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Essential Calculus Skills Practice Workbook with Full Solutions
The author, Chris McMullen, Ph.D., has over twenty years of experience teaching math skills to physics students. He prepared this comprehensive workbook (with full solutions to every problem) to share his strategies for mastering calculus. This workbook covers a variety of essential calculus skills, of polynomials, trig functions, exponentials, and logarithms; the chain rule, product rule, and quotient rule; second derivatives; how to find the extreme values of a function; limits, including l’Hopital’s rule; antiderivatives of polynomials, trig functions, exponentials, and logarithms; definite and indefinite integrals; techniques of integration, including substitution, trig sub, and integration by parts; multiple integrals. The goal of this workbook isn’t to cover every possible topic from calculus, but to focus on the most essential skills needed to apply calculus to other subjects, such as physics or engineering.
151 pages, Paperback
First published August 16, 2018
1,531 people are currently reading
1,119 people want to read
About the author
Chris McMullen
176Ìýbooks312ÌýfollowersDr. Chris McMullen has over 20 years of experience teaching university physics in California, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana. Dr. McMullen is also an author of math and science books. Whether in the classroom or as a writer, Dr. McMullen loves sharing knowledge and the art of motivating and engaging students.
Chris McMullen earned his Ph.D. in phenomenological high-energy physics (particle physics) from Oklahoma State University in 2002. Originally from California, Dr. McMullen earned his Master's degree from California State University, Northridge, where his thesis was in the field of electron spin resonance.
Dr. McMullen is well-known for:
� engaging students in challenging ideas through creativity
� breaking difficult problems down into manageable steps
� providing clear and convincing explanations to subtle issues
� his mastery of physics and strong background in mathematics
� helping students become more fluent in practical math skills
As a physics teacher, Dr. McMullen observed that many students lack fluency in fundamental math skills. In an effort to help students of all ages and levels master basic math skills, he published a series of math workbooks on arithmetic, fractions, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus called the Improve Your Math Fluency Series. Dr. McMullen has also published a variety of science books, including introductions to basic astronomy and chemistry concepts in addition to physics workbooks.
Dr. McMullen is very passionate about teaching. Many students and observers have been impressed with the transformation that occurs when he walks into the classroom, and the interactive engaged discussions that he leads during class time. Dr. McMullen is well-known for drawing monkeys and using them in his physics examples and problems, using his creativity to inspire students. A stressed-out student is likely to be told to throw some bananas at monkeys, smile, and think happy physics thoughts.
Dr. McMullen first published The Visual Guide to Extra Dimensions, Volumes 1 and 2, to share his passion for the geometry and physics of the fourth dimension. Dr. McMullen has coauthored a half-dozen articles on current and future collider searches for large extra dimensions.
In addition to writing and teaching, Dr. McMullen enjoys Scrabble, golf, and chess.
Chris McMullen earned his Ph.D. in phenomenological high-energy physics (particle physics) from Oklahoma State University in 2002. Originally from California, Dr. McMullen earned his Master's degree from California State University, Northridge, where his thesis was in the field of electron spin resonance.
Dr. McMullen is well-known for:
� engaging students in challenging ideas through creativity
� breaking difficult problems down into manageable steps
� providing clear and convincing explanations to subtle issues
� his mastery of physics and strong background in mathematics
� helping students become more fluent in practical math skills
As a physics teacher, Dr. McMullen observed that many students lack fluency in fundamental math skills. In an effort to help students of all ages and levels master basic math skills, he published a series of math workbooks on arithmetic, fractions, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus called the Improve Your Math Fluency Series. Dr. McMullen has also published a variety of science books, including introductions to basic astronomy and chemistry concepts in addition to physics workbooks.
Dr. McMullen is very passionate about teaching. Many students and observers have been impressed with the transformation that occurs when he walks into the classroom, and the interactive engaged discussions that he leads during class time. Dr. McMullen is well-known for drawing monkeys and using them in his physics examples and problems, using his creativity to inspire students. A stressed-out student is likely to be told to throw some bananas at monkeys, smile, and think happy physics thoughts.
Dr. McMullen first published The Visual Guide to Extra Dimensions, Volumes 1 and 2, to share his passion for the geometry and physics of the fourth dimension. Dr. McMullen has coauthored a half-dozen articles on current and future collider searches for large extra dimensions.
In addition to writing and teaching, Dr. McMullen enjoys Scrabble, golf, and chess.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 18, 2020
Not sure how to review a Calculus workbook. Spoiler alert:Full solutions provided.
March 31, 2019
I bought this to review calculus areas that had become rusty enough to cause problems in my differential equations course. I really liked that the examples require pen & paper to follow. The book gives a 4 step example. I couldn't get from one step to the next in my head; it wasn't obvious how they were related. With a pen I worked out in the margins the four operations required to get from each step to the next. Not being able to do it in my head, made the examples active learning rather than passive, as examples usually are. This made the problem sets, themselves challenging for me, easier. The product was to make the entire workbook an active learning experience, leaving me with an intuitive understanding instead of rust.
November 1, 2023
It's really helpful at making you understand the basis of calculus
November 26, 2024
I never thought I'd be leaving a review for a math book, let alone a calculus book, but here I am.
If you found yourself, like I did, almost immediately forgetting the skills you develop after finishing a calculus course, this book is invaluable. Not only did it serve as a refresher for techniques and concepts, this workbook walks you through almost all of the steps in the decision-making process, sometimes in ways that might be better than your initial instruction! It's also not intimidating at all, and extremely comfortable to go at your own pace.
