These 50 challenging calculus problems involve applying a variety of calculus skills. The exercises come with a good range of difficulty from milder challenges to very hard problems. On the page following each problem you can find the full solution with explanations. Topics include: derivatives of polynomials, trig functions, exponentials, and logarithms; the chain rule, product rule, and quotient rule; second derivatives (and beyond); applications such as related rates, extreme values, and optimization; limits, including l’Hopital’s rule; antiderivatives of polynomials, trig functions, exponentials, and logarithms; definite and indefinite integrals; techniques of integration, including substitution, trig sub, and integration by parts; multiple integrals; and non-Cartesian coordinate systems.
Dr. Chris McMullen has over 20 years of experience teaching university physics in California, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana. Dr. McMullen is also an author of math and science books. Whether in the classroom or as a writer, Dr. McMullen loves sharing knowledge and the art of motivating and engaging students.
Chris McMullen earned his Ph.D. in phenomenological high-energy physics (particle physics) from Oklahoma State University in 2002. Originally from California, Dr. McMullen earned his Master's degree from California State University, Northridge, where his thesis was in the field of electron spin resonance.
Dr. McMullen is well-known for: • engaging students in challenging ideas through creativity • breaking difficult problems down into manageable steps • providing clear and convincing explanations to subtle issues • his mastery of physics and strong background in mathematics • helping students become more fluent in practical math skills
As a physics teacher, Dr. McMullen observed that many students lack fluency in fundamental math skills. In an effort to help students of all ages and levels master basic math skills, he published a series of math workbooks on arithmetic, fractions, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus called the Improve Your Math Fluency Series. Dr. McMullen has also published a variety of science books, including introductions to basic astronomy and chemistry concepts in addition to physics workbooks.
Dr. McMullen is very passionate about teaching. Many students and observers have been impressed with the transformation that occurs when he walks into the classroom, and the interactive engaged discussions that he leads during class time. Dr. McMullen is well-known for drawing monkeys and using them in his physics examples and problems, using his creativity to inspire students. A stressed-out student is likely to be told to throw some bananas at monkeys, smile, and think happy physics thoughts.
Dr. McMullen first published The Visual Guide to Extra Dimensions, Volumes 1 and 2, to share his passion for the geometry and physics of the fourth dimension. Dr. McMullen has coauthored a half-dozen articles on current and future collider searches for large extra dimensions.
In addition to writing and teaching, Dr. McMullen enjoys Scrabble, golf, and chess.
I have always been terrible at math, so calculus seemed very daunting to me. With younger family members still in high school it's nice to be able to have something to challenge them. In this book it gives one problem per page and space to solve it. On the other side of the paper is a step by step guide on how to do so, and the answer so you can check the work.
This book is mostly for those who are familiar with calculus and know the symbols and equations. Be prepared to pull out your calculator and scrap paper!