cscott

Sounds good to me. Thanks again!

Sounds fun . I have one more question (I think): How easy will it be to relate what I've learned with calculus to the same concepts except with pure algebra? If I'm not mistaking my next years Physics course includes very little calculus. Thanks in advance

It it safe to assume a physicist should be able to derive all of kinematics from those definitions once one has adequate understanding?

Thanks, you all cleared that up very well... it makes so much more sense now.

If the statement means f(x) is a substitute for y' date=' then why is it ([math']y = f(x)[/math]) used as a function when finding [math]\lim{x \rightarrow 0} \frac{f(x + \Deltax) - f(x)}{\Delta x}[/math] where you add [math]\Delta y[/math] to y and [math]\Delta x[/math] to f(x)? This is for the general rule for differentiation again... What am I missing?

I just don't understand how it can make sense to use it in the general rule for differentiation. How can it represent a function? I don't know if I make sense...

Can someone please explain what f(x) = y means? I know it's function notation, but what does it imply?

My grandfather did say his book was merely an introduction and is no substitute for a good textbook, so I think I'll end up picking one up. As it's summer and I have plenty of time on my hands I think I'm going to make the attempt at learning the calculus and working through the physics. Even getting a small picture of what I'll be doing next year would be nice. I can fill in any gaps when I get a formal education on these topics. Thanks for the time invested in your replies! P.S. Oh, and any ideas on a good intro text on calculus? I've heard good thinks about Spivak's book but I don't know its level... P.P.S I forgot to mention that with the link I gave in my OP you can click on the picture of the book and get the table of contents. Sorry about that! Your book matches closely though, so it's np.

How much calculus is needed for this book?