Math 53 - Calculus I
Course Description
MATH 53 is the first in the calculus series of three courses. It focuses on limits and
continuity; differentiation; derivatives of algebraic and trigonometric functions;
applications of derivatives; extrema of functions; optimizations; antidifferentiation;
definite integrals; and applications of integrals.
Course Learning Outcomes
After completion of the course, the student should be able to:
- Discuss the fundamental concepts and processes in calculus;
- Use theorems and techniques to find limits, derivatives, and integrals of functions;
- Analyze the behavior of functions in terms of their continuity, extreme points, concavity, and asymptotes;
- Verify basic results in calculus through various forms of mathematical reasoning;
- Construct appropriate mathematical models describing situational problems; and
- Engage in problem solving using calculus concepts, models, and tools learned.
Course Outline
UNIT 1. Conics and Other Plane Curves
- The Polar Coordinate System, Conics in Polar Coordinates
- Special Polar Graphs (Cardioid, Limacon, Lemniscate, Spiral, Rose)
- Simultaneous Polar Equations
UNIT 2. Limits, Continuity, and Derivatives
- The Intuitive Notion and Precise Definition of the Limit of a Function
- Limit Theorems; Evaluation of Limits; One-Sided Limits
- Infinite Limits and Vertical Asymptotes
- Limits at Infinity and Horizontal Asymptotes
- Continuity of a Function at a Point and on an Interval
- Discontinuous Functions; Types of Discontinuity
- The Tangent and Velocity Problems
- Derivatives and Rates of Change
- The Derivative as a Function
- Higher-Order Derivatives
- Differentiability and Continuity
UNIT 3. Differentiation Rules
- Derivatives of Polynomials and Exponential Functions
- Product and Quotient Rules
- Derivatives of Trigonometric Functions
- The Chain Rule
- Implicit Differentiation
- Derivatives of the Inverse Trigonometric Functions
- Derivatives of Logarithmic Functions; Logarithmic Differentiation
- Derivatives of Hyperbolic Functions and Inverse Hyperbolic Functions
- Rates of Change in Motion and Marginal Analysis
- Related Rates Problems
- Linear Approximation and Differentials
UNIT 4. Further Applications of Differentiation
- Indeterminate Forms and L'Hopital’s Rule
- Maximum and Minimum Values
- Rolle’s Theorem and Mean Value Theorem
- First Derivative Test; Increasing and Decreasing Functions
- Second Derivative Test for Extrema and Concavity of Functions
- Curve Sketching
- Optimization Problems
- Antiderivatives
UNIT 5. Integrals
- Areas and Distances
- The Definite Integral
- The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
- Indefinite Integrals and The Net Change Theorem
- The Substitution Rule
- Average Value of a Function
- Areas of Plane Regions between Curves
- Volume of Solids by Slicing, Disks, Washers, and Cylindrical Shells