Introduction to Calculus

This class will be taught in a straight-forward manner.  The instructor will first show several examples of the topic; then students will try with instructor guidance before doing problems on their own.  Each class will last 80 minutes (with a short break in the middle) and the class sessions will proceed in an organized manner:  warm-up (review) problem, introduction of new topics, and the practicing of the new topics.

Before taking this course, students should have command of Algebra, including solving equations, working with lines, and factoring.  Students should have basic knowledge of trigonometry and should be comfortable working with a graphing calculator.  We will utilize the free, online calculator, Desmos.

Calculus is a rigorous topic, and this course will require concentration in class and willingness to practice outside of class as well.  Homework will be assigned after each class session and answer keys will be posted for students to check themselves.

Three units will be covered:
Limits
Derivatives
Integrals

Weeks 1-2:  Limits:  Graphically & Algebraically
Weeks 3-6:  Derivatives & Their Applications
Weeks 7-8:  Introduction to Integrals
Week 9:  Review

To assess student knowledge, there will be a quiz after each unit and a final, cumulative exam at the end of the course.