In this class, we’re about to embark on a thrilling adventure in calculus, and you might be wondering, “Why should I study calculus? What’s in it for me?” Let’s begin by taking a quick peek at the fascinating history of calculus, which will help you understand why this subject is not just a mathematical concept but a powerful life enhancer. Calculus has been the engine behind solving complex problems, driving scientific progress, and sparking technological innovation. It explained everything from the laws of motion and gravity to modeling the behavior of electric circuits and predicting the spread of diseases.

Calculus may sound complex, but its roots are quite simple. The word “calculus” comes from the Latin word for “small stone” or “pebble.” In ancient times, people used pebbles for counting and measuring, essential for trade, architecture, and astronomy. Fast forward to the late 17th century, and you meet two math legends—Sir Isaac Newton and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz. Independently, they gave birth to calculus as we know it today. Newton used it to tackle questions of motion and change, crucial for his work in physics and astronomy. Leibniz introduced the notation and formalism that make calculus accessible. These laid the groundwork for a discipline that’s since become vital in nearly every field of science.

What’s the point of studying calculus now? How does it fit into your life? That’s precisely what we’ll explore—how calculus can boost your problem-solving skills, ignite your curiosity, open doors to exciting careers, and equip you to make a difference in our fast-paced world. As we uncover the practical side of calculus, you’ll see that it’s not just math; it’s your key to unlocking a world of opportunities.