What is Textbooks: Definition and 460 Discussions

A textbook is a book containing a comprehensive compilation of content in a branch of study with the intention of explaining it. Textbook are produced to meet the needs of educators, usually at educational institutions. Schoolbooks are textbooks and other books used in schools. Today, many textbooks are published in both print and digital formats.

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  1. I

    Recommended popular textbooks for physics and math?

    Can anyone give a list of the best/most comprehensive physics textbooks for each area of physics for someone just learning it? Would it be more useful/straightforward to just use the landau series? And is there a list of classic/popular math textbooks as well? For topics like analysis...
  2. F

    Recommend some good maths textbooks?

    I am hoping to getting into B.Applied Finance and B.Actuary Studies at Macquarie University, Australia's oldest Actuary program, in order for me to get into the program I must get a HD (High Distinction = 85% or better) in http://maths.mq.edu.au/undergraduate/math135s.html, which is very hard...
  3. Hercuflea

    Best Plasma physics textbooks suggestions

    Hey all, I'm looking for a good introductory book (I've had Physics 1 and 2, some thermo and modern) on plasmas because I will be doing research this summer in plasma physics. I have heard Francis Chen's "Introduction to Plasma Physics" is a good start. Any reviews on this book?
  4. I

    Seeking Better Textbooks for Calculus and Physics?

    I've finished my first semster (which included Calculus 1 and Physics: Mechanics). I'm currently in my second semester (which includes Calculus 2 and Physics: Waves and Fields). So apparently the textbooks that my university assigns are terrible according to the reviews here. So I'm looking...
  5. T

    Studying Are these textbooks okay for self-study?

    I am a junior in high school and I plan on being a physicist. I have begun self-studying physics because my classes bore me and physics interests me so much. I am curious about what books I should read. I am too poor, being only a high school student with no job, to afford the regular...
  6. J

    Studying Are Required Textbooks Essential for University Courses?

    Hey all, I will be going to university in September and i have a few quick questions. 1) If you really don't like the required textbook should you just use a book you like or stick to the required text ? 2) is it typical for a physics student to use multiple textbooks for a course? 3)...
  7. W

    Tips for Effective Self-Teaching from Textbooks in Graduate School

    This may sound weird if you can't relate. So I managed to squeak through my entire undergrad career and get accepted to a "top 10" PhD program without ever actually reading a Physics textbook cover to cover. I basically just cherry-picked the topics I needed to do problems sets and skipped...
  8. M

    Jump in abstraction in textbooks

    Out of curiosity, is the difference between graduate level vs. upper division undergraduate larger than the difference between intro undergrad vs. upper division undergrad as far as treatment and abstraction of the subject so halliday to griffith's a larger jump than griffith's to jackson?
  9. F

    Highlighting and writing all over your textbooks

    Just something I'm a little curious to know about other physics enthusiasts. I used to just read textbooks and try keeping it in pristine condition, but in the recent year I gave into my urge to highlight and write on textbooks. Nowadays I just write, underline, and scribble whatever I want...
  10. A

    Are there any good engineering textbooks for me to read?

    I am a year 2 physics major student. After spending almost 2 years on only physics theories, I would like to know how those theories can be applied on engineering. Are there any engineering textbooks suitable for me as an "entertainment" during the break between semesters? Any topics related...
  11. C

    Intro to Analysis and Groups textbooks

    I am doing an introductory analysis and groups course next semester and I have a couple of questions about books. The course textbook is 'An introduction to Analysis' by W R Wade. Can anyone tell me if/when a new edition is expected and if not, what the current edition of the book is? I tried...
  12. D

    What Are the Best Physics Textbooks for Understanding Soft Body Simulation?

    Hello, I have a background in 3D graphics programming. Presently I am attempting to create a soft body simulation. The simulation only needs the appearance of realism, scientific grade accuracy is not necessary. I would like to base the surface deformation function on factors like...
  13. jtbell

    US Supreme Court hears case of student who resold textbooks

    The textbooks in this case were "international editions" which sell for lower prices overseas than in the US. The (former) student in question apparently sold $1.2 million worth of them in the US to help finance his education here. The publishers were not happy about it...
  14. D

    What are the must-have textbooks for graduate school classes?

    Hi all, Can you provide the names of the textbooks you used for your graduate classes along with the name of that class? Thanks! DScheuf
  15. G

    Studying The Value of Textbooks in Mathematics Education

    So right now I'm taking two math classes, Multivariate Calc and Abstract Algebra. There is an assigned textbook for Calc, but the professor doesn't use it, and there isn't an assigned textbook for Algebra. I've run into this before in other classes, and I've noticed a trend among professors...
  16. C

    Introductory Probability textbooks

    I am doing an introductory Probability course this semester and the textbook we are set to use is 'A first course in Probability' by Sheldon Ross. However, upon reading reviews from amazon and elsewhere, it appears this book is not that helpful and 'is the WORST book I have ever used' and 'the...
  17. M

    Replacing paper textbooks with iPad?

