Wikipedia 10K Redux

Reconstructed by Reagle from Starling archive; see blog post for context.

Calculus

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Calculus (or The Calculus) is the mathematical discipline which focuses on finding the rate of change or Derivative of Continuous Functions as the their arguments change. The value of such a Function (called the dependent variable) results from a change in a related quantity (called the independent variable). Its conceptual foundations include the Mathematical Function, Mathematical Limit, Mathematical Continuity, and [Rules of Operations for Functions]]. Its tools include the Symbol Manipulation techniques associated with School Algebra.

Equally imporant in Calculus, is finding the Integral of a Function which can be seen as the inverse of the Derivative. The Integral of a Function allows us, among other things, to calculate the area under a curve, the area and volume of solids such as a sphere or a cone.

The Calculus has been extended to consider Differential Equations, Vector Calculus, and Differential Topology.


Dick Beldin