Course

Single Variable Calculus

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This introductory calculus course covers essential topics in differentiation and integration of functions of one variable, with various applications. Key components of the course include:

  • Understanding the fundamentals of derivatives and their applications.
  • Exploring limits and continuity, including trigonometric limits.
  • Investigating advanced differentiation techniques such as implicit differentiation and the chain rule.
  • Examining integration techniques, including improper integrals and integration by parts.
  • Applying calculus concepts to real-world case studies, specifically in code division multiple access (CDMA).

This course is designed for students aiming to build a solid foundation in calculus for further studies in mathematics, engineering, or related fields.

Course Lectures
  • This module introduces the concept of derivatives, focusing on their interpretation as slope, velocity, and rate of change. Students will learn how to calculate derivatives using various rules and methods.

    Key topics include:

    • Understanding the definition of a derivative.
    • Exploring the physical meanings of derivatives in real-world scenarios.
    • Learning to apply differentiation techniques to various functions.
  • This module covers the essential concepts of limits and continuity, with a focus on trigonometric limits. Students will learn how these concepts form the foundation for calculus.

    Topics include:

    • Understanding the definition and significance of limits.
    • Identifying continuous functions and their properties.
    • Analyzing trigonometric limits and their applications.
  • This module focuses on the derivatives of products and quotients, as well as the derivatives of sine and cosine functions. Students will learn how to differentiate complex functions effectively.

    Key areas of study include:

    • The product rule and quotient rule in differentiation.
    • Derivatives of trigonometric functions, including sine and cosine.
    • Application of these rules in solving real-world problems.
  • This module introduces the chain rule and higher derivatives, emphasizing their application in differentiating composite functions. Students will explore how to calculate higher order derivatives.

    Topics include:

    • The chain rule and its significance in differentiation.
    • Calculating first and higher derivatives of functions.
    • Applications of higher derivatives in real-world contexts.
  • This module covers implicit differentiation and inverse functions. Students will learn techniques for differentiating equations that are not easily solvable for one variable.

    Key learning points include:

    • The process of implicit differentiation and its applications.
    • Understanding inverse functions and their derivatives.
    • Real-world applications of implicit differentiation.
  • This module continues the study of hyperbolic functions and prepares students for Exam 1. Topics will cover the properties of hyperbolic functions and their derivatives.

    Students will focus on:

    • The definition and properties of hyperbolic functions.
    • Calculating derivatives of hyperbolic functions.
    • Reviewing material in preparation for the upcoming examination.
  • This module introduces linear and quadratic approximations, teaching students how to use derivatives to estimate function values near a point.

    Key concepts include:

    • The concept of linearization and quadratic approximation.
    • Application of derivatives in approximating functions.
    • Real-world applications of linear and quadratic models.
  • Curve Sketching
    David Jerison

    This module focuses on curve sketching, teaching students how to analyze functions using derivatives to understand their behavior and shape.

    Topics include:

    • Using first and second derivatives to find critical points.
    • Identifying intervals of increase and decrease.
    • Determining concavity and points of inflection.
  • Max-Min Problems
    David Jerison

    This module covers max-min problems, guiding students through optimization techniques using derivatives to solve real-world scenarios.

    Key components include:

    • Identifying maximum and minimum values of functions.
    • Using first and second derivative tests for optimization.
    • Applying optimization techniques to practical problems.
  • Related Rates
    David Jerison

    This module introduces related rates, emphasizing how to relate the rates of change of different variables in real-world contexts.

    Key topics include:

    • Understanding the concept of related rates in calculus.
    • Applying derivatives to solve related rates problems.
    • Real-world examples and applications of related rates.
  • This module serves as a preface to sets, functions, and limits, introducing students to foundational concepts necessary for understanding calculus.

    Key learning points include:

    • The definition of sets and functions.
    • Understanding the concept of limits and their importance.
    • Applications of these concepts in calculus.
  • Analytic Geometry
    Herbert Gross

    This module delves into analytic geometry, focusing on the intersection of algebra and geometry, and how these concepts can be applied in calculus.

    Topics include:

    • Understanding points, lines, and curves in the coordinate plane.
    • Analyzing geometric shapes using algebraic equations.
    • Applications of analytic geometry in calculus.
  • Inverse Functions
    Herbert Gross

    This module covers inverse functions, teaching students how to find and understand the relationship between functions and their inverses.

    Key concepts include:

    • The definition and calculation of inverse functions.
    • Understanding the graphical representation of inverse functions.
    • Applications of inverse functions in calculus.
  • This module revisits sets, functions, and limits, focusing on their relationship with derivatives and the understanding of limits in calculus.

