IB Calculus Tutorial By IB Elite Tutor

The IB Calculus tutorial contributes a significant chunk to the IB Maths Tutor‘s work. It has varied applications across fields like physics, economics, chemistry, or any other subject of your choice. We provide IB as well as AP Calculus Tutors because higher/graduate studies rely heavily on calculus.

So the straight advice is to take the subject sincerely and seek the help of a tutor if necessary.

IB Calculus Tutorial

Calculus is categorized as differential and integral calculus. Differential calculus starts by measuring the change in the function concerning its variable. The measure of change is called the derivative or gradient of a function. Derivatives are obtained with a rule called “The first principle.” Try finding derivatives with the help of this rule. The function’s derivative tells about function properties related to change, i.e., if the function is increasing or decreasing. It also gives tangents and is expected at a point on the curve (basically a function). The second derivative is a derivative of the gradient function, or measures change in the change. In physics, velocity and acceleration are, e.g., the first and second derivatives of the distance/displacement function. The growth, demand, or supply functions in economics are checked to see if they are increasing or decreasing.

 Once the derivative is obtained or known for basic or standard functions like polynomial, algebraic, trigonometric, logarithmic, or exponential, it can be utilized to find the derivative of any function using the rules of linearity, product, and quotient.
The change in the “function of a function” (composite function) is calculated with a vital rule known as the “Chain rule.” The rule also helps change the variable on which the function is dependent. Differential calculus further introduces the maximum or minimum of a function. This topic is a fascinating interplay of the first and second derivatives (even higher derivatives). This topic is a student’s first meeting with the Theory of Optimization.

The other part of calculus is Integral calculus, which initiates with the term anti-derivative, which is, in essence, integration (or, to say, indefinite integration). To tell in raw terms, if the derivative of Sinx is Cosx, then the anti-derivative of Cosx is Sinx, i.e., the integration of Cosx is Sinx. One can also understand it by asking, “What kills derivative?” The answer is integration.

Learn basic or standard integrations or anti-derivatives, and then integration of other functions can be achieved with the help of the rule of substitutions rule and integration by parts. Mind you, integration using substitution and by parts is an art and, once learned, pays throughout your advanced studies.

The next stage in integration is Definite integral. It is integration within boundaries, i.e., the dependent variable is limited in range. Real-world applications requiring integration will have a definite integral. While doing definite integration, knowing the definition of an even/odd function and a periodic function is necessary. Integration of Trigonometric functions is essential. To get them properly, be thorough with the properties and identities of trigonometric functions.  Definite integration plays a significant role in advanced studies like Fourier series/ transforms, Laplace transforms, solving differential equations, etc.  At the diploma program stage, you will use them to solve problems based on Newton’s law of motion and electromagnetics in the physics course with the help of your IB Diploma Tutors.

The application of definite integrals, although very many, is covered by the diploma course, which covers finding the area under a curve, i.e., quadrature, and finding volume through the revolution of a curve about a fixed axis. Interestingly, a student would, for the first time, derive and calculate the area of a square, triangle, circle, and volume of a cylinder, sphere, cone, and frustum with the help of quadrature and volume of revolution, which they have memorized. A student also learns to find the area enclosed within two planar curves and thus finds the area of non-symmetric planar shapes. Good imaginative strength of planar, solid, or 3D shapes can be a game changer.

IB Elite Tutor Provides the best Online IB tutors and IB home tutors for Calculus.

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