OSU Briggs Calculus Book Buying Guide 20172018 School Year

Every fall, Oregon State University mathematics students face the familiar dilemma of selecting the right textbook for their calculus courses. The Briggs Calculus seriesnamed after the prolific author James L. Briggshas been the standard for introductory and intermediate calculus at OSU for many years. This guide compiles the most uptodate information for the 20172018 academic year, helping you weigh cost, edition, format, and purchasing location before you make a decision.

Why the Briggs Textbooks Matter at OSU

Professorchosen textbooks shape the pacing of lectures, the style of homework assignments, and the expectations of exams. For calculus, OSUs Department of Mathematics consistently adopts the Briggs series because it aligns closely with the curriculum framework recommended by the College of Science. The authors emphasize clear explanations, plentiful examples, and an integrated approach to problemsolving that mirrors the teaching methodology of most OSU calculus instructors.

Edition Overview for 20172018

The following editions are in active use for the 20172018 courses:

• Calculus: Early Transcendentals, 8th Edition Used for Calculus I (Math 121) and Calculus II (Math 122). This edition includes revised sections on limits, continuity, and the introductory proofs needed for a solid foundation.
• Calculus: Early Transcendentals, 9th Edition Adopted for Calculus III (Math 221). The 9th edition expands multivariable topics, vector calculus, and introduces surface integrals with richer visual aids.

Both editions retain the same ISBN13 range, making them easy to locate in campus stores, online retailers, and secondhand marketplaces.

New vs. Used: CostBenefit Analysis

New copies often carry the highest price tag but guarantee a pristine condition, the latest errata corrections, and access to accompanying online resources (e.g., MyMathLab, WileyPLUS). Used books can be substantially cheapersometimes as low as 4060% of the retail pricebut may suffer from missing pages, worn covers, or outdated supplemental material. When buying used, always verify that the ISBN matches the required edition and confirm whether online access codes are included.

Typical Price Ranges (USD)

Note that many online platforms (e.g., Chegg, Amazon) allow you to rent a textbook for a semester, which can reduce costs furtheroften to $30$45 for the entire term.

Where to Purchase

Below are the most reliable sources for both new and used copies.

OnCampus Options

• OSU Bookstore (Official Campus Store) Offers new hardcover and paperback versions, plus the convenience of instore pickup. The store also bundles the required MyMathLab access at a discounted rate for students that purchase directly from them.
• University Library Reserve Some sections of the textbook are available for shortterm checkout. While this does not replace the need for a personal copy, it can be a useful supplement for reference during exam week.

Online Retailers

• Amazon Wide selection of new, used, and rental copies. The Student Prime program provides free twoday shipping for eligible purchases.
• eBay Ideal for hunting down lowprice used books. Look for sellers with high feedback scores and confirm that the access code (if needed) is included.
• Chegg Offers both rental and buyback programs, allowing you to rent for a semester and then sell the book back at the end of the term.
• Walmart/Target Online Occasionally carries discounted paperback editions.

Local UsedBook Stores

The Corvallis area features several independent shops that stock used textbooks, such as Campus Books on Jefferson Street. Prices vary, but you can often negotiate a better deal by mentioning the exact ISBN.

Timing Your Purchase

Buying early in the summer (JuneJuly) typically yields the best selection and the lowest prices because retailers have not yet increased demand for fallsemester texts. If you miss the summer window, aim for late Augustjust before the first week of classeswhen many students offload their books, creating a secondary market surge.

Keep an eye out for the following key dates:

• July 15 OSU Bookstore releases the official Buyback price schedule for 20172018. Knowing the buyback rate helps you decide whether renting or purchasing is more economical.
• August 20 Deadline for most professors to confirm textbook adoptions. After this date, occasional lastminute supplemental materials may be added, requiring a quick purchase of a specific chapter guide.
• September 15 First week of classes. If you have not yet secured a copy, consider a digital textbook (ebook) that can be downloaded instantly; many publishers allow immediate access upon purchase.

Digital Alternatives and Accessibility

Both the 8th and 9th editions are offered as ebooks through platforms such as VitalSource and the Kindle store. Digital versions typically cost 2030% less than printed hardcovers and include searchable text, builtin annotation tools, and the ability to sync notes across devices. For students with visual impairments, the ebook format is compatible with screenreader software, meeting ADA compliance standards.

Tips for Managing Textbook Costs

1. Combine Rent and BuyBack Rent the textbook for the semester and then return it early enough to qualify for a buyback credit. The combined cost can be dramatically lower than buying new.
2. Share Access Codes Some professors allow a single MyMathLab or WileyPLUS code to be shared among a small group (usually 23 students). Verify this policy before purchasing an extra access code.
3. Utilize Campus Resources The OSU Library frequently holds Course Reserves that include solution manuals and problem sets. These can often replace the need for a separate instructors manual.
4. Check for Bundle Discounts The official OSU Bookstore occasionally offers a textbook+access code bundle that saves $10$15 compared to buying each component separately.
5. Watch for EndofSemester Sales After finals, many retailers discount calculus textbooks by up to 70% for the next academic year. If you anticipate taking upperlevel math courses, buying early for the next year can lock in a great price.

Conclusion

The Briggs Calculus series remains the backbone of OSUs mathematics curriculum for the 20172018 school year. By understanding the distinctions between editions, evaluating new versus used options, and taking advantage of campus resources, you can secure the required textbook at a price that fits your budget. Remember to purchase early, verify ISBN numbers, and consider digital alternatives if you value portability and accessibility. With the information in this guide, youll be prepared to focus on mastering calculus rather than worrying about textbook logistics.

Good luck, and enjoy a successful semester of mathematical discovery!