36
Lectures
30
minutes/lecture
1.
An Introduction to the Course
Professor Sellers introduces the general topics and themes for the course, describing his approach and recommending a strategy for making the best use of the lessons and supplementary workbook. Warm up with some simple problems that demonstrate signed numbers and operations.
1.
An Introduction to the Course
|
19.
Factoring Trinomials
Begin to find solutions for quadratic equations, starting with the FOIL technique in reverse to find the binomial factors of a quadratic trinomial (a binomial expression consists of two terms, a trinomial of three). Professor Sellers explains the tricks of factoring such expressions, which is a process almost like solving a mystery.
19.
Factoring Trinomials
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2.
Order of Operations
The order in which you do simple operations of arithmetic can make a big difference. Learn how to solve problems that combine adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing, as well as raising numbers to various powers. These same concepts also apply when you need to simplify algebraic expressions, making it critical to master them now.
2.
Order of Operations
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20.
Quadratic Equations—Factoring
In some circumstances, quadratic expressions are given in a special form that allows them to be factored quickly. Focus on two such forms: perfect square trinomials and differences of two squares. Learning to recognize these cases makes factoring easy.
20.
Quadratic Equations—Factoring
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3.
Percents, Decimals, and Fractions
Continue your study of math fundamentals by exploring various procedures for converting between percents, decimals, and fractions. Professor Sellers notes that it helps to see these procedures as ways of presenting the same information in different forms.
3.
Percents, Decimals, and Fractions
|
21.
Quadratic Equations—The Quadratic Formula
For those cases that defy simple factoring, the quadratic formula provides a powerful technique for solving quadratic equations. Discover that this formidable-looking expression is not as difficult as it appears and is well worth committing to memory. Also learn how to determine if a quadratic equation has no solutions.
21.
Quadratic Equations—The Quadratic Formula
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4.
Variables and Algebraic Expressions
Advance to the next level of problem solving by using variables as the building blocks to create algebraic expressions, which are combinations of mathematical symbols that might include numbers, variables, and operation symbols. Also learn some tricks for translating the language of problems (phrases in English) into the language of math (algebraic expressions).
4.
Variables and Algebraic Expressions
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22.
Quadratic Equations—Completing the Square
After learning the definition of a function, investigate an additional approach to solving quadratic equations: completing the square. This technique is very useful when rewriting the equation of a quadratic function in such a way that the graph of the function is easily sketched.
22.
Quadratic Equations—Completing the Square
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5.
Operations and Expressions
Discover that by following basic rules on how to treat coefficients and exponents, you can reduce very complicated algebraic expressions to much simpler ones. You start by using the commutative property of multiplication to rearrange the terms of an expression, making combining them relatively easy.
5.
Operations and Expressions
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23.
Representations of Quadratic Functions
Drawing on your experience solving quadratic functions, analyze the parabolic shapes produced by such functions when represented on a graph. Use your algebraic skills to determine the parabola's vertex, its x and y intercepts, and whether it opens in an upward "cup" or downward in a "cap."
23.
Representations of Quadratic Functions
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6.
Principles of Graphing in 2 Dimensions
Using graph paper and pencil, begin your exploration of the coordinate plane, also known as the Cartesian plane. Learn how to plot points in the four quadrants of the plane, how to choose a scale for labeling the x and y axes, and how to graph a linear equation.
6.
Principles of Graphing in 2 Dimensions
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24.
Quadratic Equations in the Real World
Quadratic functions often arise in real-world settings. Explore a number of problems, including calculating the maximum height of a rocket and determining how long an object dropped from a tree takes to reach the ground. Learn that in finding a solution, graphing can often help.
24.
Quadratic Equations in the Real World
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7.
Solving Linear Equations, Part 1
In this lesson, work through simple one- and two-step linear equations, learning how to isolate the variable by different operations. Professor Sellers also presents a word problem involving a two-step equation and gives tips for how to solve it.
7.
Solving Linear Equations, Part 1
|
25.
The Pythagorean Theorem
Because it involves terms raised to the second power, the famous Pythagorean theorem, a2 + b2 = c2, is actually a quadratic equation. Discover how techniques you have previously learned for analyzing quadratic functions can be used for solving problems involving right triangles.
25.
The Pythagorean Theorem
|
8.
