Calculus I Textbook Calculus I Textbook RecommendationRecommendation

The ContendersThe Contenders

Calculus: Early Transcendentals, 4th Edition by James Stewart

Vs.

Calculus with Analytic Geometry, 5th Edition by Howard Anton

Evaluation CriteriaEvaluation Criteria

Section IntroductionsSection IntroductionsThe chapter sections should have an The chapter sections should have an introduction stating the section’s objective introduction stating the section’s objective so students know immediately what they so students know immediately what they should learn from each section.should learn from each section.

In-Chapter Example ProblemsIn-Chapter Example ProblemsThe chapter sections should include at The chapter sections should include at

least least one example to illustrate what was taught one example to illustrate what was taught in in each section. each section.

Evaluation CriteriaEvaluation Criteria

GraphicsGraphicsThe graphics should be used liberally to The graphics should be used liberally to

illustrate concepts, example problems, end-illustrate concepts, example problems, end-of-chapter problems, and problem solutions.of-chapter problems, and problem solutions.End-of-Chapter ProblemsEnd-of-Chapter Problems

The end-of-chapter problems should be The end-of-chapter problems should be plentiful and range from easy to difficult.plentiful and range from easy to difficult.Students’ Solution ManualStudents’ Solution Manual

The students’ solutions manual should The students’ solutions manual should provide the student with detailed solutions to provide the student with detailed solutions to a a large number of the book’s end-of-chapter large number of the book’s end-of-chapter problems. problems.

Section IntroductionsSection Introductions AntonAnton

Provides concise section introductions for Provides concise section introductions for each and every sectioneach and every section

Anton introduction to section on derivatives

StewartGenerally does not provide introductions and jumps right into material

In-Chapter Example Problems In-Chapter Example Problems

Both books have adequate example problems. Both books have adequate example problems. The books essentially tie under this criterion.The books essentially tie under this criterion.

GraphicsGraphics

Both books have very similar graphics. Both are Both books have very similar graphics. Both are very good.very good.

Stewart’s graphical explanation of the derivative

Anton’s graphical explanation of the derivative

End-of-Chapter ProblemsEnd-of-Chapter Problems

AntonAntonProblems are more interesting and Problems are more interesting and

grouped more logicallygrouped more logically

StewartStewart

Problems are often boringProblems are often boring

Students’ Solutions ManualStudents’ Solutions Manual

Little distinction can be made between the Little distinction can be made between the twotwo

Both have solutions to approximately half Both have solutions to approximately half the end-of-chapter problemsthe end-of-chapter problems

Neither is incredibly detailedNeither is incredibly detailed

RecommendationRecommendation

Although both books Although both books are good books, I are good books, I recommend Anton’s recommend Anton’s because of his very because of his very useful section useful section introductions. The introductions. The introductions orient introductions orient students quickly, so students quickly, so they know exactly they know exactly what the section is what the section is trying to accomplish.trying to accomplish.