Calculus 3 is the third part of our Calculus sequence. It contains fundamentally two parts. The first part is the concept of infinite series, where we explore the concept of adding infinitely many numbers and yet reaching a finite result. This also leads to a powerful form of function representation, that of power series. The second part of the course extends Calculus concepts to multiple variables. This includes looking at vectors and vector-valued functions, as well as functions of multiple variables, and their partial derivatives and double integrals. We will also spend some time discussing optimization problems in multiple dimensions, a complex and fascinating subject.
By the end of this course:
On the website you will find a schedule with links to documents for each class day. In those documents you will find notes for the day’s lesson, a reading assignment, and a list of practice problems. You should work on those practice problems, and ask any questions you have about them. You do not have to turn the problems in.
You are expected to attend every class meeting. You are only allowed to miss 3 classes without excuse. From that point on, every unexcused absence will result in a reduction of your final score by one percentage point, up to a total of 5 points. Excused absences should be arranged in advance, and backed by appropriate documentation. Emergencies will be dealt with on an individual basis. There are very few reasons that would qualify as an excuse for an absence.
There will be regular homework assignments about once per week. There will also be a list of problems that you are expected to solve but not turn in. Questions on the exams tend to be similar to the homework problems, so it is to your advantage to really understand the homework, and not merely “do it” or copy it just to get it turned in. Homework assignments are 10% of your final grade.
There will be also be regular online homework assignments about once per week. These assignments are designed to offer you opportunities for practice. Therefore, they may be taken multiple times and only the highest score will count. Also, after you have completed the assignment once, you can revisit that attempt and try out other answers for practice. Online Homework assignments are 10% of your final grade.
There will be two midterms, on Monday, February 5 and Monday, March 12, and a final/3rd midterm during finals week. You have to be here for the exams. If you have conflicts with these days, let me know as soon as possible. Do not plan your vacation before you are aware of the finals schedule. In terms of your final grade, the exams you did better on will weigh more.
Your final grade depends on class attendance, homework, project, midterms and the final, as follows:
| Component | Percent |
|---|---|
| Attendance | 5% |
| Homework | 10% |
| Online Homework | 10% |
| Worst Midterm | 20% |
| Middle Midterm | 25% |
| Best Midterm | 30% |
This gives a number up to 100, which is then converted to a letter grade based roughly on the following correspondence:
| Letter grade | Percentage Range |
|---|---|
| A, A- | 90%-100% |
| B+, B, B- | 80%-90% |
| C+, C, C- | 70%-80% |
| D+, D, D- | 60%-70% |
| F | 0%-60% |