- Readable rigor: The writing of this text is cogent, clear, and compelling while carefully maintaining mathematical precision.
- Exercise sets have real depth and are organized into three parts: skills exercises (Problems for Practice), more challenging and thought-provoking exercises (Further Theory and Practice), and technology exercises (Calculator/Computer Sciences)
- Pedagogical features include: Insight, A Look Back, A Look Forward, Quick Quiz, Preview, Key/Basic Steps, Summary of Key Topics, Genesis and Development
- Students who were exposed to calculus in high school are challenged and engaged early; for instance, by early exposure to sequences (in Chapter 2, "Limits")
- Technology is an essential part of modern life. It is used throughout the book in a natural and comfortable manner. Students see how scientists and engineers think about mathematical questions.
- Applications are not "made up" or artificial. They are shown as an essential part of the way we think about Mathematics and the world around us.
- Sequences are introduced early and used throughout to motivate key ideas like limits, exponentials and series.
