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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.
| Knowledge Area (KA) | CS Core | KA Core |
3.1.1 Line Integrals and Vector Fields | Elective | |
3.1.2 Multiple Integrals | Elective | |
3.1.3 Multivariable Transformations | Elective | |
3.1.4 Surface Integrals and Fundamental Theorems | Elective | |
3.1.5 Vector Functions of a Real Variable | Elective | |
3.1.6 Limits and Continuity | Elective | |
3.1.7 Differential Calculus | Elective | |
3.1.8 Integral Calculus and Series | Elective | |
3.1.9 Multivariable Differential Calculus | Elective | |
3.1.10 Harmonic Analysis and Fourier Theory | Elective | |
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:
- Compute scalar and vector line integrals over oriented curves [Usage]
- Determine whether a vector field is conservative and construct its potential function [Usage]
- 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:
- Evaluate double and triple integrals over general regions using iterated integrals [Usage]
- Apply coordinate changes in polar, cylindrical, and spherical systems to simplify multiple integrals [Usage]
- 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:
- Describe transformations between coordinate systems using the Jacobian matrix [Familiarity]
- Compute the Jacobian and apply change of variables to evaluate multiple integrals [Usage]
- 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:
- Parametrize surfaces and evaluate scalar and flux surface integrals [Usage]
- Apply Stokes' and Divergence Theorems to reduce complex integrals [Assessment]
- 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:
- Identify limits, continuity, and derivatives of vector functions of a real variable [Familiarity]
- Compute tangent, normal, and binormal vectors and reparametrize a curve by arc length [Usage]
- 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:
- State the epsilon-delta definition of a limit and explain its geometric meaning [Familiarity]
- Evaluate limits using limit laws, L'Hôpital's rule, and asymptotic analysis [Usage]
- 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:
- Interpret the derivative as a rate of change and as the slope of the tangent line [Familiarity]
- Apply differentiation rules and implicit differentiation to compute derivatives of composite and implicit functions [Usage]
- 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:
- State the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus and explain the relationship between differentiation and integration [Familiarity]
- Compute definite and indefinite integrals using standard techniques including substitution and integration by parts [Usage]
- 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:
- Evaluate limits and determine continuity of functions of several variables [Familiarity]
- Compute gradients, directional derivatives, and tangent planes for multivariable functions [Usage]
- Apply Lagrange multipliers to solve constrained optimization problems in computing and data science [Usage]
- 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:
- Decompose periodic functions into Fourier series and assess pointwise and \(L^2\) convergence [Familiarity]
- Apply the Fourier transform to solve linear systems and compute convolutions in digital signal processing [Usage]
- Analyze the decay rate of Fourier coefficients in relation to the smoothness of a function [Assessment]