Methods of mathematics applied to calculus, probability, and statistics
by Richard Hamming · first published 1985
67% recommend33% neutral
Why HN recommends it
A rigorous yet applied introduction to calculus, probability, and statistics from a working scientist, valued for showing how mathematical theory connects to practical use. Suited to readers wanting a solid foundation.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Mentions per year
What Hacker News says
Related books
2013–2026Numerical methods for scientists and engineers
Richard Hamming
Recommended by 5 · mentioned by 75 recommend · 7 mention5 recommend · 75 recommend
2013–2020Number theory and its history
Øystein Ore
Recommended by 3 · mentioned by 33 recommend · 3 mention3 recommend · 33 recommend
2014–2016The hitchhiker's guide to calculus
Michael Spivak
Recommended by 3 · mentioned by 33 recommend · 3 mention3 recommend · 33 recommend
2019–2023Calculus and analytic geometry
George Brinton Thomas
Recommended by 3 · mentioned by 43 recommend · 4 mention3 recommend · 43 recommend
2017–2026Everyday Calculus
Oscar E. Fernandez
Recommended by 3 · mentioned by 33 recommend · 3 mention3 recommend · 33 recommend
2019–2023Functions and graphs
Israel M. Gel'fand, E. G. Glagoleva, E. E. Shnol
Recommended by 4 · mentioned by 44 recommend · 4 mention4 recommend · 44 recommend
2014–2021Euler
William Dunham
Recommended by 5 · mentioned by 65 recommend · 6 mention5 recommend · 65 recommend
Introduction to logic and to the methodology of deductive sciences
Alfred Tarski
Recommended by 4 · mentioned by 44 recommend · 4 mention4 recommend · 44 recommend
Richard Hamming’s “Methods of Mathematics Applied to Calculus, Probability, and Statistics” is a wonderful introduction to calculus from one of those rare individuals who mastered the interplay between applications of mathematics and its theory. It’s packed with insights from a true veteran.…
on “Ask HN: Which books in your field do you think are perfect for self study?” ↗…Modern Mathematics by Ian Stewart - A nice overview in simple language. * Mathematics: Its Content, Methods and Meaning by Kolmogorov et al. - A broad but concise presentation of a lot of mathematics. * Methods of Mathematics Applied to Calculus, Probability, and Statistics by Richard Hamming - A very good applied maths book. All of Hamming's books are recommended. There are of course plenty more but the above should be good for understanding.
on “Ask HN: Recommend a maths book for a teenager?” ↗You beat me to it! In particular; Methods of Mathematics Applied to Calculus, Probability, and Statistics is one of a kind. For the OP; there is also The Art Of Probability by Richard Hamming which you might find interesting. And finally of course everybody needs to read; The Art of Doing Science and Engineering:…
on “Ask HN: Math books you recommend just for the way they are written?” ↗…about the range of problems you run into when you try to apply them e.g. Numerical Methods for Scientists and Engineers (1962) Introduction To Applied Numerical Analysis (1971) Digital Filters (1977) Methods of Mathematics Applied to Calculus, Probability, and Statistics (1985)
on “Ask HN: Math books you recommend just for the way they are written?” ↗Methods of Mathematics Applied to Calculus, Probability, and Statistics by Hamming is an excellent and rigorous introduction text. http://www.amazon.com/Methods-Mathematics-Calculus-Probabili...
on “Ask HN: How or where to begin learning mathematics from first principles?” ↗Try "Methods of Mathematics Applied to Calculus, Probability, and Statistics" by Richard Hamming
on “Matrix Calculus for Deep Learning” ↗…the other good suggestions, the following are recommended (have not seen these mentioned so far); - Concepts of Modern Mathematics - https://www.amazon.com/Concepts-Modern-Mathematics-Dover-Boo... - Methods of Mathematics Applied to Calculus, Probability, and Statistics - https://www.amazon.com/Methods-Mathematics-Calculus-Probabil... (all books by Richard Hamming are recommended) - Calculus: An Intuitive and Physical Approach - https://www.amazon.com/Calculus-Intuitive-Physical-Approach-...…
on “Ask HN: Are there books for mathematics like Feynman's lectures on physics?” ↗All of Hamming's books are Great. Most are available from Dover Publications for cheap. In particular; checkout his * Methods of Mathematics Applied to Calculus, Probability, and Statistics. * The Art of Probability.
on “Beyond Smart” ↗A good non-standard Applied Maths text is : Methods of Mathematics Applied to Calculus, Probability, and Statistics by Richard Hamming.
on “A non-standard book list for software developers” ↗You are going to love Methods of Mathematics Applied to Calculus, Probability, and Statistics by Richard Hamming (one of the greatest applied mathematicians).
on ““When are we going to use this in our everyday life?” (2017)” ↗Richard W. Hamming, Applied Mathematics - Methods of Mathematics Applied to Calculus, Probability, and Statistics.
on “Ask HN: What are the best general math workbooks?” ↗…Graduate School) by Thomas Garrity - A survey and a good adjunct to a textbook. * Mathematics: Its Content, Methods and Meaning by Kolmogorov et al. - Classic text from the great Russian Mathematicians. * Methods of Mathematics Applied to Calculus, Probability, and Statistics by Richard Hamming - Unique text from the great Richard Hamming (also checkout his other books). There is plenty more of course, specifically; checkout "Dover Publications" texts, many of which are classics…
on “A Gentle Introduction to the Art of Mathematics” ↗…https://global.oup.com/academic/product/how-to-think-about-a... I believe we need to study Calculus alongside Probability/Statistics nowadays due to their pervasive use in ML/AI/etc. To that end; a) Methods of Mathematics Applied to Calculus, Probability, and Statistics by Richard Hamming. It is by Hamming so one of the best. - https://store.doverpublications.com/products/9780486439457?_... b) Calculus and Statistics by Michael Gemignani. Similar to the above - https://store.doverpublications.com/products/9780486449937
on “Simplifying and Refactoring Introductory Calculus” ↗…https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2FF649D0C4407B30 Enjoy! It's wonderful. (The last lecture is the famous "You and Your Research" that he gave many times.) I've really enjoyed his books too, from Numerical Methods for Scientists and Engineers to Methods of Mathematics Applied to Calculus, Probability, and Statistics. They're all drenched with experience.
on “Work Hard (2007)” ↗…then you can go on to explore programs written in it, algorithms, data structures whatnot. My ultimate goal is to, at least, learn enough so that I can really understand books by Hamming, especially "Methods of Mathematics Applied to Calculus, Probability, and Statistics" [4]. And, of course, to do interesting projects along the way, now that I am starting to understand some of the research papers. [1] http://worrydream.com/refs/Hamming-TheArtOfDoingScienceAndEn... [2]…
on “Why There Is No Hitchhiker’s Guide to Mathematics for Programmers” ↗