Calculus

Study of continuous change through derivatives and integrals.

Practical Applications

Modeling Motion

Calculus in the Real World: Moving Objects

Calculus helps us understand and predict how things move. By using derivatives, we can analyze velocity and acceleration; with integrals, we can find total distance traveled, even when speed changes over time.

  • Sports: Predicting the path of a basketball shot
  • Space: Calculating the trajectory of satellites
  • Driving: Figuring out stopping distances

Calculus lets engineers and scientists build smarter, safer, and more efficient vehicles and technology.

Examples

  • Calculating how far a runner travels using the integral of their speed over time.

  • Predicting when and where a rocket will land by analyzing its motion with derivatives and integrals.