Sunday, November 1, 2020

Book Review: Calculus for Middle Schoolers by Serena Swegle

 Book Review: Calculus for Middle Schoolers by Serena Swegle


Just The Facts


Calculus for Middle Schoolers


Author:  Serena Swegle


Publisher:  Sunhut Publishing


Cost:  $26.50 for Paperback, $9.99 for Kindle (as of 10/23/2020)


Link:  https://www.amazon.com/Calculus-Middle-Schoolers-Serena-Swegle/dp/057871275X/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=Calculus+for+Middle+Schoolers&qid=1603471676&sr=8-3


Topics Covered


The number e (2.718281828...)


The common logarithm  (base 10)


The natural logarithm (base e)


Trig Functions (sine, cosine, tangent)


Sums 


Limits


Derivative - the derivative of a polynomial


Integral - the integral of a polynomial


The Derivative and Integral of e^x


An Introduction to Calculus 


The target audience is middle school students.  However, book serves as a great introduction to calculus for high school and college students who are taking calculus for the first time.  The book gives a simple, concrete introduction to various subjects, in an easy-to-read narrative.  Calculus is a complex subject, and this book allows readers, who may be intimidated about the subject, to develop a understanding.   


I would recommend this book to be read prior to the student's first calculus class.   The book can be read in one or two days, but I feel it was meant to read as one chapter a time per day or week.   


Verdict


Swegle's book is well written, in a concise language.  The chapter covers one concept at the time, which serves as a great introduction to a rich subject.   The examples are simple and apply closely to the text.   I wish Swegle put a summary of all the topics covered at the end of the book as a wrap up.  Otherwise, I recommend this book for educators and parents.   For those who have the Kindle app, $9.99 is a good price point.  Recommended.


Thank you, Serena for recommending this book for me to review.  


Eddie


All original content copyright, © 2011-2020.  Edward Shore.   Unauthorized use and/or unauthorized distribution for commercial purposes without express and written permission from the author is strictly prohibited.  This blog entry may be distributed for noncommercial purposes, provided that full credit is given to the author. 


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