ratings of this book, go ahead and compare this book to almost any other precalc text book for yourself. You'll quickly see that EVEN THOUGH YOU'VE PAID A GENEROUS AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR THIS BOOK TO TEACH YOU, this book FAILS TO PERFORM EVERY SINGLE STEP OF THE WAY, PARTICULARLY when you need it to CLEARLY EXPLAIN SOMETHING TO YOU most. REALLY THIS BOOK ONLY MAKES IT HARDER TO UNDERSTAND ANYTHING IT ATTEMPTS TO EXPLAIN. My recommendation is that you buy "THE COMPLETE IDIOTS GUIDE TO PRECALCULOUS" by W. Michael Kelly, an author who thouroughly prooves his TEACHING SKILLS, COMPETENCE and ABILITY TO SUCCESFULLY ARTICULATE concepts so students can actually get some learning out of the time they spend reading his CLEAR, HELPFULL EXPLENATIONS that will actually help you in precalculous.

A travesty for the money
The only reason I give it two stars is that the word problems and models are interesting and realistic.The student solutions manual is a rip-off because it does not model each type of problem, nor does it lend itself to greater understanding and clarification.I usually get straight "A's" in math courses because I pour all effort necessary into homework and understanding.I just find myself being frustrated every time I open this book.The examples in each chapter just give me a headache.It is assuming and poorly written.Colleges that require this book for courses in pre-calc and trig should think twice. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Calculus    2. Mathematics    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Calculus & mathematical analysis    5. Mathematics / Calculus   

Reviews (1)

Excellent!
I used this book instead of listening to the teacher's lectures and I did really great in the class! This is a great book to use in class and study form it alone! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Algebra    2. Algebra - General    3. Mathematics    4. Pre-Calculus    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Textbooks    7. Mathematics / Pre-Calculus   

Reviews (8)

Symbolic Progress
This book is a history of algebra for the mathematically inclined.For the rest of us, it is an amusing collection of the personalities of the algebraists who have graced our world.Though I have an undergraduate degree in mathematics, and have had an interest in mathematics ever since, I found some of this kind of heavy going.Naturally I just skipped some of the more arcane stuff to get to the good parts.
Entertaining and Educating
This was a great read. I found that the history portion was entertaining enough to keep me reading even when some of the math slowed me down. It seems the perfect combination of Math and History. I think that while the mathematical topics covered are given a brief introduction before entering each new section, I found them to be a challenge to follow in the areas of study that I have little expreience in. (I have only a Mathematics Minor) I would recommend this book to any mathematics enthusiast especially undergraduate students in Math or Computer Science. Very informative.

A Chatty History of Algebra
"Unknown Quantity" is a history of algebra presented in Derbyshire's chatty, sometimes quirky style.It is compulsively readable.I kept stopping to remind myself I was reading a HISTORY OF ALGEBRA--and enjoying it!The math is kept at a decently low level.If you can get the idea of a polynomial (Derbyshire explains it up front), that will get you through most of the book.The explanation of groups is painstaking and pretty good, and I am fairly sure I got the main idea about rings and fields, too--though I'm afraid he lost me with "p-adic numbers."There is a strongly geometric angle in the later part of the book.This gives you some attractive diagrams--look at 13-2, the "ampersand curve," or 13-3, which beautifully illustrates the meaning of "variety"--but I found myself wondering whether the author was falling back on geometry because the algebra was just getting too hard to present to his chosen audience ("the curious nonmathematician").When Derbyshire gets to the 20th century he pretty much gives up on trying to explain what the algebraists are doing, and concentrates on the personalities and the historical background.From the little he does tell us about 20th-century algebra, it's hard to see that he had much choice.I still have no idea what Alexander Grothendieck did in his day job, but he sure sounds like a fascinating character.Best chapter:"The Leap into the Fourth Dimension."I now understand what multi-dimensional spaces are all about and why people started thinking about them.Best chapter title:"Lady of the Rings" (that's Emmy Noether, another fascinating character).Best photograph:Hypatia--is this the first algebra book to include a picture of a naked woman?Best footnote:No. 142.(As with "Prime Obsession," the footnotes are wonderfully readable.)Still, "Unknown Quantity" shows even more clearly than "Prime Obsession" did that Derbyshire is at heart a novelist.I wish he'd give us another novel.Anyone who can make the history of algebra interesting is a born story-teller! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Algebra    2. Algebra - General    3. Algebra, Universal    4. Equations    5. General    6. History    7. History & Philosophy    8. Mathematics    9. Science/Mathematics    10. History of mathematics   

