Calculus itself is a broad area of mathematics and takes a while to be mastered. It’s considered to be a freshman level of mathematics. Anyhow, learning Calculus I is a necessity for many various fields and majors. Taking Calculus 1 online courses for credit is beneficial for students who are seeking to improve their academic situation and is a good first step toward earning a math degree.
Calculus I: Explained
As for a quick introduction to Calculus, students should know that the main concepts used in this area of math are differentiation and integration. That is the basic knowledge one would need for mastering differential equations, probability theory, or advanced calculus.
Let’s focus on the difference between the fundamental principles of Calculus I. Left graph shows us a math concept of derivative, the slope of the lines meeting tangent lines at the crossing point ( the curve). The integral fundamental concept is geometrically shown on the right graph. Integral is a calculated numerical value that represents the area under the curves of the function.
Online course of Calculus I usually provides students with knowledge of calculus beginner principles such as:
- Analytical geometry;
- Differential calculus;
- Fundamental Theorem of Calculus;
- Integral Calculus.
Freshman level of Calculus I is required for Calculus II ( usually taken during sophomore year) and Advanced Calculus.
A modern approach to Calculus
Digital solutions make math more fun and less intimidating. Modern-day online educational platforms use particular applications or websites to ease the learning process for their students. Yes, it’s possible to solve calculus problems with pen and paper but using computer algebra software makes learning more efficient.
The most common system for learning Calculus is LiveMath. It’s also used in more advanced math, so learning the software once, would be useful for those who want to proceed in the concurring academic level of mathematics. Getting a handle on LiveMath is an essential skill for modern math graduates and academics. Most importantly, it gives a need to practice real-life calculus usage in any field of study.
Why is Calculus essential?
Calculus I and Calculus II are essential for taking more advanced math classes like differential equations, multivariable calculus, and linear algebra. Principles of calculus are widely used in statistics, engineering, economics, and financial analytics. Besides, calculus is used for solving physics problems and providing numerous theories.
Advanced Calculus is fundamental for computer science. Sure, the tech industry doesn’t need any introduction as it’s the most desirable industry for all academic graduates. Programming, coding, and software design are all of those fields that require advanced knowledge of calculus. And Calculus I is only the first step.
Who would benefit from taking online Calculus I class
It might seem like only math majors could be interested in taking calculus classes. Let’s destroy that myth.
- Students who are planning on coming back to graduate school. Those who, for some reason, dropped out from college and now want to finish their studies. Refreshing your knowledge and memory of such subjects as Calculus U and Calculus II is essential for keeping up with school work.
- Undergraduate students who had completed courses in high school unsuccessfully. As stated previously, Calculus I is an essential subject in various fields. Lots of undergraduate students in their sophomore year find out about advanced calculus classes in the curriculum. Unfortunately, the current level won’t let them succeed. And taking an online Calculus course over winter or summer break could be game-changing for their academic success.
- AP Calculus high-school students. For some ambitious high-schoolers, there is not enough time in the schedule to take offline courses in their school. Online Calculus courses could be an excellent alternative, as it allows them flexible hours. Nevertheless, students have to be aware of the intense workload from the online school so they don’t struggle with deadlines and the academic approach of Calculus I.
- Students whose major is not science. Advanced calculus or math classes could be on the curriculum for some undergraduates who are majoring in social science, finance, economics, chemistry, and biology. Usually, those students have only AP Calculus level of math from high school. Calculus I is a more advanced level and is essential for some math subjects, making it impossible for non-science majors to attend next semester’s class without completing an online course on Calculus I.
There are many cases and life situations when students need to rely on online courses instead of attending ones in their school. After all, the modern approach to education allows them to reach their academic goal faster. The online format gives some flexibility in the budget as students can choose any educational platform or university that is offering online courses with academic credit.
Organization details of online class
Advantage of online Calculus I courses is flexibility in location and schedules. Students have access to the LiveMath program, which includes notebooks, theoretical lectures, and practical classes. 80% of the educational process is concentrated in LiveMath with clear communication between teachers and students. The software features create an illusion of teachers’ presents as each math problem is shown in detail.
Example of Calculus I lesson in LiveMath. Source https://www.distancecalculus.com/calculus1/
As Calculus I is the first step into advanced calculus, most of the students have never worked in mathematical software applications. Before actually getting into calculus, most schools dedicate first classes to mastering LiveMath. Like that, there is no confusion, and students can proceed to the following assignments.
Another moment students should be aware of, some schools still keep a traditional approach to learning for the sake of fair grading. Meaning there are still some assignments that have to be done by hand. As well as, the final exam is done on paper and usually with no access to the live match.
What are the prerequisites for Calculus I class?
To be able to succeed in the Calculus I course, students have to be familiar with and given credit in College Algebra and Trigonometry. Precalculus course credit is also required, even though most online programs will still briefly go through precalculus at the beginning of the studying term to refresh students’ memory.
Mastering Calculus I is essential recruitment for many students from science to social studies majors. Online courses are an innovative tool for those who struggle with math and need extra classes to be able to achieve their academic goals, as well as for those who don’t have enough available time in an offline schedule but are still eager to master Calculus.
