Build the derivative from limits
The derivative is developed as a mathematical object rather than introduced only as a rule.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute · instructor of record
MA 1021: Calculus I
Differential calculus centered on limits, local approximation, rates of change, and the use of derivatives in modeling and optimization.
Course approach
This page consolidates representative materials across repeated offerings of the same course.
Interpret rates of change
Graphical, numerical, and physical interpretations accompany symbolic differentiation.
Use derivatives to reason
Optimization, approximation, and graph analysis require explanation as well as calculation.
Representative course materials
The materials below use fixed filenames so the page remains unchanged when the PDFs are updated.
syllabus.pdf
Syllabus
Course structure, policies, learning objectives, grading, and schedule.
lecture_notes.pdf
Lecture notes
A representative set of notes, worked examples, and course development.
exam_1.pdf
Sample Exam 1
A representative earlier-course assessment.
exam_2.pdf
Sample Exam 2
A representative later-course assessment.