Change and Motion: Calculus Made Clear, 2nd Edition (The Great Courses)

Calculus. The word has the power to strike fear in the hearts of many people. But it doesn’t have to be daunting or inaccessible, even if you aren’t a “math person.” The 24 lessons of this course will teach you to grasp the power and beauty of calculus, even if you only have a basic understanding of algebra and geometry. Award-winning professor of mathematics Michael Starbird of the University of Texas at Austin is your able guide, committed to opening the door to this powerful subject and making its concepts accessible to all. While calculus has made it possible for humans to build bridges across miles of river, take spaceships to the moon, and predict the patterns of population change around the world, it can be boiled down to just two ideas - the derivative and the integral - both of which arise from simple analysis of motion. In fact, a 1,300-page calculus textbook contains 1,298 pages of examples of these two concepts. You will begin with a discussion of a car driving down a road, discussing its speed and position and their relationship to each other. This simple example begins your exploration of a fascinating and not at all intimidating mathematical subject that will keep you spellbound. You will be able to apply these powerful insights to any situation that changes over time: economics, astronomy, and even baseball. By the end of the course, you will be seeing calculus everywhere you look and finally feel confident that you have gained an appreciation of this powerful mathematical subject.