Not only did this workbook help keep my skills alive, it helped solidify the calculus foundation I've been building by demonstrating logic where previous instruction left gaps and assumptions. There were multiple "light bulb" moments that occurred during working my way through this book, and I feel much more prepared for upcoming math courses. I'll be trying some of the author's other texts purely based on the amazing job done with this workbook.
If you found yourself, like I did, almost immediately forgetting the skills you develop after finishing a calculus course, this book is invaluable. Not only did it serve as a refresher for techniques and concepts, this workbook walks you through almost all of the steps in the decision-making process, sometimes in ways that might be better than your initial instruction! It's also not intimidating at all, and extremely comfortable to go at your own pace.
Not only did this workbook help keep my skills alive, it helped solidify the calculus foundation I've been building by demonstrating logic where previous instruction left gaps and assumptions. There were multiple "light bulb" moments that occurred during working my way through this book, and I feel much more prepared for upcoming math courses. I'll be trying some of the author's other texts purely based on the amazing job done with this workbook.
November 8, 2020
I just needed a little escape and working my way through this book was exactly what I needed. Haven't done calc in 15 years but the clear explanations helped a lot. Struggled with integration by trigonometric substitution but that was more on me than the book. By the end, I was happy with the book but was looking for some more application problems and problem-solving. This covers the foundation but not the fun.
January 18, 2023
One of my most referenced mathematics books, it has helped me a ton through calc 1, and now it is proving to still be a powerful tool in calc 2, this book has felt like an extra problem set with step-by-step explanations for everything.
For anyone who needs a little extra help with calculus, or a refresher on any of the topics covered, or just wants to see how good of a job Chris does at explaining (but really more like summarizing) everything, this book is a must buy.
For anyone who needs a little extra help with calculus, or a refresher on any of the topics covered, or just wants to see how good of a job Chris does at explaining (but really more like summarizing) everything, this book is a must buy.
December 31, 2024
A great book to learn Calculus
This is a great book if you know your Algebra, Trigonometry and Geonometry.
It is easy to ready but I would suggest that you copy it down and attempt it and copy down the answers using different colours pens and explain the justification for your answer. But I definitely will be rereading this simple easy way to practising Calculus book again. Best wishes
This is a great book if you know your Algebra, Trigonometry and Geonometry.
It is easy to ready but I would suggest that you copy it down and attempt it and copy down the answers using different colours pens and explain the justification for your answer. But I definitely will be rereading this simple easy way to practising Calculus book again. Best wishes
May 7, 2024
Very helpful for the beginners of the Calculus and easy to understand. The most attractive feature of the book is that there exists enough free space in each exercise page to do math and test one's calculus skill. Solutions are also provided for each of the exercises. Overall, it is a great book to learn calculus.
February 5, 2020
This book is travel friendly and incredibly helpful. I recommend using it as a supplement to a calculus textbook for sure. the book is very easy to understand and the extra practice problems with worked out solutions are great!
December 17, 2024
Useful drills to reinforce calculus skills
Somewhat isolated from context as these are "skill drills" to practice one's "fluency" with these "skills". You will learn implicit differentiation, but not how to apply it in context with e.g related rate problems.
Somewhat isolated from context as these are "skill drills" to practice one's "fluency" with these "skills". You will learn implicit differentiation, but not how to apply it in context with e.g related rate problems.
December 28, 2024
super-useful and detailed
This workbook is more a handbook that one can use to solve calculus problems. I found it very well organized by type of problem, with detailed examples and solutions to the exercises.
Super-useful = extremely useful.
This workbook is more a handbook that one can use to solve calculus problems. I found it very well organized by type of problem, with detailed examples and solutions to the exercises.
Super-useful = extremely useful.
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March 7, 2020Calc Studies/Tutoring
August 24, 2020
Filled with interesting facts and equations. Not good as a reference book but more as a tutorial
August 4, 2021
Great practice
The book contains good practice problems, and is of reasonable duration.
I recommend it to anyone trying to work on essential skills.
The book contains good practice problems, and is of reasonable duration.
I recommend it to anyone trying to work on essential skills.
March 1, 2022
Muy buen libro sencillo de entender, muy recomendable
November 25, 2022
This book is very much helpful for me. I've undergone through some interesting maths in my B.Sc course.This book helped me in this journey.
November 25, 2023
Superb book for quickly refreshing basic Calculus formulas.
May 5, 2024
Good handbook to review procedures to solve derivatives, limits and integrals. It is not a theoretical book in calculus.
March 27, 2025
Excellent supplement to the learning of calculussy
March 14, 2023
Calculus Lifesaver!
I’m a few chapters away from the end and can already say without doubt that this book is a lifesaver. I’m currently doing a course in quantitative finance and found myself falling behind on calculus really quickly. Upon reflection I admitted to myself that I didn’t even know the basics. Well, after ploughing through every exercise and example as far as the chapter on definite integrals, I no longer have anxiety looking at introductory-level calculus problems. The rules are clearly explained, and each exercise has a detailed answer which leaves no doubts as to how it was achieved. Ok, back to completing the last few chapters!
I’m a few chapters away from the end and can already say without doubt that this book is a lifesaver. I’m currently doing a course in quantitative finance and found myself falling behind on calculus really quickly. Upon reflection I admitted to myself that I didn’t even know the basics. Well, after ploughing through every exercise and example as far as the chapter on definite integrals, I no longer have anxiety looking at introductory-level calculus problems. The rules are clearly explained, and each exercise has a detailed answer which leaves no doubts as to how it was achieved. Ok, back to completing the last few chapters!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
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