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Unit 1: Limits & Continuity
▾What a Limit Means
A limit describes the value f(x) approaches as x gets close to a number, not necessarily the value at that number.
- lim_{x→a} f(x) = L means f(x) can be made as close to L as we like by taking x close enough to a (x ≠ a)
- The limit exists only if the left-hand and right-hand limits both exist and are equal
- A limit can exist even when f(a) is undefined, e.g. a hole in the graph
- Infinite limits (vertical asymptotes) and limits at infinity (horizontal asymptotes) describe unbounded or end behavior
- Estimate limits from graphs and tables, then confirm algebraically
Evaluating Limits Algebraically
Most limits come from direct substitution or a little algebra to remove a 0/0 form.
- If f is continuous at a, lim_{x→a} f(x) = f(a): just substitute
- 0/0 is indeterminate: factor and cancel, rationalize, or combine fractions, then substitute
- Special limits: lim_{x→0} sin x / x = 1 and lim_{x→0} (1 − cos x)/x = 0
- Limits at infinity of rational functions: compare the degrees of numerator and denominator
- The Squeeze Theorem: if g ≤ f ≤ h and g and h share a limit L, then f → L too
Continuity and the IVT
A function is continuous at a point when there is no break, jump or hole there.
- f is continuous at a if f(a) is defined, lim_{x→a} f(x) exists, and the two are equal
- Discontinuities: removable (hole), jump (one-sided limits differ), infinite (vertical asymptote)
- Polynomials, rational functions (on their domains), exponentials, logs and trig functions are continuous where defined
- Intermediate Value Theorem: if f is continuous on [a, b], it takes every value between f(a) and f(b)
- The IVT guarantees a root exists when a continuous function changes sign on an interval
0/0 doesn't mean the limit is 0 or undefined. It means you need more algebra.
f(a) and lim_{x→a} f(x) can differ; the limit ignores the value at a.
The IVT says a value exists, not where it is or how many times it's hit.
Unit 2: Derivative Rules & Techniques
▾The Derivative as a Limit
The derivative measures instantaneous rate of change: the slope of the tangent line.
- f'(x) = lim_{h→0} [f(x + h) − f(x)] / h
- Average rate of change on [a, b] is [f(b) − f(a)]/(b − a), the slope of a secant line
- The derivative at a point is the slope of the tangent line there
- Differentiable implies continuous, but continuous doesn't imply differentiable (corners, cusps, vertical tangents)
- Recognize a limit that IS a derivative: lim_{h→0} [(2 + h)³ − 8]/h = derivative of x³ at x = 2 = 12
Basic Rules
A handful of rules handle most derivatives without using the limit definition.
- Power rule: d/dx xⁿ = n·xⁿ⁻¹; constants differentiate to 0
- Sum and constant-multiple rules let you differentiate term by term
- d/dx sin x = cos x, d/dx cos x = −sin x, d/dx eˣ = eˣ, d/dx ln x = 1/x
- Product rule: (fg)' = f'g + fg'
- Quotient rule: (f/g)' = (f'g − fg')/g²
Tangent Lines
The derivative turns into an equation for the line that best fits the curve at a point.
- Tangent line at x = a: y − f(a) = f'(a)(x − a)
- A horizontal tangent occurs where f'(x) = 0
- The normal line is perpendicular to the tangent: slope −1/f'(a)
- Local linearization: f(x) ≈ f(a) + f'(a)(x − a) for x near a
- More trig derivatives: d/dx tan x = sec² x, d/dx sec x = sec x tan x
The Chain Rule
Differentiate compositions from the outside in.
- d/dx f(g(x)) = f'(g(x)) · g'(x)
- d/dx [g(x)]ⁿ = n[g(x)]ⁿ⁻¹ g'(x)
- d/dx e^{g(x)} = e^{g(x)} g'(x); d/dx ln g(x) = g'(x)/g(x)
- d/dx sin(g(x)) = cos(g(x)) g'(x)
- Nested compositions: apply the chain rule once per layer
(fg)' is not f'g'. Use the product rule.
