Using Technology to Apply Calculus

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Each Motivating the Chapter introduces the student to an application that explores the concepts to be covered in the chapter. The real-world settings and meaningful questions spark students' interest. These applications are extended in technology lab projects in the supplementary lab series. The labs are available in five versions -- Maple, Mathematica, Derive, Mathcad, and the TI-92 graphing calculator.

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Each lab begins with background information and observations, as well as a statement of the purpose of the lab, in order to motivate students' interest and place the application in context. Data, graphs, and equations are available on the accompanying data disk for ease of use enabling students to focus on problem solving and modeling data.

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A variety of open-ended exercises encourages students to deepen their understanding of calculus. Challenging, analytical, thought-provoking, comparative, and exploratory questions are included.

Through the use of technology, the labs expand on concepts discussed in class and challenge students' knowledge above and beyond what classtime allows. The labs give students the opportunity to appreciate the applicability of calculus and practice their problem-solving and computer algebra skills -- important skills for students to carry into the future.

Each lab manual contains at least one lab per chapter, corresponding to the Motivating the Chapter opener. The labs are referenced in the text where it seems most appropriate to assign them. However, they are flexible enough to be assigned at the instructor's discretion.

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