MA 121 Differential Calculus

Quantitative Analysis. This is the first of a two-semester, six-credit calculus sequence. We begin the first semester by reviewing functions from several perspectives (symbolic, numeric, and graphic). For most of the course we study differential calculus, emphasizing how we can use calculus to understand real-world problems such as police radar detection, laying an oil pipeline around a swamp, and understanding motion. Specific topics include limits, continuity, derivatives, the mechanics of finding derivatives, instantaneous rate of change, concavity, the extreme value theorem, and optimization. We use technology extensively, and we also focus on learning how to explain mathematics orally and in writing. The sequence MA 121-MA 122 is considered to be equivalent to MA 131.

Credits

3

Distribution

QA

Offered

Annual Fall Semester