Introduction to College Calculus

Introductory Calculus

Mon, Tues and Thurs evenings: 7:00-8:00 PM (Central)

Course Objectives:  To provide the student with...

1.     A review of the behavior and properties of elementary functions of a single variable.

2.     An intuitive and formal understanding of the concept of the limit of a function.

3.     An intuitive understanding of the derivative as instantaneous rate of change.

4.     Ability to apply the derivative to determine slope of a tangent line and instantaneous velocity.

5.     An understanding of the relationship between the graph of a function and its derivative functions. 

6.     Skill in applying the rules of differentiation for polynomials, products, quotients, and composite functions.

7.     Skill in applying the derivative to solve maxima and minima problems and problems of related rates.

8.     Skill in applying the rules of differentiation for trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions.

9.     An introduction to the concept of antidifferentiation (if time)

 

Topics Covered:

Limits                                                                            Continuity

Derivative at a point                                                      Derivative function

Second and higher derivatives                                       Differentiability

Formula for derivatives                                                 Average and instantaneous velocity

Chain rule                                                                      Implicit differentiation

Tangent and normal lines                                              Maxima and minima

First and second derivative tests                                   Applied optimization problems

Related rates                                                                  Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

 

Calculator---  The TI-84 or TI-89 is suggested for this course.

Grading Policy:  While credit is not actually earned for the course, there will be a number of assessments throughout the course to confirm your understanding.  Grades will be assigned based on a typical college grading scale.

A :  90-100

B+: 87-89                                           

B :  80-86                                           

C+: 77-79

C :  70-76

D :  60-69

F :  Below 60