A simple description of Calculus is that it has to do with calculating slopes of curves, areas below curves, and the connections between these two kinds of calculations. However, the applications are much wider than might be guessed from this description. For example, calculus helps one find the largest value of quantities. This is because at any point where a smooth curve has the largest value of that curve in some surrounding region, the slope must be zero. (Think about it.) Even for certain simple-looking curves these problems are not so easy to solve, and several courses at university level are usually needed to master the techniques.
In this project we will work around these difficulties by choosing examples where only certain kinds of functions or curves, that are easier to handle, are needed.
We will solve problems such as finding the angle at which an object should be launched, so that it travels the most distance.
We will also get a start on challenges such as finding the size of a series of bets for maximum growth rate in a certain betting game, and finding the most efficient route between two points if certain parts of the terrain are more difficult to cover than others.
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