3.1. Calculus and Analysis (CAN)

3.1. Calculus and Analysis (CAN)

This area covers the fundamental study of change, limits, and integration. It spans from single-variable differential and integral calculus to multivariable analysis and harmonic methods, providing the essential analytical toolkit for algorithm analysis, signal processing, and machine learning.

Table 3.1: List of KUs in the Calculus and Analysis area.

3.1.1. CAN/Line Integrals and Vector Fields ↑ Back to top

Scalar and vector line integrals, conservative fields, potential functions, path independence, and Green's Theorem.
Topics:
Core

  • Vector fields: definition, visualization, divergence, and curl
  • Line integrals of scalar functions: arc length and mass
  • Line integrals of vector fields: work and circulation
  • Conservative fields, potential functions, and path independence
  • Green's Theorem and its applications in the plane

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

  1. Compute scalar and vector line integrals over oriented curves [Usage]
  2. Determine whether a vector field is conservative and construct its potential function [Usage]
  3. Apply Green's Theorem to evaluate line integrals via double integrals [Assessment]

3.1.2. CAN/Multiple Integrals ↑ Back to top

Integration of functions of several variables: double and triple integrals in Cartesian, polar, cylindrical, and spherical coordinates, with applications.
Topics:
Core

  • Double integrals over rectangles and general regions; iterated integrals (Fubini's theorem)
  • Double integrals in polar coordinates and change-of-variables formula
  • Triple integrals in Cartesian coordinates and applications to volume and mass
  • Triple integrals in cylindrical and spherical coordinates
  • Applications: area, volume, centers of mass, and moments of inertia

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

  1. Evaluate double and triple integrals over general regions using iterated integrals [Usage]
  2. Apply coordinate changes in polar, cylindrical, and spherical systems to simplify multiple integrals [Usage]
  3. Compute areas, volumes, and centers of mass using multiple integrals [Assessment]

3.1.3. CAN/Multivariable Transformations ↑ Back to top

Vector functions of vector variables: differentiability, the Jacobian matrix, change of variables, and the inverse and implicit function theorems.
Topics:
Core

  • Transformations from \(\mathbb{R}^n\) to \(\mathbb{R}^m\) and their differentiability
  • Jacobian matrix and Jacobian determinant
  • Change of variables in polar, cylindrical, and spherical coordinates
  • Inverse function theorem
  • Implicit function theorem in multivariable contexts

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

  1. Describe transformations between coordinate systems using the Jacobian matrix [Familiarity]
  2. Compute the Jacobian and apply change of variables to evaluate multiple integrals [Usage]
  3. Apply the inverse and implicit function theorems to analyze local invertibility [Assessment]

3.1.4. CAN/Surface Integrals and Fundamental Theorems ↑ Back to top

Parametric surfaces, scalar and flux surface integrals, curl, divergence, and the fundamental theorems of Stokes and Gauss.
Topics:
Core

  • Parametric surfaces, tangent plane, and surface area
  • Surface integrals of scalar functions
  • Flux integrals: surface integrals of vector fields
  • Stokes' Theorem: relation between line integrals and surface integrals
  • Divergence Theorem (Gauss): relation between flux and volume integral

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

  1. Parametrize surfaces and evaluate scalar and flux surface integrals [Usage]
  2. Apply Stokes' and Divergence Theorems to reduce complex integrals [Assessment]
  3. Relate local differential properties (curl, divergence) to global behavior via integral theorems [Assessment]

3.1.5. CAN/Vector Functions of a Real Variable ↑ Back to top

Space curves as vector functions of a real variable, including differential geometry of curves: Frenet frame, curvature, and torsion.
Topics:
Core

  • Definition, domain, and range of vector functions of a real variable
  • Limits, continuity, and derivatives of vector functions
  • Arc length and natural parametrization of a curve
  • Tangent, normal, and binormal vectors; moving Frenet frame
  • Curvature, torsion, and Frenet-Serret formulas

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

  1. Identify limits, continuity, and derivatives of vector functions of a real variable [Familiarity]
  2. Compute tangent, normal, and binormal vectors and reparametrize a curve by arc length [Usage]
  3. Calculate curvature and torsion using the Frenet-Serret formulas [Assessment]

