Essential Calculus-based Physics

This is a new "math of physics" study guide series by an outstanding teacher. It is part of a two book, three volume series beginning with motion and moving on to vectors and tensors after the two remaining volumes are released in Spring of 2017. The two "volume ones" released so far tackle foundation physics with algebra and trig, then calculus, respectively. You can find them here and here: Essential Calculus-based Physics Study Guide Workbook: The Laws of Motion (Learn Physics with Calculus Step-by-Step) (Volume 1) Essential Trig-based Physics Study Guide Workbook: The Laws of Motion (Learn Physics Step-by-Step) (Volume 1) . The publisher also advertises a more complete solutions manual, but the ISBN is dead at this writing, if you're the author or publisher, comment on this review with the correct Amazon link (chide here: PLEASE publishers, don't tell Amazon shoppers to "search this isbn" -- give a LINK!). Even without the solutions guide (which I haven't seen) the format of these two volumes is OUTSTANDING, whether you are studying for the GRE or a less advanced exam. I'm a test instructor at preptorial.org (we design free test guides for all exams) and we'll be using this series extensively in our classes going forward. The format is more sophisticated, but just as helpful, as a "for dummies" layout, with examples, exercises, diagrams, call outs, GREAT explanations, and even hints at the back of the book. I'm not sure what the solutions guide will look like, but the answers in the back are already fine, with "levels" of hint, explanation, then solution. This is a GREAT way to learn as it sticks with you by giving a combination of a problem, visual, exercise, steps, solution and explanation in words that is more intuitive than just a bunch of angles (although the angles are certainly there!). Highly recommended, eagerly look forward to the rest of the series and the solution guides. Tip: search under the author's name (Chris McMullen), as he's authored some other outstanding guides on the fourth dimension and other topics. You can see by the tone of these volumes that he loves these topics AND teaching, they keep you turning the page on an admittedly dry and difficult subject!

As someone who has found both learning physics and calculus very challenging, I am finding all of the books by Chris McMullen to be very helpful. While these are not a replacement for good text books on these subjects, they are a tremendous supplement. I am also enjoying comparing the sections in the physics books for solving problems for uniform motion vs. the same type of problem in "motion with calculus" to be a wonderful place to practice my elementary skills in calculus with real problems. This not only helps to cement my knowledge of physics, but also to help me better think about how I can apply calculus to these applications. These books, including the Physics Study Guide Workbook by Chris McMullen help a slow learner like myself to learn / review / and appreciate something that I struggled to just pass as courses in college. If I were a teacher of these courses in most colleges or in high school as AP courses, I would insist that students obtain Chris's books for these physics and pre-calculus subjects as necessary supplements to what they would be attempting to learn in school. I also believe that there are many students like myself for whom these courses are very difficult, and I wonder how many ordinary have altered their majors to avoid these courses just because they believed them to be too difficult pass. Doing that is a real shame. What Chris's books like Physics Study Guide Workbook does is to make these subjects more accessible to ordinary students. What I have said here, also applies to Chris's books for calculus, and all of the pre-calculus subjects he covers as well. I wish I had these books available to me when I was in college!

Written to help physics students with specific problems. Covers many typical problems. Not suited to learn basic calculus principles. "Essential Calculus" by the same author is better suited for learning calculus. Chris McMullen is gifted and clearly explaining mathematics.

Really nice book, does not go too in depth and assumes you are in a course or have another textbook but has amazing practice problems and examples

I rarely write reviews but I am pleased to write this one. For years I have wanted to get better acquainted with the math of physics. I've read a lot of qualitative treatments, mostly about relativity theory and quantum mechanics. I realize that this book focuses primarily on Newton's laws of motion, but this is necessary background for understanding modern physics. The thrilling thing is I was able to work through it on my own. More than that, I enjoyed it and have already purchased the second volume. Let me add that I am 76 years old. When the presidential election turned sour for me in 2025, I vowed that I would not spend the next four years anguishing about politics. I pulled out an old calculus book and worked through all the problems. That was okay but I have trouble with pure or abstract math. I need some real-world relevance and this what that this volume provided. Plus, I was able to remember what learning is all about. When as an undergrad I studied philosophy, I found it very enjoyable. Not, however, because I understood everything my professors were saying, but because I understood a lot and was gaining the confidence that I could fully understand the issues if I were called upon to do so. Like philosophy, there is too much involved in math to understand everything, or to remember everything from a previous chapter / topic. But gradually confidence grows and you do get better at mastering concepts. Plus, it is fun. I'm at the point now that I look forward to my daily mathematical "bath," just like I look forward to studying philosophy. Suffice it to say, this has been a delightful breakthrough for me. I'm retired and couldn't see the sense in keeping my mind sharp by doing little puzzles worked up by someone looking to make a living by catering to the needs of senior citizens. I wanted to accomplish something I could take some pride in.

Great book. The answers are understandable. Get this book instead of the multivariable calculus book.

There is no way to really learn Physics without coming to grips with the math and the only way to come to grips with the math is to do problems. I was having some trouble understanding some of the concepts and problems in my 1500 page Physics book so my advisor recommended this resource. It's phenomenal! It gives short and concise descriptions of the concepts, walks through several example problems by showing all steps, and then gives you several problems to do yourself. If you get stuck, the step-by-step solutions to your problems are in the back of the book. If you really want to understand the math problems in your calculus-based Physics course then this resource (and the other two volumes) is for you!

This workbook is perfect if you’re struggling to grasp the wording or teaching of a regular textbook. It clearly lays out everything you need to know and goes into amazing detail. Every problem has the answer, not just the odd numbers, and on top of that they have all the steps included in those answer. I’d highly suggest this workbook, it has everything you need for physics and it’s a great price.

Met my need.

I am still working on it. I like the clarity and the methodology , beside the concise and practical review of essential concepts. It provider a clear process.

Very good books

The book has a very good setup starting with the review of basic mathematical concepts required for physics and then moves into more in depth chapters about the Laws of motion. Can't beat the price for this so valuable book. Would definitely recommend.

This book is so helpful and easy to understand. In addition to the physics, the book also explains the mathematical background you need. I would give the book more than 5 stars if I could!