/sci/ - Science & Math

>>6564132
But there's nothing wrong with my textbook.

There's a lot of things wrong with a lot of textbooks but this site is the stupidest thing I've seen all day.

I've gone through most of my math degree: very proof-intensive combinatorics, multivariable analysis, linear algebra, two semesters of abstract algebra, differential geometry, Ramsey theory, etc. and I *rarely* have an issue with my textbooks. Anyone who says otherwise is lazy.

I think the biggest complaint I've ever had about my textbooks the one for differential geometry due to it not having enough pictorial examples. However, that is more my fault than the textbook's because my spatial intuition isn't the best. For the most part, anyone who has the tenacity to sit down and struggle with the math for as long as it takes instead of quickly giving up can actually get quite a bit out of their books.

Also, the most expensive textbooks are those for intro-level courses, at least for math. This is because you often get math-ignorant administration mandating that all 1,000 undergrads taking Calculus 101 must use Stewart's 7th edition, which drives up demand like crazy. Also, due to the lack of choice, they can effectively charge whatever they want. However, as far as my major-level math courses go, I don't think I've EVER spent more than $140 or so for a brand new hardcover book, as opposed to these $500-$1000 horror stories you always hear about. I mean, maybe this is true if you're in psych or business or something with thousands of majors. Hell, I actually saw Rudin being sold in my university's bookstore for $30.

>>6564376
I should edit this to say that, on occasion, there are some bad textbooks. I.e. I wouldn't turn to Stewart for a deep understanding of calculus. Also, whenever you see that a book is in its 5th edition or higher, you know its shit. Nothing pisses me off more than seeing a book with >1000 pages and 5 authors in its 14th edition, especially when the same subject can be covered by a decent textbook in maybe 200 pages.

>>6564132
>http://www.cs.ucr.edu/~vahid/WhatsWrongWithMyTextbook.html
>cs
>Can't learn from textbooks

Yep.