Math 1A Differential Calculus
This is the first of a four-course sequence. The same text is used in all four courses.
Make sure you read the General Information.
Note: When it comes to the calculus sequence, you should complete your calculus courses
at the same school where you started Math 1A. The reason for this is because De Anza
is on a quarter system, and many upper level colleges/universities are on a semester
system; thus, if you transfer in the middle of the calculus sequence (say after Math
1A), you may miss out on some information (from Math 1B) when you enroll in the second
semester of calculus at another (semester) school.
Student Learning Objectives:
• Analyze and synthesize the concepts of limits, continuity, and differentiation from a graphical, numerical, analytical, and verbal approach, using correct notation and mathematical precision.
• Evaluate the behavior or graphs in the context of limits, continuity, and differentiability.
Recognize, diagnose, and decide on the appropriate method for solving applied real-world problems in optimization, related rates, and numerical approximation.
You should already be familiar with the material in Chapter 1 of the Stewart text; if not, read it now. We'll be using the Stewart: Calculus-Early Transcendentals 8th Ed. textbook. (It's big, it's costly, but it is used in 4 courses, which means about $50 per course; not so expensive after all.)
• There is a written assignment (to be turned in) based on Ch. 1 that is primarily
a review of pre-calculus, that is due by the end of this first week of class. Failure
to turn in this first assignment may result in your being dropped from the class.
To download this first assignment/review problems click on PreCalculus Review Problems. These problems will be available on the first day of class and are due at the beginning of the last class of the first week of the term.
For your own benefit, you should do the diagnostic review problems just prior to Chapter
1. The course begins with Chapter 2; therefore you are expected to be proficient in
such algebra, geometry, and trigonometry as is required when we need it. (Hint: if
you can derive the quadratic formula (not just recite the formula from memory, but
derive it, you know a good deal about algebra. Same would be true of the Pythagorean Theorem.
You should also know several of the basic Trig Identities: Pythagorean Identities;
Sin(2x); Cos(2x); etc.).
If you need assistance with some material covered in some prior math classes (such
as basic algebra), click on On-Line Tutorials. If you need assistance with material in this course, click on Calculus Math 1A.
To download the syllabus for this course, click on the link Math 1A Syllabus You can then either print it or save it to your desktop. In Chapter 2 we will be learning the definition of a limit; this Formal Limit Definition is needed in Sec. 2.3