Solving Linear Equations, Part 2
Investigating more complicated examples of linear equations, learn that linear equations fall into three categories. First, the equation might have exactly one solution. Second, it might have no solutions at all. Third, it might be an identity, which means every number is a solution.
8.
Solving Linear Equations, Part 2
|
26.
Polynomials of Higher Degree
Most of the expressions you've studied in the course so far have been polynomials. Learn what characterizes a polynomial and how to recognize polynomials in both algebraic functions and in graphical form. Professor Sellers defines several terms, including the degree of an equation, the leading coefficient, and the domain.
26.
Polynomials of Higher Degree
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9.
Slope of a Line
Explore the concept of slope, which for a given straight line is its rate of change, defined as the rise over run. Learn the formula for calculating slope with coordinates only, and what it means to have a positive, negative, and undefined slope.
9.
Slope of a Line
|
27.
Operations and Polynomials
Much of what you've learned about linear and quadratic expressions applies to adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing polynomials. Discover how the FOIL operation can be extended to multiplying large polynomials, and a version of long division works for dividing one polynomial by another.
27.
Operations and Polynomials
|
10.
Graphing Linear Equations, Part 1
Use what you've learned about slope to graph linear equations in the slope-intercept form, y = mx + b, where m is the slope, and b is the y intercept. Experiment with examples in which you calculate the equation from a graph and from a table of pairs of points.
10.
Graphing Linear Equations, Part 1
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28.
Rational Expressions, Part 1
When one polynomial is divided by another, the result is called a rational function because it is the ratio of two polynomials. These functions play an important role in algebra. Learn how to add and subtract rational functions by first finding their common divisor.
28.
Rational Expressions, Part 1
|
11.
Graphing Linear Equations, Part 2
A more versatile approach to writing the equation of a line is the point-slope form, in which only two points are required, and neither needs to intercept the y axis. Work through several examples and become comfortable determining the equation using the line and the line using the equation
11.
Graphing Linear Equations, Part 2
|
29.
Rational Expressions, Part 2
Continuing your exploration of rational expressions, try your hand at multiplying and dividing them. The key to solving these complicated-looking equations is to proceed one step at a time. Close the lesson with a problem that brings together all you've learned about rational functions.
29.
Rational Expressions, Part 2
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12.
Parallel and Perpendicular Lines
Apply what you've discovered about equations of lines to two very special types of lines: parallel and perpendicular. Learn how to tell if lines are parallel or perpendicular from their equations alone, without having to see the lines themselves. Also try your hand at word problems that feature both types of lines.
12.
Parallel and Perpendicular Lines
|
30.
Graphing Rational Functions, Part 1
Examine the distinctive graphs formed by rational functions, which may form vertical or horizontal curves that aren't even connected on a graph. Learn to identify the intercepts and the vertical and horizontal asymptotes of these fascinating curves.
30.
Graphing Rational Functions, Part 1
|
13.
Solving Word Problems with Linear Equations
Linear equations reflect the behavior of real-life phenomena. Practice evaluating tables of numbers to determine if they can be represented as linear equations. Conclude with an example about the yearly growth of a tree. Does it increase in size at a linear rate?
13.
Solving Word Problems with Linear Equations
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31.
Graphing Rational Functions, Part 2
Sketch the graphs of several rational functions by first calculating the vertical and horizontal asymptotes, the x and y intercepts, and then plotting several points in the function. In the final exercise, you must simplify the expression in order to extract the needed information.
31.
Graphing Rational Functions, Part 2
|
14.
Linear Equations for Real-World Data
Investigating more real-world applications of linear equations, derive the formula for converting degrees Celsius to Fahrenheit; determine the boiling point of water in Denver, Colorado; and calculate the speed of a rising balloon and the time for an elevator to descend to the ground floor.
14.
Linear Equations for Real-World Data
|
32.
Radical Expressions
Anytime you see a root symbol—for example, the symbol for a square root—then you're dealing with what mathematicians call a radical. Learn how to simplify radical expressions and perform operations on them, such as multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction, as well as combinations of these operations.
32.
Radical Expressions
|
15.
Systems of Linear Equations, Part 1
When two lines intersect, they form a system of linear equations. Discover two methods for finding a solution to such a system: by graphing and by substitution. Then try out a real-world example, involving a farmer who wants to plant different crops in different proportions.
