What is Calculus? Mr. Curran

What is Calculus? “My best day in Calc 1 at USC was the day I had to cut class to get a root canal.” –Mary Johnson, USC “I keep having this recurring dream where my calculus professor is coming after me with an axe.” – Tom Franklin, Colorado College

“Calculus is fun, and it’s so easy. I don’t get what all the fuss is about.” –Sam Einstein, Albert’s great grandson

When am I ever going to use this? You are the first person to ever ask that question… seriously you are… really… no one ever thought to ask that… that’s a good point, let’s not do this section… what gave you insight that this was not useful… Lame.

There is a strong feeling that since there are many uses for mathematics, the study of mathematics needs to be justified in terms of its usefulness. When am I ever going to use this?

One of the biggest road blocks to success in mathematics is the time wasted trying to justify its usefulness. When am I ever going to use this?

The mathematics classroom is not job training, its brain training. Mathematics is part of your intellectual equipment. The logical discipline of mathematics is what teaches you to THINK. When am I ever going to use this?

Calculus is the language of engineers, scientists, and economists. The work of these “egg heads” has a huge impact on your day-to-day life. Just to name a few: Cell phones, HD TV, cars, medications, computers, microwaves, the workings of our economy, and our national defense are all affected by calculus. What is Calculus?

So What is Calculus Already? Calculus is the mathematics of change. Calculus is advanced algebra and geometry. Calculus takes the ordinary rules of algebra and geometry and tweaks them so that they can be used on more complicated problems.

“ Regular Math” vs Calculus

Calculus is achievable. If you’ve made it through algebra, geometry, and trig, then calculus is simply the next step. Those who think they can and those who think they can’t are usually right. Calculus: Not just for “Egg Heads”