Vector Analysis

Great book for those who want to see a brief explanation or review of all the math involved in vector calculus. I bought the book to gain insight into the vector calculus integral theorems (Green's, Stoke's & Gauss'/Divergence). Though the book culminates in these theorems, what I found particularly helpful was a review of the the multivariable concepts (which in most books on vector calculus is usually used without much commentary)which comprise 6 of the 10 programs (chapters). In particular, the ubiquitous multivariable differential: (df=[part.f/part.x]dx + [part.f/part.y]dy + [part.f/part.z]dz) I also like the balance it strikes being not as verbose as a text but not assuming the material is familiar to the reader. The concepts are presented in a visual manner, the diagrams and examples are well thought out and helpful. It is ideal for self study with many exaples worked out and many exercises with an answer key. Though it did not suit my original purpose, of providing a deeper understang of the vector calculus integral theroems, I feel much better prepared to find a text that will. Overall a very good text to learn the basic concepts of multivariable calculus and the mechanics of the vector integral theorems.

I am a practicing system engineer in the aerospace industry and have several vector analysis books on my shelf. Mathematical modeling in the core skill of my discipline and theoretical mathematics is my passion. As such I spend a great deal of time going line by line though the proofs in my theoretical books, but I also have to pay the bills by producing product in the form of mathematical models of physical realizations. As such Stroud's book helps me to both produce better product in career and to validate and strengthen my understanding of my theoretical readings. I would highly recommend this book as a companion book to anyone trying to learn vector analysis for the first time, reviewing the material, or expanding their understanding of applied vector analysis. The book has well written, well organized, and would be an excellent addition to anyone's bookshelf.

This book is written in the classic Dexter and Booth style - very similar to their immensely popular Engineering Mathematics series textbooks. It is great for brushing up on forgottenn skills and solution methods. On the other hand, don't expect any rigorous proofs or extensive references. As I mentioned in the title, this is a workbook NOT a textbook. Nevertheless, I used this book as a refresher for a Turbomachinery grad course and it was highly useful. Its main merits lie in the fact that everything is "user - intuitive" and you can build up from scratch without almost any previous knowledge on the subject (assuming that you are familiar with basic college-level calculus). It is not very advanced and only focuses on the main techniques and pathways for solutions. No specific or special cases here. Although, you WILL learn and learn fast with this book.Higly reccomended for the applied science student or for brushing up on forgotten math skills.

I have used this book as revision material after finishing my degree six years ago. I have found it really easy to read and the material is very well presented. I would recommend the book to undergradutes and anyone who is trying to understand how to use vector analysis without the proofs. There are plenty of worked examples to help you through the book.

In a sentence or two: this is a pedagogically sound and well motivated work. It offers a lot of well paced and well guided learning to the student looking to further their skills in vector analysis. It is VERY good. How can step-by-step instruction be bad? How it teaches, or the algorithm is: * provide learning objectives * provide a motivating, easy to relate to reality example * generate theory based on the example in a methodical and well explained manner and in BITE-SIZED pieces * provide some fully worked examples * provide the student with some questions * provide fully worked answers to the aforementioned examples after the questions * make the questions harder * generalize the results * provide questions with fully worked solutions using generalized results * provide end of chapter quiz type questions with solutions * repeat for each chapter! This is a book that explains and continually reinforces your learning. The questions are probing with answers provided. This book will not leave you floundering or wondering how they got from one place to another. These guys really know (Dexter Booth)/ knew (K.A. Stroud) how to teach mathematics: take the student from what they know to what you want them to know in clear, manageable steps, providing guidance where required. I really like this book because of that. And it is reasonably rigorous to boot (but nowhere near as terse as a Springer book). Audience: gifted high school student (having done some calculus) or 1-2nd year physics, mathematics, engineering student. I wish I had had this book when I did vector calculus. Also, take a look at Div, Grad, Curl, and All That: An Informal Text on Vector Calculus, Fourth Edition (Paperback) by H. M. Schey (ISBN 0393925161) for another seriously good book on this topic. Another book book by the same authors, Stroud and Booth is also worth casting your eye over is: Differential Equations (ISBN: 083113187X). Chances are if you're doing vector analysis then DE's can't be too far away. And this is the second best value DE book I have seen (you can't beat Tenenbaum and Pollard's: Ordinary Differential Equations ISBN: 0486649407 , for value and content) So in summary Vector Analysis represents excellent value with a quality teaching program and pedagogy and perfect for any student with the will to learn Vector Analysis (given some mathematical ability of course). And Autodidacts will really prosper with it! While it may not have the content of those $120 books, but where's the point if you can't get a grip on the basics? This book will really value add to that $120 wonder by ensuring you do get the basics and well and thereby are in a better position to transition into the more arcane depths of that $120 hefty. Definitely two thumbs up! Potential bias first: I teach mathematics and physics and have an engineering degree so my mathematic know-how is apparently well above average. This may color this review.