Calculus I

Course Overview

Math 141 introduces the study of calculus. Topics discussed in the course include functions and their graphs, limits, the derivative, applications to finding rates of change and extrema and to graphing, the integral, and applications. The further study of calculus (at URI) takes place in MTH 142 (Calculus II) and MTH 243 (Calculus for Functions of Several Variables). The main goal of MTH 141 is to prepare students for further study in mathematics, basic sciences, or engineering by introducing them to fundamental ideas used in measuring change and limiting behavior of functions, including limits, derivatives, and integrals, as well as techniques of differentiation and how to apply these to solve real-world problems. Along the way, you will develop new skills in problem solving and critical reasoning.

By the end of the semester, students will:

• Calculate with and apply differential calculus concepts and methods
• Compute limits, check for continuity, compute derivatives and the optimal values of a function.
• Understand the integral as the limiting process of sums.
• Apply the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.
• Understand some of the basic numerical methods to compute derivatives.

Prerequisites

• Placement Exam or
• C- or better in MTH 111.

Textbooks

• Calculus, Early transcendentals by D. Guichard (Open Source provided through Brighspace)

Grading

• Midterm Exam: 20%
• Quizzes: 15%
• Homework: 25%
• Cumulative Final Exam: 40%