15.
Systems of Linear Equations, Part 1
|
33.
Solving Radical Equations
Discover how to solve equations that contain radical expressions. A key step is isolating the radical term and then squaring both sides. As always, it's important to check the solution by plugging it into the equation to see if it makes sense. This is especially true with radical equations, which can sometimes yield extraneous, or invalid, solutions.
33.
Solving Radical Equations
|
16.
Systems of Linear Equations, Part 2
Expand your tools for solving systems of linear equations by exploring the method of solving by elimination. This technique allows you to eliminate one variable by performing addition, subtraction, or multiplication on both sides of an equation, allowing a straightforward solution for the remaining variable.
16.
Systems of Linear Equations, Part 2
|
34.
Graphing Radical Functions
In previous lessons, you moved from linear, quadratic, and rational functions to the graphs that display them. Now do the same with radical functions. For these, it's important to pay attention to the domain of the functions to ensure that negative values are not introduced beneath the root symbol.
34.
Graphing Radical Functions
|
17.
Linear Inequalities
Shift gears to consider linear inequalities, which are mathematical expressions featuring a less than sign or a greater than sign instead of an equal sign. Discover that these kinds of problems have some very interesting twists, and they come up frequently in business applications.
17.
Linear Inequalities
|
35.
Sequences and Pattern Recognition, Part 1
Pattern recognition is an important and fascinating mathematical skill. Investigate two types of number patterns: geometric sequences and arithmetic sequences. Learn how to analyze such patterns and work out a formula that predicts any term in the sequence
35.
Sequences and Pattern Recognition, Part 1
|
18.
An Introduction to Quadratic Polynomials
Transition to a more complex type of algebraic expression, which incorporates squared terms and is therefore known as quadratic. Learn how to use the FOIL method (first, outer, inner, last) to multiply linear terms to get a quadratic expression.
18.
An Introduction to Quadratic Polynomials
|
36.
Sequences and Pattern Recognition, Part 2
Conclude the course by examining more types of number sequences, discovering how rich and enjoyable the mathematics of pattern recognition can be. As in previous lessons, employ your reasoning skills and growing command of algebra to find order—and beauty—where once all was a confusion of numbers.
36.
Sequences and Pattern Recognition, Part 2
|
36
Lectures
30
minutes/lecture
1.
A Preview of Calculus
Calculus is the mathematics of change, a field with many important applications in science, engineering, medicine, business, and other disciplines. Begin by surveying the goals of the course. Then get your feet wet by investigating the classic tangent line problem, which illustrates the concept of limits.
1.
A Preview of Calculus
|
19.
The Area Problem and the Definite Integral
One of the classic problems of integral calculus is finding areas bounded by curves. This was solved for simple curves by the ancient Greeks. See how a more powerful method was later developed that produces a number called the definite integral, and learn the relevant notation.
19.
The Area Problem and the Definite Integral
|
2.
Review—Graphs, Models, and Functions
In the first of two review lectures on precalculus, examine graphs of equations and properties such as symmetry and intercepts. Also explore the use of equations to model real life and begin your study of functions, which Professor Edwards calls the most important concept in mathematics.
2.
Review—Graphs, Models, and Functions
|
20.
The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, Part 1
The two essential ideas of this course—derivatives and integrals—are connected by the fundamental theorem of calculus, one of the most important theorems in mathematics. Get an intuitive grasp of this deep relationship by working several problems and surveying a proof.
20.
The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, Part 1
|
3.
Review—Functions and Trigonometry
Continue your review of precalculus by looking at different types of functions and how they can be identified by their distinctive shapes when graphed. Then review trigonometric functions, using both the right triangle definition as well as the unit circle definition, which measures angles in radians rather than degrees.
3.
Review—Functions and Trigonometry
|
21.
The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, Part 2
Try examples using the second fundamental theorem of calculus, which allows you to let the upper limit of integration be a variable. In the process, explore more relationships between differentiation and integration, and discover how they are almost inverses of each other.
21.
The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, Part 2
|
4.
Finding Limits
Jump into real calculus by going deeper into the concept of limits introduced in Lecture 1. Learn the informal, working definition of limits and how to determine a limit in three different ways: numerically, graphically, and analytically. Also discover how to recognize when a given function does not have a limit.
4.
Finding Limits
|
22.
