This book was required for my physics class. Well, actually the hardback version is what they told us to get, but I got the paperback version instead. It is over a hundred dollars cheaper and as far as I can tell, there is no difference between the two versions of this book. I honestly cannot justify paying over a hundred dollars more just so the front and back cover is shinier and has extra cardboard. If you only need to take this class for 1 semester, buying the paperback version will save you a good bit of money.