Calculus 3

Calculus 3 covers advanced topics in multivariable calculus, including partial derivatives, multiple integrals, and vector calculus.

Advanced Topics

Line and Surface Integrals

Summing Along Curves and Surfaces

Line integrals let us sum up values along a curve, while surface integrals sum over a surface in space. These are powerful tools for measuring things like work done by a force or the flow of a fluid.

Line Integrals

If you walk along a path and want to know the total amount of energy expended against a force, a line integral calculates this by adding up contributions at every small step.

Surface Integrals

Surface integrals extend this idea to surfaces—imagine measuring how much sunlight hits a curved solar panel.

Real-World Impact

These integrals are essential in physics, engineering, and more, helping us understand how quantities accumulate along paths and surfaces.

Examples

  • Calculating work done by a force field along a path using a line integral.

  • Measuring fluid flow across a curved surface with a surface integral.

In a Nutshell

Line and surface integrals let us sum over curves and surfaces, not just flat regions.