Calculus, what is it good for?

Here is a brief description of calculus, integration and differentiation and one example of where it is useful: deriving new physics. In this video I start with a very simple derivation which shows the relationship between momentum and kinetic energy, and then show a simple introduction to integration and differentiation.

When I learned physics at University one of the most satisfying experiences was getting to grips with calculus enough to use it to derive equations as it allowed me to wield mathematics to describe the world, which felt awesome.

#mathematics #calculus #DomainOfScience

Also, if you enjoyed this video, you will probably like my science books, available in all good books shops around the work and is printed in over 20 languages. Links are below or just search for Professor Astro Cat. They are fun children's books aimed at the age range 4+ and 7+. But they are also a hit with adults who want good explanations of science. The books have won awards and the app won a Webby.

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[BlueyMcPhluey]

I never "got" maths until I discovered calculus, and now I'm hooked

[j.c.]

In one min and 53 seconds you explained calculus better than any teacher I ever had.

[cup_check_official]

Calculus, what is it good for?






Good for lowering my gpa...

[ritaprasad]

Calculus is easy to understand, but hard af to master.

[sanalalemci]

First time I am watching a video of yours. I have to say the quality is simply amazing. No silly background noise or music, no rush, no unnecessary crap. Just what people need in a smooth voice and language with a great quality video. Keep up the great job man!

[coleabrahams]

I’m in school and I’m learning calculus. We have never simply been given formulas to memorize but rather focus on understanding how the formulas are derived

[Victor-tldk]

3:59 I love that you point this out. I've found that a big problem in learning is intimidation.

A lot of the concepts are extremely simple and intuitive once you know the vocab.

And anything can be broken into easier parts.

[ronielvaldez]

Your video popped up on my feed literally when I checked YouTube after taking my integration test. All of you're saying is amazingly simple but true (which is something really hard to achieve) and made me love Calculus even more. Keep up the good work

[ShawwwHa]

This is by far the best! Video I've seen on the topic. You have no idea how much your explanation has helped me see the connection between what I'm learning and how it's applied. I'm beginning to realize why many see math as an art.
A million thanks to you sir!

[tear]

Taught myself a decent amount of calculus 1 and 2 during the fall. Really an amazing topic to dive into; incredibly useful. I think linear algebra is also as mind blowing, just in a different way.

[prashantdubey]

we need more teachers and professors like u who know what they talking about

[Smiles_McGeee]

Bro that first minute blew my mind. I need to start applying what I know in one area and apply it to other areas of my life

[flywittzbeats]

You are the epitome of Einsteins quote, “if you cannot explain it simply you do not know it well yourself” ❤❤

[PundrikUpadhyay]

like the way you explain, no hastiness and no hindering music. thanks for making it interesting.

[gwho]

this video actutally expaining what calculus, differentiation, integration IS and how it's basically slope and sum of curved functions is SO much clearer, less stressful, and is better for deeper understanding in a shorter amount of time than the confusing non-explanations in school class with stress homework, reading difficultly worded textbooks, spending so much time on an example that doesn't make sense to try to extract the core concept of calculus.

[kevin_delaney]

I haven't watched this yet, I certainly look forward to any and all of the content you post.

I thought I'd never use Calculus, or Trigonometry (which is kind of REALLY important in many areas of calculus, wish I discovered that sooner) in high school because none of my teachers really knew how to apply it outside of teaching, or at least few gave real-world examples if they did. I took an interest in additive manufacturing, electronics, and robotics. Computer Science in general interests me personally, so AI in general of course, but that tends to use more linear algebra in my own personal experience. In 3D printing and robotics, a common "tuning" algorithm is PID feedback loop. A control loop is used to "tune" Servo motors (brushless AC and DC multi-pole, multi-phase motors, not the cheap DC three word RC 'servos') as well as heaters, fluid pumps, fans, and a ridiculous amount of applications in many different industries. It is a relatively simple control algorithm that gets fantastic results after a few cycles and really improves efficiency and reduces error.

Another use I've come across is how my 3D printer (running with a Duet 2 controller with dc42's fork of Reprapfirmware, an OSH and OSS project) auto calibrates itself using a "root mean square" algorithm after probing the print bed.

Had I known how useful some of these concepts were in computer science and robotics, I would have paid MUCH better attention in high school. I was never exposed to it as a kid.

Not only is your content educational and high-quality (as far as editing and scripting is concerned) but it is also [high-quality education]. Being 25 years old, I can assure you and anyone else that education, especially in America, is not always high-quality. That cannot go unnoticed, I find tremendous value in the content you post and only wish you uploaded content more frequently.

[mariana_reads]

The most interesting college course I have had so far, I got 15/20 on my first exam because I was lazy on that day, 20/20 on my last exam which include the whole theory the professor taught during the semester. I give credits to my calculus teacher, she was one of the best math professors I’ve had and she made sure she gave us real scenario problems to solve in order to truly learn and understand the theory.

[daveherbert]

Great video, keep up the good work. I was not taught calculus at school, I did not know that it even resisted, but I have been fascinated even since I discovered it. A really brilliant explanation

[WildmanYino]

Not the normal type of video I watch but liked and subbed because I love that your spreading information keep it up man I respect all teachers

[fernautilus]

I also love 3blue1brown, and I can't wait to become a physics wizard like you!