Difference between revisions of "Multivariate Calculus"
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
| + | Commonly refered to as Calc III.<br> | ||
First half: vector geometry and matrix algebra<br> | First half: vector geometry and matrix algebra<br> | ||
Second half: functions of several variables, partial differentiation, and multiple integration | Second half: functions of several variables, partial differentiation, and multiple integration | ||
==What actually happens== | ==What actually happens== | ||
| − | Calc III is taught by Dr. Kurt Fink. This is a class that you really have to attend, or do all of the homework for. It goes too fast to miss classes, though not so fast that you couldn't do well by showing up and taking notes and doing problems in class. The first half of the class really is just preparing you with the tools you need to take the second half, so unless you're already versed in vectors, matrices, and multidimensional analogs to familiar geometric objects, you really need to show up to the first half. In the second half you learn scalar valued (R<sup>n</sup> -> R) and vector valued (R<sup>m</sup> -> R<sup>n</sup>) functions, | + | Calc III is taught by Dr. Kurt Fink. This is a class that you really have to attend, or do all of the homework for. It goes too fast to miss classes, though not so fast that you couldn't do well by showing up and taking notes and doing problems in class. There are 12-13 homework assignments, and four tests. Since there aren't many points available in the class it is important to do well on asignments and tests.<br> |
| + | The first half of the class really is just preparing you with the tools you need to take the second half, so unless you're already versed in vectors, matrices, and multidimensional analogs to familiar geometric objects, you really need to show up to the first half. What you learn in the first half also can really help you understand the vector problems in the Physics classes. In the second half you learn scalar valued (R<sup>n</sup> -> R) and vector valued (R<sup>m</sup> -> R<sup>n</sup>) functions, gradients (total derivatives) of said functions, and multiple integrals of said functions. Gradients are useful in multiple dimensions in about the same way that derivatives are useful in two: rate of change. Gradients just happen to also give direction, as a slope of four means nothing in >2 dimensions. Multiple integrals are (predictably enough) an analog to single integrals, with just about as many uses. Arclength, surface area, volume, and integrating over a solid give you values that could be interpreted as temperature, mass, or other things. | ||
| − | + | This class includes matlab work. About a quarter of the homework assignments are in matlab and require you to go into the lab and do fairly basic matlab work. The assignments are fairly explicit and he is very open to requests for help. | |
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[[category:Classes]] | [[category:Classes]] | ||
Latest revision as of 11:35, 24 April 2007
Official Description[edit]
Multivariate Calculus (17-321)
Topics include functions of several variables, partial differentiation, and multiple integration.
Overview[edit]
Commonly refered to as Calc III.
First half: vector geometry and matrix algebra
Second half: functions of several variables, partial differentiation, and multiple integration
What actually happens[edit]
Calc III is taught by Dr. Kurt Fink. This is a class that you really have to attend, or do all of the homework for. It goes too fast to miss classes, though not so fast that you couldn't do well by showing up and taking notes and doing problems in class. There are 12-13 homework assignments, and four tests. Since there aren't many points available in the class it is important to do well on asignments and tests.
The first half of the class really is just preparing you with the tools you need to take the second half, so unless you're already versed in vectors, matrices, and multidimensional analogs to familiar geometric objects, you really need to show up to the first half. What you learn in the first half also can really help you understand the vector problems in the Physics classes. In the second half you learn scalar valued (Rn -> R) and vector valued (Rm -> Rn) functions, gradients (total derivatives) of said functions, and multiple integrals of said functions. Gradients are useful in multiple dimensions in about the same way that derivatives are useful in two: rate of change. Gradients just happen to also give direction, as a slope of four means nothing in >2 dimensions. Multiple integrals are (predictably enough) an analog to single integrals, with just about as many uses. Arclength, surface area, volume, and integrating over a solid give you values that could be interpreted as temperature, mass, or other things.
This class includes matlab work. About a quarter of the homework assignments are in matlab and require you to go into the lab and do fairly basic matlab work. The assignments are fairly explicit and he is very open to requests for help.
