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There are 6 modules in this course
This first course on concepts of single variable calculus will introduce the notions of limits of a function to define the derivative of a function. In mathematics, the derivative measures the sensitivity to change of the function. For example, the derivative of the position of a moving object with respect to time is the object's velocity: this measures how quickly the position of the object changes when time advances. This fundamental notion will be applied through the modelling and analysis of data.
One of the goals in studying Calculus is to analyze rates of change and movement. In this module, we introduce the central ideas which will help us achieve this goal: the notions of the limit and the derivative. Rather than evaluating a function at a single point, the limit allows for the study of the behavior of a function in an interval around that point. In this module, you will find limits of functions by a variety of methods, both visually and algebraically. Finally, we will apply limits to define the key idea of Differentiable Calculus, the derivative.
What's included
5 videos2 readings1 assignment
Show info about module content
5 videos•Total 59 minutes
Introduction to Limits•1 minute
The Tangent Problem•7 minutes
Finding Limits with Graphs and Tables•20 minutes
One-Sided Limits•14 minutes
Limits Involving Infinity•17 minutes
2 readings•Total 20 minutes
Notes: The Limit of a Function•10 minutes
Sample Problems: The Limit of a Function•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
The Limit of a Function•30 minutes
The Limit Laws
Module 2•1 hour to complete
Module details
Using calculators or graphs is an imprecise way to find the limit of a function. In this module, we will state and use algebraic properties of limits, called the Limit Laws, to calculate the exact values of limits. A solid understanding of these laws will allow us to derive theorems which in turn can be used to study the behavior of more advanced functions.
What's included
3 videos1 reading1 assignment
Show info about module content
3 videos•Total 46 minutes
Limit Laws•17 minutes
Examples to Find Limits•16 minutes
Squeeze Theorem•12 minutes
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
Notes: The Limit Laws•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
The Limit Laws•30 minutes
Continuity
Module 3•2 hours to complete
Module details
In the last module, there were several types of functions where the limit of a function as x approaches a number could be found by simply calculating the value of the function at the number. Functions with this property will be called continuous and in this module, we use limits to define continuity. We will see that the mathematical definition of continuity will correspond closely with the English meaning of the word continuity used in every day language.
What's included
3 videos2 readings1 assignment
Show info about module content
3 videos•Total 47 minutes
Continuity•17 minutes
More on Continuity•14 minutes
Intermediate Value Theorem•17 minutes
2 readings•Total 20 minutes
Notes: Continuity•10 minutes
Sample Problems: Continuity•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Continuity•30 minutes
Limits at Infinity
Module 4•1 hour to complete
Module details
In this module, we allow for x to become arbitrarily large in the positive or negative direction to understand the end-behaviors of functions. This will allow for the formal definition of a horizontal asymptote and to provide classifications of end-behavior of certain types of functions.
What's included
1 video2 readings1 assignment
Show info about module content
1 video•Total 27 minutes
Limits at Infinity•27 minutes
2 readings•Total 20 minutes
Notes: Limits at Infinity•10 minutes
Sample Problems: Limits at Infinity•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Limits at Infinity•30 minutes
Derivatives
Module 5•2 hours to complete
Module details
The problem of finding the slope of the tangent line to a curve and the problem of finding the instantaneous velocity of an object both involve finding the same type of limit. This special type of limit is called the derivative and in this module, we will see that this notion of the derivative can be interpreted as a rate of change in any of the natural or social sciences or engineering.
What's included
7 videos2 readings1 assignment
Show info about module content
7 videos•Total 97 minutes
Introduction to Derivatives•1 minute
Using Limits to Find the Slope of a Tangent Line•14 minutes
Derivatives•17 minutes
Examples Using the Limit Definition of the Derivative•17 minutes
The Derivative As a Function•15 minutes
Differentiability and Continuity•18 minutes
Higher Derivatives•15 minutes
2 readings•Total 20 minutes
Notes: Derivatives•10 minutes
Sample Problems: Derivatives•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Derivatives•30 minutes
Final Project
Module 6•1 hour to complete
Module details
In this final project, we will apply the tools and language of differentiable calculus to analyze trends in data. This project will focus on modelling and analyzing gender ratios in educational attainment over time in several regions of the world.
What's included
1 peer review
Show info about module content
1 peer review•Total 60 minutes
Gender Ratios in Education•60 minutes
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