Reviews (14)

Not every scholar should write for students.
I was a student of Mr. Ross's, taking Discrete Math, a few years ago.He's is a very intelligent man and seemed to enjoy teaching.Unfortunately, he was not very good at it.And same goes for this text book of his.His attitude and approach in the classroom and the book's alike might be helpful if the student has already mastered the majority of the covered topics, in which case, this book becomes useless.

I agree with what everyone else says....
This book will cost you much more than the principle "investment" of $100+, given the time required to interperet Ross's examples, and in many cases, un/re-learn the material.

terrible book
I keep thinking as I'm forced to use this book for a college course, that Discrete Math would not be so confusing to me if not for this textbook. With a good textbook, I believe the concepts would not be very difficult, but this book makes them so. True, they have many examples - very few of which cover the complex things you are then asked to do in the Exercises. If I could give it negative stars, I would, since it doesn't teach us but confuses us. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer science    2. Discrete Mathematics    3. Discrete Mathematics (Computer Science)    4. Machine Theory    5. Mathematics    6. Mathematics (Specific Aspects)    7. Science/Mathematics    8. Mathematics / Advanced   

Reviews (3)

Another pathetic college algebra book
The marketing machine for Stewart's books is working wonders, but the books aren't. Too many colleges and universities are duped into adopting these books while students and conscious instructors exploit minimal benefit from them, specially in the problem sets, which are quite poor.

Discover algebra
We use this book by Stewart, Redlin and Watson for our College Algebra class, one of the two bridge classes between intermediate algebra and the college-level calculus course (the other bridge course is trigonometry).The first chapter is a review of key concepts (one that I've found almost every algebra book tends to cover, regardless of level).Real numbers, algebraic expressions, exponents, radicals, and factoring are reintroduced to students in ways that will carry through the rest of the text.Depending upon the sequencing of study, this section can be glossed over fairly quickly.However, the student would be well served to see the Discovery Project in this section, which shows an interesting graphic/visual way of seeing how equations operate.
Don't like this book
I had this book in my college algebra class, and non of the students liked it.It didn't explain things well enough to enable you to do the chapter problems.The teacher explain everything in class using her own notes and only used the book for us to practice the math problems.If anyone missed a day of class, they were in trouble because they missed the teachers notes, which was the only way to understand the problems in the book.I hope the school stops using this book. I'm sure there are other better college algebra books out there. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Algebra    2. Algebra - General    3. Mathematics    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Mathematics / General   

Editorial Review

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Subjects:  1. Computer Graphics - Design    2. Computers - Other Applications    3. General    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Technology    6. Telecommunications    7. Fractals    8. Image processing    9. Mathematics / General   

Reviews (5)

This is a _stellar_ text!
I've been swamped with homework in general, and have been behind in many classes.So, often times I won't have the foundations to understand the current concept my calc teacher is explaining in class.However, with this calc book, the explanations are so clear, and the in-text examples and practice problems so plentiful, that I can truly say I'm confident in my calculus skills, even without any teacher instruction.
Harvard Summer Textbook
I just took Calculus 1 and 2 this summer at Harvard. Reading the whole textbook was neccessary to caught up the materials. Although I don't know my final course grade yet, I think this textbook was the most important tool to learn introductory calculus. I think this textbook prepared me well to take Multivatiable Calculus as well. I really liked easy examples and simple explanations. However, the problems after each section in every chapter are somewhat very difficult. I recommend this book!

