OVERVIEW

Calculus is a branch of mathematics that deals with the calculation of instantaneous changes (differential calculus) and the summing of an infinite number of small factors to determine some whole (integral calculus). In the 17th century, two mathematicians, Isaac Newton and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, independently developed calculus. Anyone wishing to pursue a degree in physics, chemistry, biology, economics, finance, or actuarial science should start with calculus. With calculus, you can predict a dam's water level or track the position of a space shuttle. Computers have become a valuable tool for solving calculus problems that were once considered impossibly difficult.