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Calculus 1 Course Summary

Jun 16, 2025

Overview

This is a summary of the topics covered in Khan Academy's Calculus 1 course, including limits, derivatives, integrals, differential equations, and their applications.

Limits and Continuity

  • Understand the concept and definition of a limit and one-sided limits.
  • Estimate limits from graphs and tables.
  • Use direct substitution, factoring, conjugates, and trigonometric identities to find limits.
  • Recognize and classify discontinuities; understand continuity at a point and over intervals.
  • Apply the Squeeze Theorem and Intermediate Value Theorem.
  • Analyze infinite limits and limits at infinity.

Derivatives: Definition and Basic Rules

  • Relate secant lines to average rate of change, and tangent lines to instantaneous rate of change.
  • Define the derivative as a limit and estimate derivatives graphically/numerically.
  • Apply the power rule and derivative rules for sums, differences, and constants.
  • Differentiate polynomials, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions.
  • Use product and quotient rules.
  • Understand differentiability at a point.

Derivatives: Chain Rule and Advanced Topics

  • Identify and differentiate composite functions using the chain rule.
  • Apply implicit differentiation and find derivatives of inverse (including inverse trig) functions.
  • Differentiate using multiple rules and strategies.
  • Compute second derivatives and use logarithmic differentiation.

Applications of Derivatives

  • Interpret the meaning of the derivative in real-world contexts.
  • Solve motion problems; analyze rates of change in various applications.
  • Tackle related rates problems and apply implicit differentiation.
  • Use local linearity for approximation and apply L'HΓ΄pital's rule to evaluate limits.

Analyzing Functions

  • Use the Mean Value and Extreme Value Theorems.
  • Identify and classify critical points, intervals of increase/decrease, and extrema.
  • Analyze concavity and inflection points using first and second derivatives.
  • Solve optimization problems.

Integrals

  • Understand accumulation of change and define the definite integral as a limit of Riemann sums.
  • Use left/right, midpoint, and trapezoidal approximations for area under curves.
  • Apply the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.
  • Calculate antiderivatives and use the reverse power rule.
  • Integrate polynomials, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions.
  • Integrate using substitution, long division, and trigonometric identities.

Differential Equations

  • Write and solve simple differential equations; verify solutions.
  • Sketch and interpret slope fields.
  • Solve separable differential equations and analyze exponential models.
  • Find particular solutions with initial conditions.

Applications of Integrals

  • Compute the average value of a function.
  • Solve problems involving motion using integrals.
  • Calculate the area between curves and volumes of solids using cross-sections, disc, and washer methods.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Limit β€” the value a function approaches as the input approaches a certain point.
  • Continuity β€” a function is continuous if there are no breaks, jumps, or holes at a point or interval.
  • Derivative β€” the instantaneous rate of change of a function with respect to its variable.
  • Integral β€” a mathematical tool to accumulate quantities, often representing area under a curve.
  • Riemann sum β€” an approximation of an integral using a sum of rectangle areas.
  • Chain Rule β€” a formula for computing the derivative of a composite function.
  • Implicit Differentiation β€” finding derivatives when functions are defined implicitly.
  • Differential Equation β€” an equation involving derivatives of an unknown function.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Complete practice problems and quizzes in each unit.
  • Review key theorems and formulas before the unit tests.
  • Attempt the course challenge to test your overall mastery.