Calculus 1 is one of the most important math courses on your high school or college curriculum. It's also a class that you'll likely struggle with if you don't have a good teacher. But that doesn't mean you can't get an excellent education in calculus 1, as there are now plenty of online courses that offer college credit. This article will detail the best calculus 1 online courses for college credit and how to make the most of them.

What is Calculus?

Calculus is the branch of mathematics that studies change in quantities. It can be used to find rates of change, such as velocity and acceleration. Calculus is also used to optimize systems, such as finding the shortest distance between two points.

There are two main types of calculus: differential calculus and integral calculus. Differential calculus deals with rates of change, while integral calculus deals with the accumulation of quantity. Both types of calculus are important in many fields, including physics, engineering, and economics.

The best calculus 1 online course for college credit will teach you both differential and integral calculus. These courses will also introduce you to other important concepts in mathematics, such as limits and continuity. By the end of a good online course, you should be able to solve problems using calculus.

The Basic Structure of a Calculus Class

Most calculus classes will cover the same core topics. These include limits, derivatives, integrals, and infinite series. While the order in which these topics are covered may vary from class to class, they will usually be introduced in this order.

In a typical calculus class, limits will be covered first. This is because limits are a fundamental concept in calculus. They provide a way to measure how a function changes as its inputs (x-values) get closer and closer to a certain value, limits, derivatives, integrals.

After limits, derivatives will be covered. Derivatives are essentially just a measure of how fast a function is changing at a given point. They can be used to find the slope of a curve at any point, and they also have many other applications.

Integrals will come next. Integrals are essentially the opposite of derivatives; they allow us to find the area under a curve. Like derivatives, they have many applications outside of calculus as well.

Finally, most calculus classes will cover infinite series. An infinite series is an infinite sum of terms; that is, it is a sum that goes on forever. Many functions can be represented as an infinite series, which makes them much easier to work with and understand.

Different Types of Calculus Courses

There are many different types of calculus courses available online for college credit. Each type of course has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here is a brief overview of the most popular types of calculus courses:

1) Introductory Calculus Courses: These courses are designed for students who have never taken a calculus course before. They cover the basics of calculus, including limits, derivatives, and integrals. Most introductory courses are offered as either semester-long or quarter-long courses.

2) Intermediate Calculus Courses: These courses build on the concepts learned in introductory calculus courses. They cover more advanced topics such as multivariable calculus, differential equations, and vector calculus. Most intermediate calculus courses are offered as semester-long courses.

3) Advanced Calculus Courses: These courses are designed for students who have already taken an intermediate calculus course. They cover even more advanced topics such as complex analysis and topology. Most advanced calculus courses are offered as semester-long or year-long courses.

Where You Can Take Calculus Online

There are a few different places where you can take calculus online courses for college credit. One option is through an accredited online school such as the University of Phoenix or Kaplan University. These schools offer many different levels of calculus courses, so you can take the one that is right for your needs.

Another great option for taking Distance Calculus online courses for college credit is through community colleges. Many community colleges now offer at least some of their coursework online, and this includes calculus courses. This can be a great option if you want to get your feet wet with online learning or if you want to save money on tuition.

Finally, there are a number of free online calculus courses available from various sources. These can be a great way to brush up on your skills or learn more about the subject matter before taking a more advanced course. However, it is important to make sure that any free course you take is from a reputable source so that you know it will be accurate and helpful.