Is a new edition book generally the same as an old one?

Question

I'm buying a book and i noticed that the 4th edition is 70 bucks cheaper then the 5th I'm wondering if it's just rearranged in a different order for chapters.

Answer 1

It mainly depends on the topic but most books that are the newer edition just updates their charts and surveys of people.

Answer 2

usually when its a new edition its because they added stuff that wasnt in the original like if the book was printed in 2000 and a good painting is is created in 2005 they will make a new edition with the added painting.

Answer 3

A lot of text books are reissued just to keep the money coming in from students.  If the author isn't your professor, always ask if an older edition will do as well.  A lot of books will purposefully alter study questions and problems from edition to edition just to force students to buy new books.  Other subjects may only alter or add a few pictures and leave the text unchanged.  

Just get into the habit of asking every professor if it will matter, most were broke students or TAs recently enough to sympathize.  They'll let you know.