Calculus is one of the grandest achievements of human thought, explaining everything from planetary orbits to the optimal size of a city to the periodicity of a heartbeat. This brisk course covers the core ideas of single-variable Calculus with emphases on conceptual understanding and applications. The course is ideal for students beginning in the engineering, physical, and social sciences. Distinguishing features of the course include: 1) the introduction and use of Taylor series and approximations from the beginning; 2) a novel synthesis of discrete and continuous forms of Calculus; 3) an emphasis on the conceptual over the computational; and 4) a clear, dynamic, unified approach.
In this fifth part--part five of five--we cover a calculus for sequences, numerical methods, series and convergence tests, power and Taylor series, and conclude the course with a final exam. Learners in this course can earn a certificate in the series by signing up for Coursera's verified certificate program and passing the series' final exam.
Single Variable Calculus
Offered By
University of Pennsylvania
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week
1A Calculus for Sequences
It's time to redo calculus! Previously, all the calculus we have done is meant for functions with a continuous input and a continuous output. This time, we are going to retool calculus for functions with a <i>discrete</i> input. These are <i>sequences</i>, and they will occupy our attention for this last segment of the course. This first module will introduce the tools and terminologies for <b>discrete calculus</b>.
4 videos (Total 53 min), 2 readings, 5 quizzes
2 readings
Your Guide to Getting Started in this Course10m
How Grading Works10m
5 practice exercises
Core Homework: Sequences14m
Core Homework: Differences12m
Challenge Homework: Differences8m
Core Homework: Discrete Calculus10m
Challenge Homework: Discrete Calculus4m
Week
2Introduction to Numerical Methods
That first module might have seemed a little...strange. It was! In this module, however, we will put that strangeness to good use, by giving a very brief introduction to the vast subjects of <b>numerical analysis</b>, answering such questions as <i>"how do we approximate solutions to differential equations?"</i> and <i>"how do we approximate definite integals?"</i> Perhaps unsurprisingly, Taylor expansion plays a pivotal role in these approximations.
2 videos (Total 34 min), 1 quiz
1 practice exercise
Core Homework: Numerical O.D.E.s4m
Week
3Series and Convergence Tests
In "ordinary" calculus, we have seen the importance (and challenge!) of improper integrals over unbounded domains. Within discrete calculus, this converts to the problem of infinite sums, or <b>series</b>. The determination of convergence for such will occupy our attention for this module. I hope you haven't forgotten your big-O notation --- you are going to need it!
4 videos (Total 65 min), 6 quizzes
6 practice exercises
Core Homework: Infinite Series10m
Challenge Homework: Infinite Series4m
Core Homework: Convergence Tests I16m
Challenge Homework: Convergence Tests I4m
Core Homework: Convergence Tests II6m
Core Homework: Absolute & Conditional4m
Week
4Power and Taylor Series
This course began with an exploration of Taylor series -- an exploration that was, sadly, not as rigorous as one would like. Now that we have at our disposal all the tests and tools of discrete and continuous calculus, we can finally close the loop and make sense of what we've been doing when we Talyor-expand. This module will cover power series in general, from we which specify to our beloved Taylor series.
4 videos (Total 59 min), 5 quizzes
5 practice exercises
Core Homework: Power Series12m
Challenge Homework: Power Series8m
Core Homework: Taylor Series Redux8m
Challenge Homework: Taylor Series Redux4m
Core Homework: Approximation and Error10m
4.9
22 ReviewsTop Reviews
By MM•Jan 11th 2016
This course is tricky and also excellent. I am a computer science student from germany, and it took me quite some time and effort to pass it. The course is well structured, and can be done in time.
By RB•Feb 11th 2017
Feeling really great after finishing the course. Learnt a lot and gained deeper insights into the calculus.\n\nLooking forward to Multi Variable Calculus.
Instructor
Robert Ghrist
ProfessorMathematics and Electrical & Systems Engineering
About University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania (commonly referred to as Penn) is a private university, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. A member of the Ivy League, Penn is the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States, and considers itself to be the first university in the United States with both undergraduate and graduate studies.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
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