    Has anyone any experience with that? Do you recommend it? I am undergraduate physics major and I am wondering should I buy iPad for this purpose (Ofc I would do other things with it too :D).
  18. N

    Comp. Neuro. introductory textbooks

    Hello! I know some people on the forum are computational neuroscientists (or related fields), and I was wondering if anyone could recommend a good introductory book. One that goes step-by-step through how the equations come about and why they are the way they are. Rather than books that...
  19. S

    What are the best textbooks for understanding quantum physics?

    hey, I'm physics student, doing my quantum physics exam soon, was wondering if there is any textbooks you recommend. any kind of information that will help me understand the subject in theory and mathematically.. thanks a lot
  20. P

    Maths textbooks for a high school graduate

    I recently graduated from high school, but I didn't study any Mathematics at all. I, however, want to teach myself Mathematics from scratch, even though I know basic operations, such as division, addition etc. So, I'm looking for one or more Maths textbooks that must cover these areas...
  21. Shackleford

    Good statistics, PDE textbooks

    I just graduated with a B.S. Math and Physics Minor. I took Probability but not Statistics. I also didn't get a chance to take PDE. I'm looking for some good textbooks on the subjects.
  22. C

    Rigorous math and physics textbooks

    Hello, physics forums. As an introduction to the community, I'm 15 years old and live in northwestern Ontario. I've recently became very interested in physics, but I've always excelled in math. I've looked into some textbooks, particularly Apostol's I and II, along with Spivak to bridge the two...
  23. J

    What does the current usage of the word photon in textbooks mean?

    What do you think the word "photon" used in textbooks and papers at present mean? - extended object which, when there are many of them, form light - point-like particle which, when there are many of them, form light - merely a short word for a _continuous_ change of energy of the field...
  24. L

    Best Textbooks for Self-Studying Physics and Calculus: Expert Recommendations

    Hello. I am a high school student wishing to self study physics. I am just seeking some advice on the textbooks that I should use for both physics and the accompanying mathematics. For calculus, I already have some background knowledge based on previous readings of Stewart's book, but I would...
  25. G

    Textbooks that cover momentum before force?

    Which textbooks cover momentum first and then study force F=\dot{p} as it relates to momentum? Cf. this Physics StackExchange post and thread. Thanks
  26. P

    Do You Guys Keep Your University Textbooks or Sell Them?

    I use to sell a lot of my university textbooks (mainly because I was just following what other people around me were doing. Basically I was following the herd so to speak), but it wasn't until recently (as in the past couple of weeks) that I realized that it can sometimes be a very bad idea to...
  27. A

    Good Textbooks for Introduction to Degree-Level Physics

    Hi - i am going to go to univerisity soon and have begun to look up courses in Physics. can anyone please recommend a degree-level physics textbook (in either general physics or a specialised area) that I can read over just to get an idea of the course and how it will be? i don't want a very...
  28. B

    What are some recommended textbooks for physics and math studies?

    I am currently looking for suggestions on physics and maths textbooks. The math textbook must cover calculus from the beginning. It can cover multiple subjects, or calculus-only, it does not matter as long as it is clear and easy to understand. The physics textbook must cover high school...
  29. B

    Mathematics applied to Physics; textbooks.

    Hello all. I'm looking for a good textbook about how the mathematics, particularly calculus is applied in physics. I've done some calculus as i am a physics undergraduate student but i want to better learn the math and see how it is applied in physics as i find that a lot more interesting...
  30. G

    Textbooks Preparing for the IMO

    I am looking for some good mathematical textbooks to learn number theory, geometry, algebra at an IMO level. I wish to attend the IMO in two years time, so I have quite a while to prepare. For number theory, I was considering https://www.amazon.com/dp/048646931X/?tag=pfamazon01-20 just so i can...
  31. D

    Which one is the best textbook for self-studying differential equations?

    I'm considering self-studying differential equations, ordinary and partials, and for this I need a good book that teaches. I checked some universities syllabus and found that the most recommended texts are these: http://www.amazon.com/dp/0321747747/?tag=pfamazon01-20...
  32. B

    Good differential equation textbooks?

    something that's more than a cookbook giving you recipes for solving de's but rather one that goes into theory would be nice
  33. E

    What are some recommended textbooks for error analysis in scientific research?

    I was recently told I needed to review some material and they recommended I look at Bevington: http://books.google.com/books/about/Data_reduction_and_error_analysis_for_th.html?id=0poQAQAAIAAJ I haven't had a chance to look at it yet, but I was wondering if anyone had any other...
  34. L

    Putting pdf science textbooks with equations on to a Kindle accurately

    Hi guys, I'm trying to put pdf science textbooks on to a kindle. They have difficult equations and subscripts/superscripts and pictures of atoms and things which however I try seem to become a jumble. So far I have tried: 1. Using Calibre - dodgy results, equations handled very badly 2...
  35. H

    MHB Best Logic Textbooks for Advanced Learning

    I was wondering if anyone could recommend some good logic textbooks. I have done introductory courses covering, propositional and predicate logic (with natural deduction, semantic tableaux, axiomatic systems...) covering the completeness, soundness and compactness results (amongst other things)...
  36. M

    What Are the Best Electricity and Magnetism Textbooks with Detailed Solutions?

