What's the difference between Calculus 1, 2, and 3?

The typical calculus sequence (Calc 1, 2, and 3) is a journey that expands your mathematical toolkit from one dimension into the three-dimensional world we live in.

• Calculus 1: The Foundation (Single-Variable Differential Calculus) This is your introduction to the core concepts of calculus. You'll learn about limits, which leads to the derivative. The main focus is on finding instantaneous rates of change, optimizing functions (finding maximums and minimums), and understanding the behavior of functions in one dimension.
• Calculus 2: Expanding the Toolbox (Single-Variable Integral Calculus) This course focuses on the other side of calculus: integration. You will master techniques to find the area under curves, calculate the volume of complex 3D shapes, and solve a wider variety of real-world problems. You will also be introduced to the fascinating concepts of infinite sequences and series.
• Calculus 3: Entering the Real World (Multivariable Calculus) This is where calculus truly comes to life. You'll take the concepts of derivatives and integrals and apply them to functions in three-dimensional space. You will learn about partial derivatives (change with respect to one variable at a time) and multiple integrals. This allows you to analyze complex surfaces and understand vector fields, which are essential for describing things like gravity, fluid flow, and electromagnetism.