MATH 150 - Elementary Applied Calculus I

(MATF, GEEL)

A general calculus course primarily for business students. Topics include algebraic, exponential, and logarithmic functions and their graphs; an intuitive approach to limits; differentiation; integration; and functions of several variables. Major emphasis is on applications in business, economics, and the life sciences. The course is not open for credit to students who have a grade of C or better in MATH 181 or equivalent. PREREQUISITE(S): A grade of C or better in MATH 050 appropriate score on mathematics assessment test, or consent of department. Assessment Level(s): ENGL 101 / ENGL 101A or AELW 940 /ELAI 990 , READ 120 or AELR 930 /ELAR 980 . Four hours each week. Formerly MA 160.

4 semester hours

Course Outcomes:
Upon course completion, a student will be able to:

Evaluate limits graphically and algebraically.
Find a derivative directly from the definition of the derivative.
Formulate applied problems - business, economic, and life-science, in particular - into mathematical equations using appropriate calculus symbols; solve and interpret the solution of such problems in a real-world context.
Identify and apply the appropriate rule(s) for symbolic differentiation to find first and higher order derivatives.
Interpret the indefinite integral as an inverse process of differentiation and evaluate indefinite integrals.
Recognize and use all standard notations for first and higher order derivatives.
Set up and evaluate definite integrals to solve applied problems including problems involving area, total change, and average value.
Use first and second derivatives to determine the critical numbers, increasing and decreasing behavior, relative extrema, inflection points, and concavity of a function; use this information to sketch the graph of a function.
Use the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus to evaluate definite integrals.
Use the graph of a function f(x) to determine if the function is continuous and/or differentiable at a given value of x.
Use the graph of the first derivative of a function to obtain information about the behavior of a function.
Write a verbal interpretation of the derivative as a rate of change in the context of an application, using everyday language and appropriate units.

View Schedule of Classes