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Calculus: Single Variable Part 2 – Differentiation

An engaging and practical course that offers valuable insights into differentiation, perfect for learners aiming to improve their analytical skills in mathematics and engineering.

access

Lifetime

level

Beginner

certificate

Certificate of completion

language

English

What you will learn in Calculus: Single Variable Part 2 – Differentiation Course

  • Understand the foundational concepts of differentiation in single-variable calculus.

  • Learn about derivatives, differentiation rules, linearization, higher derivatives, optimization, differentials, and differentiation operators.

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  • Apply differentiation techniques to solve real-world problems in engineering, physics, and economics.

Program Overview

A New Look at Differentiation
⏳  3 hours

  • Reconsider the concept of derivatives beyond slopes, introducing asymptotic (big-O) notation to describe and understand rates of change and the rules that govern them.

Putting Derivatives to Work
⏳  3 hours

  • Explore core applications of derivatives, including linearization, higher derivatives, and optimization, to see how understanding asymptotics assists in building applications of the derivative.

Differentials and Operators
⏳  2 hours

  • Delve into the concept of differentials, arising from implicit differentiation, revealing a deeper level of understanding of what differentiation means.

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Job Outlook

  • Enhances mathematical proficiency for careers in engineering, data science, and computational modeling.

  • Provides a solid foundation for advanced studies in mathematical theory and analysis.

  • Completing this course can bolster qualifications for roles requiring strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

9.7Expert Score
Highly Recommended
The "Calculus: Single Variable Part 2 - Differentiation" course offers a comprehensive and structured approach to mastering essential mathematical concepts. It's particularly beneficial for individuals seeking to enhance their analytical skills for academic or professional purposes.
Value
9
Price
9.2
Skills
9.6
Information
9.7
PROS
  • Taught by experienced instructors from the University of Pennsylvania.
  • Includes interactive exercises and quizzes for each lesson.
  • Applicable to both academic and professional pursuits.
CONS
  • Requires commitment to complete all modules for certification.
  • Some learners may seek more extensive coverage of advanced topics.

Specification: Calculus: Single Variable Part 2 – Differentiation

access

Lifetime

level

Beginner

certificate

Certificate of completion

language

English

FAQs

  • Yes, some prior knowledge is strongly recommended. Understanding limits, basic algebra, and functions is crucial before tackling differentiation.
  • This course is structured as Part 2 of a series, so ideally, you should complete Part 1 or have equivalent knowledge.
  • Without this foundation, you may find advanced rules and applications of derivatives challenging to follow.
  • If you’re new to calculus, spending a little time revising functions, graphs, and limits will greatly smooth your learning journey.
  • Differentiation is widely used in economics and finance, such as predicting marginal cost, revenue, and profit to optimize decision-making.
  • In physics and engineering, it’s applied to measure rates of change like velocity, acceleration, and optimization in design.
  • In computer science and data science, derivatives play a key role in machine learning, optimization algorithms, and neural network training.
  • Even in fields like biology or medicine, differentiation models growth rates, population changes, and drug dosage optimization.
  • By the end of this course, you’ll see that differentiation is more than abstract math—it’s a tool that helps solve real-life problems.
  • Yes, this course is designed to strengthen your foundation in differentiation, which is a major part of most university-level calculus courses.
  • The course explains concepts clearly, which can help you understand topics often rushed in classroom settings.
  • Practice quizzes and exercises mimic the type of questions you’ll likely encounter in exams, reinforcing your problem-solving ability.
  • However, while it’s an excellent supplement, it doesn’t cover the exact syllabus of every university. You may still need to cross-reference with your institution’s curriculum.
  • Students who combine this course with their regular studies often feel more confident tackling challenging exam questions.
  • On average, 4–6 hours per week is sufficient to grasp the lessons, complete exercises, and review quizzes.
  • Breaking the content into shorter study sessions (e.g., 1–2 hours a few times per week) tends to be more effective than long cramming sessions.
  • If you already have a strong math background, you may progress faster. Beginners, however, may need to spend extra time revisiting core concepts.
  • Consistency matters more than intensity—steady weekly practice ensures the ideas stay fresh.
  • A good approach is to set weekly goals (such as completing one module and its exercises) and adjust based on your comfort level.
  • Yes, differentiation concepts appear in multiple competitive exams, especially those with quantitative or technical sections.
  • For the GRE and GMAT, knowing how to work with rates of change, optimization, and graphical analysis can give you an edge in problem-solving.
  • Engineering entrance exams often include calculus questions, where mastering differentiation rules can save valuable time in solving problems.
  • Beyond exams, the logical reasoning and structured problem-solving skills developed here are valuable for any analytical test.
  • While this course won’t serve as a complete exam-prep package, it significantly strengthens one of the core mathematical areas tested.
Calculus: Single Variable Part 2 – Differentiation
Calculus: Single Variable Part 2 – Differentiation
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