AB Calculus

Nature is written in that great book which ever lies before our eyes — I mean the universe — but we cannot understand it if we do not first learn the language and grasp the symbols in which it is written. The book is written in the mathematical language, and the symbols are triangles, circles, and other geometrical figures, without whose help it is impossible to comprehend a single world of it; without which one wanders in vain through a dark labyrinth.

— Galileo

Welcome to Calculus AB.

Homework assignments can be found here. Some of the handouts are listed to the right of the assignment page and can be downloaded.

Mathematics has been a subject of passionate endeavor for thousands of years. It is much more than sets of lessons; rather it is a way of seeing the world as abstract structures. As such it has a history and is a cousin to science, both social and physical, as well as philosophy. Mathematics cannot be done without moving across these boundaries. Hence my mathematics courses are at times closer to humanities courses than is normal for a mathematics course.

We will use the Larson, Hestetler, Edwards Calculus book, which may be purchased from the bookstore.

I will use an active board in class, and each day's lessons will be on the web that night.

You will begin using your calculator on the first day. The calculator we use is the Texas Instruments 83, 84, or 83Plus. One of the first topics of the course will be how to program your calculator.

I have 10 computers in my classroom and during the term you will make heavy use of them. We will use the programs Geometer's Sketchpad, the program Graphing Calculator, and, perhaps, the oracle Mathematica.

Grades will come from projects and tests. At times there will be quizzes to help the retention of factual material. A test is likely every two weeks.

Assignments will be listed on-line, the link for which is above. Many handouts will also be on line in pdf format.

Projects reward students who are organized and work effectively.

Tests reward students who understand and study well.

Math test days are on our new rotating schedule, posted in the room and elsewhere. I will give tests only on official test days.

About effort and mistakes. Effort and mistakes are both important in my class. You make mistakes on homework so that you will not make them on tests. If you are learning and trying to learn, you will make mistakes. My job is to challange you enough that you will do some things wrong. But if you try hard, you are most ready to learn at this moment. Do not fear mistakes. I will congratulate you for them.