Wish i had the solutions manual
I have used this book for two semesters now andi wish i had hte solutions manual.I would buy it but i dont know which one it is there are so many and James stewart has written many calc books.Overall this book is ok, but i would recommend getting hte solutions manual, whichever it is.And if anyone knows which solutions manual to buy let me know pleasepenguinGamer@gmail.com .Thanks ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Calculus    2. Mathematics    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Calculus & mathematical analysis    5. Mathematics / Calculus   

Reviews (7)

Fantastic text
My son is currently at Harvard where he is taking Calculus II.He called home, requesting we forward his Larson textbook that he used for AP Calc in high school.It helped him tremendously with concepts he just wasn't getting at one of the top schools in the nation--and he has shared this textbook with his professor at Harvard!
Calculus Ain't Easy
First things first: If there was a ten star rating it would apply A great book!
The best book about Calculus I ever seen. Read it and you will know all about you need to love mathematics. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Calculus    2. Geometry, Analytic    3. Mathematics    4. Science/Mathematics   

Reviews (1)

Just for thoughts
I am a Math teacher in Malaysia. I own Bittinger's "ElementaryRead more

Subjects:  1. Algebra    2. Algebra - College    3. Algebra - General    4. Mathematics    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Mathematics / Algebra / General   

Reviews (3)

Functional analysis
This is a very elegant text. The analysis theorems and proofs are well explained and connected with operator theory. The exercises are well chosen to further the reader's understanding of the subject.
Excellent
Peter D Lax is one of the great mathematicians of the 2nd half of the 20th century. Buy this book if only to have it on your bookshelf. After a long day of suffering fools and putting up with the latest insanities of your university administrators, leaf through Lax's book to recover. This is mathematics at its best. What better use can we put mathematics to, than to help us regain our sanity in a world that's gone mad.

Brings the subject to life!
The subject of functional analysis, while fundamental and central in the landscape of mathematics, really started with Read more

Subjects:  1. Functional Analysis    2. Mathematics    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Mathematics / Functional Analysis   

Reviews (6)

Worse Math Book Ever!
As others have stated, incomplete explanations (skipping steps), poor examples and confusing jargon...everything NOT desired while attempting to learn math at this level -- and this sentiment was echoed by most other students in my class. Only a gifted math professor would be able to utilize this text with positive results! However, I did find the book to make an excellent fire-starter!

Poor instruction...
This book tries to cover too much and doesn't explain much of anything in detail. My college instructor didn't like the book. My tutor didn't like the book. As far as I can tell, no one thought this book was worth the paper it was written on. I had a very difficlut time following the material. If you have to take a college algebra class, pray this is not the book that is required!

".....you're going to need a different book!!
I've just finished using this book and, while I normally keep my textbooks as reference materials, I found this book to be so bad that I'm selling it back! This book falls short when it comes to providing solid examples; clear, concise text; and valid exercises. Specifically, the pages are so crammed full of text and colors that it is often difficult to quickly find specific information. Much of the text and many of the examples fail to adequately prepare the student for the exercise sets. Additionally, the accompanying solution manual, which helped me immensely, has numerous typos and is missing several pages of solutions. I wish I were alone in my opinion, but the overwhelming majority of my class felt about the same. Even our professor was less than impressed. If this is the textbook you must have for class, get some additional references, i.e. Schaums, or something similar, perhaps even another 5 star rated book from Amazon. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Algebra - General    2. General    3. Mathematics    4. Science/Mathematics   

Reviews (1)

A beautiful source of interesting problems
I deeply consider that this is a very stimulating problem book that contains a variety of problems and their solutions.
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Subjects:  1. Algebra - General    2. Geometry - General    3. Mathematics    4. Problems, exercises, etc    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Trigonometry    7. Elementary geometry & trigonometry    8. Mathematics / Algebra / General