    Key areas of study include:

    • The connection between sets, functions, and limits.
    • Understanding how derivatives relate to limits.
    • Applications and implications in calculus.
  • This module presents a more rigorous approach to limits, introducing students to formal definitions and methods of evaluating limits in calculus.

    Topics include:

    • Understanding the epsilon-delta definition of limits.
    • Techniques for evaluating limits analytically.
    • Applications of rigorous limits in calculus problems.
  • This module discusses mathematical induction as a fundamental concept, providing students with tools to prove statements in calculus and beyond.

    Key learning points include:

    • Understanding the principle of mathematical induction.
    • Applying induction to prove statements about functions and sequences.
    • Connections between induction and calculus concepts.
  • This module covers the derivatives of some simple functions, allowing students to practice and master basic differentiation techniques.

    Key concepts include:

    • Identifying and calculating the derivatives of elementary functions.
    • Practicing differentiation techniques through various examples.
    • Applications of these derivatives in solving problems.
  • This module introduces approximations and infinitesimals, teaching students how to use these concepts in calculus to simplify complex problems.

    Key topics include:

    • Understanding approximations in mathematical analysis.
    • Exploring the concept of infinitesimals and their significance.
    • Applications of approximations and infinitesimals in calculus.
  • This module focuses on composite functions and the chain rule, guiding students through the process of differentiating nested functions.

    Key concepts include:

    • The definition and properties of composite functions.
    • Application of the chain rule in differentiation.
    • Real-world examples using composite functions.
  • This module covers the differentiation of inverse functions, teaching students how to find derivatives of functions that have been inverted.

    Key learning points include:

    • The process of finding derivatives of inverse functions.
    • Applications of inverse function derivatives in calculus.
    • Real-world scenarios involving inverse functions.
  • Implicit Differentiation
    Herbert Gross

    This module focuses on implicit differentiation, providing insights into how to differentiate functions defined implicitly rather than explicitly.

    Key topics include:

    • The process of implicit differentiation and its applications.
    • Examples of implicit functions and their derivatives.
    • Real-world applications of implicit differentiation in calculus.
  • This module examines the relationship between differentiation and continuity, emphasizing their interconnectedness in understanding calculus concepts.

    Key learning points include:

    • Understanding the definition of continuity and its importance in calculus.
    • Exploring how differentiation relates to continuity.
    • Applications of these concepts in real-world scenarios.
  • This module focuses on the application of differentiation for curve plotting, teaching students how to represent functions graphically based on their derivatives.

    Key topics include:

    • Using derivatives to find critical points for curve sketching.
    • Analyzing the behavior of functions through their derivatives.
    • Graphing functions accurately using differentiation techniques.
  • This module addresses differentiation related to maxima and minima, helping students identify optimal solutions for given functions through calculus.

    Key components include:

    • Finding maximum and minimum values using derivatives.
    • Applying the first derivative test for optimization.
    • Real-world applications of maxima and minima in various fields.
  • This module discusses Rolle's Theorem and its consequences, teaching students about this fundamental theorem in calculus and its implications for derivative behavior.

    Key learning points include:

    • The statement and proof of Rolle's Theorem.
    • Understanding the implications of the theorem on function behavior.
    • Applications of Rolle's Theorem in real-world scenarios.
  • This module focuses on inverse differentiation, exploring techniques for finding derivatives of inverse functions in various contexts.

    Key concepts include:

    • The process of differentiating inverse functions.
    • Understanding relationships between functions and their inverses.
    • Applications of inverse differentiation in real-world scenarios.
  • This module introduces the concept of the "definite" indefinite integral, discussing the relationship between integration and differentiation in calculus.

    Key topics include:

    • The definition and properties of indefinite integrals.
    • Understanding the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.
    • Applications of integrals in solving calculus problems.
  • The Circular Functions
    Herbert Gross

    This module delves into circular functions, teaching students about their properties and applications in calculus.

    Key learning points include:

    • Understanding the definition of circular functions.
    • Exploring the properties and graphs of sine, cosine, and tangent.
    • Applications of circular functions in solving calculus problems.
  • This module covers inverse circular functions, helping students understand their properties and how to differentiate them.

    Key topics include:

    • The definition and properties of inverse circular functions.
    • Techniques for differentiating inverse circular functions.
    • Applications of inverse circular functions in calculus.
  • The Definite Integral
    Herbert Gross

    This module focuses on the definite integral, teaching students how to calculate and interpret definite integrals in various contexts.