Integration by Substitution
Investigate a straightforward technique for finding antiderivatives, called integration by substitution. Based on the chain rule, it enables you to convert a difficult problem into one that's easier to solve by using the variable u to represent a more complicated expression.
22.
Integration by Substitution
|
5.
An Introduction to Continuity
Broadly speaking, a function is continuous if there is no interruption in the curve when its graph is drawn. Explore the three conditions that must be met for continuity—along with applications of associated ideas, such as the greatest integer function and the intermediate value theorem.
5.
An Introduction to Continuity
|
23.
Numerical Integration
When calculating a definite integral, the first step of finding the antiderivative can be difficult or even impossible. Learn the trapezoid rule, one of several techniques that yield a close approximation to the definite integral. Then do a problem involving a plot of land bounded by a river.
23.
Numerical Integration
|
6.
Infinite Limits and Limits at Infinity
Infinite limits describe the behavior of functions that increase or decrease without bound, in which the asymptote is the specific value that the function approaches without ever reaching it. Learn how to analyze these functions, and try some examples from relativity theory and biology.
6.
Infinite Limits and Limits at Infinity
|
24.
Natural Logarithmic Function—Differentiation
Review the properties of logarithms in base 10. Then see how the so-called natural base for logarithms, e, has important uses in calculus and is one of the most significant numbers in mathematics. Learn how such natural logarithms help to simplify derivative calculations.
24.
Natural Logarithmic Function—Differentiation
|
7.
The Derivative and the Tangent Line Problem
Building on what you have learned about limits and continuity, investigate derivatives, which are the foundation of differential calculus. Develop the formula for defining a derivative, and survey the history of the concept and its different forms of notation.
7.
The Derivative and the Tangent Line Problem
|
25.
Natural Logarithmic Function—Integration
Continue your investigation of logarithms by looking at some of the consequences of the integral formula developed in the previous lecture. Next, change gears and review inverse functions at the precalculus level, preparing the way for a deeper exploration of the subject in coming lectures.
25.
Natural Logarithmic Function—Integration
|
8.
Basic Differentiation Rules
Practice several techniques that make finding derivatives relatively easy: the power rule, the constant multiple rule, sum and difference rules, plus a shortcut to use when sine and cosine functions are involved. Then see how derivatives are the key to determining the rate of change in problems involving objects in motion.
8.
Basic Differentiation Rules
|
26.
Exponential Function
The inverse of the natural logarithmic function is the exponential function, perhaps the most important function in all of calculus. Discover that this function has an amazing property: It is its own derivative! Also see the connection between the exponential function and the bell-shaped curve in probability.
26.
Exponential Function
|
9.
Product and Quotient Rules
Learn the formulas for finding derivatives of products and quotients of functions. Then use the quotient rule to derive formulas for the trigonometric functions not covered in the previous lecture. Also investigate higher-order derivatives, differential equations, and horizontal tangents.
9.
Product and Quotient Rules
|
27.
Bases other than e
Extend the use of the logarithmic and exponential functions to bases other than e, exploiting this approach to solve a problem in radioactive decay. Also learn to find the derivatives of such functions, and see how e emerges in other mathematical contexts, including the formula for continuous compound interest.
27.
Bases other than e
|
10.
The Chain Rule
Discover one of the most useful of the differentiation rules, the chain rule, which allows you to find the derivative of a composite of two functions. Explore different examples of this technique, including a problem from physics that involves the motion of a pendulum.
10.
The Chain Rule
|
28.
Inverse Trigonometric Functions
Turn to the last set of functions you will need in your study of calculus, inverse trigonometric functions. Practice using some of the formulas for differentiating these functions. Then do an entertaining problem involving how fast the rotating light on a police car sweeps across a wall and whether you can evade it.
28.
Inverse Trigonometric Functions
|
11.
Implicit Differentiation and Related Rates
Conquer the final strategy for finding derivatives: implicit differentiation, used when it's difficult to solve a function for y. Apply this rule to problems in related rates—for example, the rate at which a camera must move to track the space shuttle at a specified time after launch.
11.
Implicit Differentiation and Related Rates
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29.
Area of a Region between 2 Curves
Revisit the area problem and discover how to find the area of a region bounded by two curves. First imagine that the region is divided into representative rectangles. Then add up an infinite number of these rectangles, which corresponds to a definite integral.