    Homework Statement Hi, I am looking for a problems and solutions textbook for the physics of electricity and magnetism. I currently am using a textbook that has problems but no solutions at all. It is miserable for learning physics. I am looking for something that can provide good college...
  37. C

    Physics Textbooks with complete solutions

    I am wondering if there are some nice Physics textbooks with complete worked out solutions in them. I don't mean those books with just questions and answers. If there isn't a book available like that, then a Physics textbook with plenty of examples in them would also be awesome. A physics...
  38. D

    Good introductory E&M textbooks?

    The book I currently use for my class is not great with very few examples, watered-down theory, and is bloated. I've searched the forums and found that Halliday and Serway are well received, but I still don't know. Even though my course is supposed to be calculus-based and all the concepts are...
  39. H

    Verbal discussion of textbooks, problems and more - skype

    Hello everyone Note: The thread was posted here due to not having privileges to post in the "learning material" section of the homepage. I hope this is fine. When self-studying or when lectures isn't enough for learning the given material and being ready for exams, sometimes it can be an...
  40. T

    Rigorous Lie Group and Lie Algebra Textbooks for Physicists

    Hi everyone, I was just wondering if anyone had any suggestions of more-mathematically-rigorous textbooks on Lie groups and Lie algebras for (high-energy) physicists than, say, Howard Georgi's book. I have been eying books such as "Symmetries, Lie Algebras And Representations: A Graduate...
  41. G

    Do you use your college textbooks in your career?

    Hi, I'm debating weather or not if it's a good idea to sell my college textbooks. I'm currently in college at the moment. Have you used your old college books that are sitting on your shelf in your job or do they just collect dust? I'm debating weather or not it's a good idea to sell mine...
  42. W

    The way textbooks talk about stress tensor confused me

    In fluid dynamics, always when some textbook talks about stress tensor, there is a figure like this: http://www.fea-optimization.com/ETBX/hooke_help_files/stress.gif it shows how stress tensor is defined based on a small cubic volume. I kind of understand why the shear stress τxz should be...
  43. P

    PDE Textbooks for Undergraduates

    Hello all, I will be enrolled in an undergraduate course on partial differential equations. I was hoping a few of you might be able to recommend, in your opinions, the best textbook for the subject at an undergraduate level since I'd like to have a second source outside of my instructor's...
  44. T

    What Are Good Physics B Textbooks for Self-Study?

    Since I'm a freshman, and my high school doesn't allow freshman to take any physics class, I was wondering if anyone knew of a good Physics B book? I have self studied using online materials up till this point, but now I need a good guideline to progress further.
  45. R

    What Are Your Recommendations for Algebraic Topology Textbooks?

    Hey guys, I want to study algebraic topology on my own. I just finished a semester of pointset topology and three weeks of algebraic topology. We did not use a textbook. Can anyone recommend a book on algebraic topology? Hatcher is fine but it is not as rigorous as I want. Munkres has...
  46. J

    Kind vs. Tough physics/math textbooks.

    "Kind" vs. "Tough" physics/math textbooks. I think textbooks in physics and math can generally be put into two categories: "Kind" and "Tough". Kind textbooks are ones in which the author seems to care about explaining the subject matter so that it can be easily understood. Worked-out examples...
  47. I

    Please Recommend Physics Textbooks

    Hi, I'm self-teaching myself/relearning physics, and I would like to ask the collective wisdom on this board for physics textbook recommendations. I realize that there's already a plethora of physics textbook recommendations on this forum, and I've already gone through many of those posts...
  48. S

    Why Are Textbook Prices So Ridiculously High?

    How can it cost $300 extra to make a hardback version of a book? https://www.amazon.com/dp/0792353021/?tag=pfamazon01-20 vs https://www.amazon.com/dp/0792355148/?tag=pfamazon01-20 When you can buy a hardback copy of Lang's Algebra (980 pages) from Springer for $68, this just seems insane...
  49. A

    What Are the Best Introductory Textbooks for an Aspiring Electrical Engineer?

    Hi! I'll enter college next year, and I plan to major in Electrical Engineering. I'm looking for introductory EE textbooks to test the waters a little bit and decide if this is really the field I want to go to. I have a strong background in Physics and Math: I've studied Electricity and...
  50. Z

    Good undergrad ODE/PDE textbooks focusing on theory

    I'm looking for some good ODE/PDE textbooks that focus a little more on theory but that are still comprehensive in their respective subjects. I have taken ODEs and applied PDEs at my university but even though I got good grades, I feel like my knowledge is lacking. The books we used were...
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