Math 120   Calculus I

Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
Clark University, Fall 2008

Instructors

Course Description

This is the first course in a three-semester calculus sequence designed for students majoring in a field that requires the tools of calculus. Besides the computational aspects of calculus, we will develop the concepts of calculus with some rigor.

The subject in this first course, Math 120, is differential calculus. Topics include functions, limits, continuity, differentiation of algebraic and trigonometric functions, mean value theorem, and applications of derivatives.

A detailed syllabus is available for Math 120. See also Clark University Academic Catalog for more information on the Calculus sequence (Math 120/121/122) and the Honors Calculus sequence (Math 124/125).

Prerequisites

In order to register for Math 120, you need to either
  1. pass the math placement test, available on-line, anytime,
  2. have passed the Advanced Placement test in Calculus, 4 or 5 required, or
  3. pass Math 119, Precalculus, or Math 114, Discrete Mathematics, with an appropriate grade
The placement test is available on-line, to be taken anytime. Information on how to take it is at http://aleph0.clarku.edu/text_2003/courses/placement_test.shtml

Textbook

Our text for this course is Calculus, One and Several Variables, by Salas, Hille, Etgen, 10th edition. We will discuss the first four chapters in Math 120. This same book will also be used in Math 121 and Math 122. The 9th edition will do. Part of section 3.4 in the 9th edition was moved to section 4.9 in the 10th, and all of section 3.8 was moved to section 4.10. Also, the exercise numbers have been changed. The changes are noted in the practice problems.

Tests and Exams

There will be three tests during the semester and a final examination during finals week in December.

The three tests will each be given in a three-hour block in the evening. The tests are common for all students taking Math 120 and will be based on material discussed in the lecture or presented in the text prior to the date of the exam. Although each exam is designed as a one-hour test, you may take up to three hours to complete it. You may arrive anytime between 6:00 and 7:00 and finish before 9:00. The exams will be held in Johnson Auditorium, Sackler Science Center. They will be closed book, closed notebook. The use of calculators will not be allowed. In the event that you have a legitimate, documented excuse for missing a test, you must contact your instructor prior to the scheduled test time. A makeup may be rescheduled at the instructor's convenience.

The final is a comprehensive exam, given during the final exam period.

Homework and quizzes

Practice problems will be assigned daily from the text to help you master the concepts discussed in class. Although the problems will not be collected regularly, it is expected that you will keep up to date on the problems. Periodically, a few specific problems may be assigned, collected, and graded. Homework is due in class on the assigned day. No late assignments will be accepted.

Short 15-20 minute quizzes may be given periodically throughout the semester without warning. You are responsible for being in class.

Tutors

Tutors by experienced upperclassmen will be available in the evenings, 8:00 to 10:00, on Sundays through Thursdays (but not Fridays or Saturdays) in the seminar room BP312.

Course grade

The course grade is based on the three midterm exams, the homework and quizzes, and the final exam. The precise weightings for these components is as follows: 20% for each midterm exam, 35% for the final exam, and 5% for homework and quizzes.

Syllabus

We will follow the order of topics in the text, Salas, Helle, & Etgen's Calculus, but we'll stress some topics and pass over some others.

Practice Problems

You should do all the problems listed below as they're assigned. There are two lists. The first refers to the 10th edition of the text; the second to the 9th edition. Nearly all of the problems are identical, but there are a very few that are different. The biggest change between the editions is that the white space was reduced in the new edition. That is, the text and formulas are more cramped in the new edition.

List of problems for the 10th edition

Review:

New material:

List of problems for the 9th edition

Review:

New material:

Previous Tests

External Links

  • 66 Challenge problems for differentiation
  • AVI movies that illustrate limits (by H. Servatius)
  • David Joyce's Guiude to Studying calculus
  • Clark University's Math Problem Solving Team
  • MathArchives links for Calculus Resources On-line. Also Visual Calculus
  • List of links at the Math Forum @ Drexel for Calculus of a single variable
  • Ask Dr. Math: answers questions about Calculus