Mathematics for Engineers and Technologists

4

Calculus

Summary

Calculus is concerned with two basic operations, differentiation and integration, and is a tool used by engineers to determine such quantities as rates of change and areas; in fact, calculus is the mathematical ‘backbone’ for dealing with problems where variables change with time or some other reference variable and a basic understanding of calculus is essential for further study and the development of confidence in solving practical engineering problems. This will become evident in the next chapter where physical systems will be modelled and the use of ‘rates of change’ equations (called differential equations) will allow the physical system to be represented, an analysis made and a solution formed under defined conditions. ...