29.
Area of a Region between 2 Curves
|
12.
Extrema on an Interval
Having covered the rules for finding derivatives, embark on the first of five lectures dealing with applications of these techniques. Derivatives can be used to find the absolute maximum and minimum values of functions, known as extrema, a vital tool for analyzing many real-life situations.
12.
Extrema on an Interval
|
30.
Volume—The Disk Method
Learn how to calculate the volume of a solid of revolution—an object that is symmetrical around its axis of rotation. As in the area problem in the previous lecture, you imagine adding up an infinite number of slices—in this case, of disks rather than rectangles—which yields a definite integral.
30.
Volume—The Disk Method
|
13.
Increasing and Decreasing Functions
Use the first derivative to determine where graphs are increasing or decreasing. Next, investigate Rolle's theorem and the mean value theorem, one of whose consequences is that during a car trip, your actual speed must correspond to your average speed during at least one point of your journey.
13.
Increasing and Decreasing Functions
|
31.
Volume—The Shell Method
Apply the shell method for measuring volumes, comparing it with the disk method on the same shape. Then find the volume of a doughnut-shaped object called a torus, along with the volume for a figure called Gabriel's Horn, which is infinitely long but has finite volume.
31.
Volume—The Shell Method
|
14.
Concavity and Points of Inflection
What does the second derivative reveal about a graph? It describes how the curve bends—whether it is concave upward or downward. You determine concavity much as you found the intervals where a graph was increasing or decreasing, except this time you use the second derivative.
14.
Concavity and Points of Inflection
|
32.
Applications—Arc Length and Surface Area
Investigate two applications of calculus that are at the heart of engineering: measuring arc length and surface area. One of your problems is to determine the length of a cable hung between two towers, a shape known as a catenary. Then examine a peculiar paradox of Gabriel's Horn.
32.
Applications—Arc Length and Surface Area
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15.
Curve Sketching and Linear Approximations
By using calculus, you can be certain that you have discovered all the properties of the graph of a function. After learning how this is done, focus on the tangent line to a graph, which is a convenient approximation for values of the function that lie close to the point of tangency.
15.
Curve Sketching and Linear Approximations
|
33.
Basic Integration Rules
Review integration formulas studied so far, and see how to apply them in various examples. Then explore cases in which a calculator gives different answers from the ones obtained by hand calculation, learning why this occurs. Finally, Professor Edwards gives advice on how to succeed in introductory calculus.
33.
Basic Integration Rules
|
16.
Applications—Optimization Problems, Part 1
Attack real-life problems in optimization, which requires finding the relative extrema of different functions by differentiation. Calculate the optimum size for a box, and the largest area that can be enclosed by a circle and a square made from a given length of wire.
16.
Applications—Optimization Problems, Part 1
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34.
Other Techniques of Integration
Closing your study of integration techniques, explore a powerful method for finding antiderivatives: integration by parts, which is based on the product rule for derivatives. Use this technique to calculate area and volume. Then focus on integrals involving products of trigonometric functions.
34.
Other Techniques of Integration
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17.
Applications—Optimization Problems, Part 2
Conclude your investigation of differential calculus with additional problems in optimization. For success with such word problems, Professor Edwards stresses the importance of first framing the problem with precalculus, reducing the equation to one independent variable, and then using calculus to find and verify the answer.
17.
Applications—Optimization Problems, Part 2
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35.
Differential Equations and Slope Fields
Explore slope fields as a method for getting a picture of possible solutions to a differential equation without having to solve it, examining several problems of the type that appear on the Advanced Placement exam. Also look at a solution technique for differential equations called separation of variables.
35.
Differential Equations and Slope Fields
|
18.
Antiderivatives and Basic Integration Rules
Up until now, you've calculated a derivative based on a given function. Discover how to reverse the procedure and determine the function based on the derivative. This approach is known as obtaining the antiderivative, or integration. Also learn the notation for integration.
18.
Antiderivatives and Basic Integration Rules
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36.
Applications of Differential Equations
Use your calculus skills in three applications of differential equations: first, calculate the radioactive decay of a quantity of plutonium; second, determine the initial population of a colony of fruit flies; and third, solve one of Professor Edwards's favorite problems by using Newton's law of cooling to predict the cooling time for a cup of coffee.
36.
Applications of Differential Equations
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