    Key learning points include:

    • The definition and properties of definite integrals.
    • Calculating definite integrals using the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.
    • Applications of definite integrals in real-world problems.
  • This module discusses the marriage of differential and integral calculus, illustrating the connections between the two branches through real-world applications.

    Key areas of study include:

    • The interplay between differentiation and integration.
    • Understanding the significance of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.
    • Real-world applications that showcase this relationship.
  • Three-Dimensional Area
    Herbert Gross

    This module introduces three-dimensional area, extending the concepts of area calculation into three dimensions and its applications.

    Key concepts include:

    • Understanding three-dimensional shapes and their properties.
    • Calculating areas of surfaces in three dimensions.
    • Applications of three-dimensional area in real-world problems.
  • One-Dimensional Area
    Herbert Gross

    This module focuses on one-dimensional area, teaching students how to calculate area under curves using integration techniques.

    Key areas of study include:

    • The concept of area under curves in one dimension.
    • Calculating one-dimensional areas using definite integrals.
    • Applications of one-dimensional area in various fields.
  • This module covers logarithms without exponents, exploring the properties and applications of logarithmic functions in various contexts.

    Key learning points include:

    • The definition and properties of logarithms.
    • Understanding logarithmic functions and their graphs.
    • Applications of logarithms in solving mathematical problems.
  • Inverse Logarithms
    Herbert Gross

    This module discusses inverse logarithms, helping students understand their properties and applications within mathematical contexts.

    Key concepts include:

    • The definition and properties of inverse logarithms.
    • Applications of inverse logarithms in solving equations.
    • Graphical representation of inverse logarithmic functions.
  • This module emphasizes the significance of signs in mathematical expressions, teaching students how different signs can affect calculations in calculus.

    Key topics include:

    • Understanding the role of positive and negative signs in calculus.
    • Analyzing how sign changes affect function behavior.
    • Practical applications of sign analysis in calculus problems.
  • This module introduces inverse hyperbolic functions, teaching students their definitions, properties, and differentiation techniques.

    Key concepts include:

    • The definition and properties of inverse hyperbolic functions.
    • Differentiation techniques for inverse hyperbolic functions.
    • Applications of inverse hyperbolic functions in calculus.
  • This module covers advanced integration techniques, focusing on basic recipes for integration, essential for solving complex problems in calculus.

    Key areas of study include:

    • Common integration formulas and techniques.
    • Strategies for integrating various types of functions.
    • Real-world applications of these integration techniques.
  • This module explores more integration techniques, focusing on partial functions and how to integrate them effectively in calculus.

    Key topics include:

    • Understanding partial functions and their characteristics.
    • Techniques for integrating partial functions.
    • Applications of partial function integration in various contexts.
  • This module covers integration by parts, teaching students this powerful technique for integrating products of functions in calculus.

    Key concepts include:

    • The formula and process for integration by parts.
    • Examples illustrating the application of this technique.
    • Real-world applications of integration by parts in solving problems.
  • This module discusses improper integrals, teaching students how to evaluate integrals that do not have defined limits or finite values.

    Key areas of study include:

    • The definition and characteristics of improper integrals.
    • Techniques for evaluating different types of improper integrals.
    • Applications of improper integrals in various fields.
  • This module introduces infinite series, focusing on their convergence properties and importance in calculus.

    Key learning points include:

    • Understanding the concept of infinite series and their convergence.
    • Techniques for determining convergence or divergence of series.
    • Applications of infinite series in various mathematical contexts.
  • This module focuses on positive series, teaching students how to analyze and work with series that converge to positive values.

    Key concepts include:

    • The characteristics and properties of positive series.
    • Techniques for evaluating the sum of positive series.
    • Applications of positive series in mathematical problems.
  • This module discusses absolute convergence, focusing on series that converge regardless of the arrangement of their terms.

    Key learning points include:

    • Understanding absolute convergence and its significance.
    • Techniques for testing for absolute convergence of series.
    • Applications of absolutely convergent series in calculus.
  • This module explores polynomial approximations, teaching students how to use series to approximate functions and their values.

    Key points include:

    • The concept of polynomial approximations and Taylor series.
    • Techniques for constructing polynomial approximations for functions.
    • Applications of polynomial approximations in solving mathematical problems.
  • This module discusses uniform convergence, emphasizing its importance in the context of infinite series and functions.

    Key concepts include:

    • The definition of uniform convergence and its significance.
    • Techniques for testing for uniform convergence of series.
    • Applications of uniform convergence in calculus.