What is Calculus?
The Dictionary Definition: cal·cu·lus [kal-kyuh-luhs] noun, plural cal·cu·li [kal-kyuh-lahy] Mathematics . a method of calculation, especially one of several highly systematic methods of treating problems by a special system of algebraic notations, as differential or integral calculus. My personal take on Calculus: Calculus generally is the "easier" part when solving a problem. Remembering past methods and equations from other classes that go along with Calculus is usually the difficult part to solving. In Calculus, you will be using Arithmetic, Geometry, Algebra, and/or Trigonometry to apply towards higher applied mathematics appropriate to the collegiate level. Calculus and Algebra usually goes side by side with each other on a regular basis. In Algebra, you have to deal with more regular, and less real ideas, but in Calculus, you will deal with more real, but less regular ideas. Calculus and Algebra go hand and hand with each other a lot, however, you will be using a lot of techniques that you learn from Algebra in order to solve problems in Calculus. The two main subject concentrations of Calculus are differentiation and integration. Differential Calculus deals with a step down or "breaking down" approach while Integration has methods and formulas to move up or "build up" equations. In Differential Calculus, you look at limits of an equation, and find a derivative of such equation. In Integral Calculus, you will discover the areas beneath a curve, and the volumes of complex discs or solids. If you plan to take on majors in college such as Science, Business, Engineering, and of course Mathematics, to name a few, you will need a good basic understanding and foundation of Calculus to apply toward your field of study. Without Calculus applied to many things today, our mad-made world would not have the complex beauty it has today. Our world depends on calculus to where complex curves and ideas that many of our buildings and infrastructures have. Certain animals have calculus imbedded into their phenomenal living structures such as the conch (shown at the right) and other shell type creatures. Posted on the right, is the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus that many collegiate mathematicians use for writing rigorous proofs. For more Information on Calculus, watch the posted video from youtube down below: |