Understanding the techniques and applications of calculus is at the heart of mathematics, science and engineering. This book presents the key topics of introductory calculus through an extensive, well-chosen collection of worked examples, covering:
algebraic techniques
functions and graphs
an informal discussion of limits
techniques of differentiation and integration
Maclaurin and Taylor expansions
geometrical applications
Aimed at first-year undergraduates in mathematics and the physical sciences, the only prerequisites are basic algebra, coordinate geometry and the beginnings of differentiation as covered in school. The transition from school to university mathematics is addressed by means of a systematic development of important classes of techniques, and through careful discussion of the basic definitions and some of the theorems of calculus, with proofs where appropriate, but stopping short of the rigour involved in Real Analysis.
The influence of technology on the learning and teaching of mathematics is recognised through the use of the computer algebra and graphical package MAPLE to illustrate many of the ideas. Readers are also encouraged to practice the essential techniques through numerous exercises which are an important component of the book. Supplementary material, including detailed solutions to exercises and MAPLE worksheets, is available via the web.
About the Author
Keith Hirst is an experienced author and lecturer, with many years experience teaching undergraduate courses. His research interests include Mathematics Education and Teaching Methods in Higher Education, with particular emphasis on the school / university interface. Keith also researched the area of learning problems in calculus as part of an investigation into undergraduates conceptions of mathematical ideas. In 2000, he was awarded one of the first prestigious National Teaching Fellowships by the Institute of Learning and Teaching, to develop a database of undergraduate teaching resources.