3.1.6. CAN/Limits and Continuity ↑ Back to top

Rigorous study of limits and continuity of single-variable functions, including the epsilon-delta definition, limit laws, and fundamental theorems.
Topics:
Core

  • Epsilon-delta definition of a limit and formal proof techniques
  • Limit laws, one-sided limits, and limits at infinity
  • Continuity: types, properties, and the Intermediate Value Theorem
  • L'Hôpital's rule and indeterminate forms
  • Limits of sequences: convergence, Squeeze Theorem, and Bolzano-Weierstrass

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

  1. State the epsilon-delta definition of a limit and explain its geometric meaning [Familiarity]
  2. Evaluate limits using limit laws, L'Hôpital's rule, and asymptotic analysis [Usage]
  3. Prove continuity or discontinuity of a function and apply the Intermediate Value Theorem [Assessment]

3.1.7. CAN/Differential Calculus ↑ Back to top

Derivatives of single-variable functions: definition, rules, higher-order derivatives, and applications to optimization and algorithm analysis.
Topics:
Core

  • Derivative as a limit; geometric and physical interpretations; differentiability
  • Product, quotient, and chain rules; implicit differentiation; related rates
  • Rolle's theorem, Mean Value Theorem, and monotonicity criteria
  • Higher-order derivatives, Taylor polynomials, and remainder estimation
  • Extrema: first and second derivative tests, curve sketching, and applied optimization

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

  1. Interpret the derivative as a rate of change and as the slope of the tangent line [Familiarity]
  2. Apply differentiation rules and implicit differentiation to compute derivatives of composite and implicit functions [Usage]
  3. Solve optimization problems and sketch curves using the Mean Value Theorem and derivative tests [Assessment]

3.1.8. CAN/Integral Calculus and Series ↑ Back to top

Definite and indefinite integrals, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, integration techniques, and convergence of sequences and series.
Topics:
Core

  • The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus and the antiderivative
  • Integration techniques: substitution, parts, partial fractions, and trigonometric substitution
  • Improper integrals: convergence criteria and comparison tests
  • Sequences and series: convergence tests (ratio, root, comparison, integral)
  • Power series, radius of convergence, Taylor and Maclaurin series

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

  1. State the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus and explain the relationship between differentiation and integration [Familiarity]
  2. Compute definite and indefinite integrals using standard techniques including substitution and integration by parts [Usage]
  3. Determine convergence of improper integrals and power series and construct Taylor series for standard functions [Assessment]

3.1.9. CAN/Multivariable Differential Calculus ↑ Back to top

Differential calculus of scalar functions of several variables: limits, partial derivatives, gradient, tangent plane, optimization, and Taylor's theorem.
Topics:
Core

  • Limits and continuity of functions of several variables in \(\mathbb{R}^n\)
  • Partial derivatives, directional derivatives, and the gradient vector
  • Tangent plane, total differential, and linear approximation
  • Extrema of multivariable functions and Lagrange multipliers
  • Taylor's theorem for functions of several variables

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

  1. Evaluate limits and determine continuity of functions of several variables [Familiarity]
  2. Compute gradients, directional derivatives, and tangent planes for multivariable functions [Usage]
  3. Apply Lagrange multipliers to solve constrained optimization problems in computing and data science [Usage]
  4. Expand functions of several variables using Taylor's theorem and estimate error bounds [Assessment]

3.1.10. CAN/Harmonic Analysis and Fourier Theory ↑ Back to top

Fourier series and transforms with applications to signal processing, compression, and spectral analysis in computing.
Topics:
Core

  • Fourier series: convergence, Parseval's theorem, and \(L^2\) completeness
  • The Fourier transform: properties, inversion, and convolution
  • Plancherel theorem and tempered distributions (Schwartz space)
  • Wavelet theory: multiresolution analysis and the discrete wavelet transform
  • Applications to signal processing, PDE solving, and data compression

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

  1. Decompose periodic functions into Fourier series and assess pointwise and \(L^2\) convergence [Familiarity]
  2. Apply the Fourier transform to solve linear systems and compute convolutions in digital signal processing [Usage]
  3. Analyze the decay rate of Fourier coefficients in relation to the smoothness of a function [Assessment]

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