Quotient rule order matters: the numerator is f'g − fg', not fg' − f'g.
A function can be continuous at a point where it isn't differentiable, like |x| at 0.
Don't forget the inner derivative: d/dx sin(3x) = 3cos(3x), not cos(3x).
Unit 3: Applications of Derivatives
▾Mean Value and Extreme Value Theorems
Two existence theorems guarantee special points for continuous, differentiable functions.
- MVT: if f is continuous on [a, b] and differentiable on (a, b), some c has f'(c) = [f(b) − f(a)]/(b − a)
- Meaning: at some instant, the instantaneous rate equals the average rate
- EVT: a continuous function on a closed interval has an absolute max and an absolute min
- Candidates for absolute extrema: critical points inside the interval and the endpoints
- Critical point: where f'(x) = 0 or f'(x) doesn't exist (and f is defined)
Increasing, Decreasing and Relative Extrema
The sign of f' tells you which way f is heading.
- f' > 0 → f increasing; f' < 0 → f decreasing
- First Derivative Test: f' changes + to − → relative max; − to + → relative min
- Make a sign chart for f' using the critical points as dividers
- Justify answers with the sign change of f', not just 'f' = 0'
- A critical point without a sign change (like x³ at 0) isn't an extremum
Concavity and Optimization
The second derivative describes the bending of the graph and helps find maxima and minima.
- f'' > 0 → concave up (f' increasing); f'' < 0 → concave down
- Inflection point: where concavity changes (f'' changes sign)
- Second Derivative Test: f'(c) = 0 and f''(c) < 0 → relative max; f''(c) > 0 → relative min
- Optimization: write the quantity as a function of one variable, find critical points, check endpoints
- Always confirm the answer is a max or min (sign chart, second derivative or endpoint comparison)
f'(c) = 0 alone doesn't guarantee an extremum. Check for a sign change.
f''(c) = 0 alone doesn't make an inflection point. Concavity must change.
Don't forget the endpoints when finding absolute extrema on a closed interval.
Unit 4: Integration Basics
▾Accumulation and Riemann Sums
A definite integral adds up a rate over an interval to give total change.
- ∫_a^b f(x) dx is the signed area between f and the x-axis; area below the axis counts as negative
- Left, right and midpoint Riemann sums approximate it with rectangles; the trapezoidal rule uses trapezoids
- For an increasing f, a left sum underestimates and a right sum overestimates
- The integral of a rate gives net change: ∫_a^b r(t) dt = amount gained from a to b
- Properties: ∫_a^a f = 0, ∫_b^a f = −∫_a^b f, and integrals over adjacent intervals add
The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
Differentiation and integration undo each other.
- FTC part 2: ∫_a^b f(x) dx = F(b) − F(a), where F' = f
- FTC part 1: d/dx ∫_a^x f(t) dt = f(x)
- With a variable upper limit: d/dx ∫_a^{g(x)} f(t) dt = f(g(x)) g'(x)
- Accumulation function: g(x) = g(a) + ∫_a^x g'(t) dt
- The FTC turns area and total-change questions into antiderivative problems
Antiderivatives and u-Substitution
Finding antiderivatives reverses the derivative rules.
- ∫ xⁿ dx = xⁿ⁺¹/(n + 1) + C (n ≠ −1); ∫ 1/x dx = ln|x| + C
- ∫ eˣ dx = eˣ + C; ∫ cos x dx = sin x + C; ∫ sin x dx = −cos x + C
- u-substitution reverses the chain rule: let u be the inner function and replace du = u'(x) dx
- For definite integrals, change the limits to u-values or substitute back before evaluating
- Always include + C for indefinite integrals
The definite integral is net (signed) area. Total area needs absolute values.
Don't forget + C on indefinite integrals.
With u-substitution in a definite integral, change the limits too.
Unit 5: Applications of Integrals
▾Average Value and Motion
Integrals turn rates into totals and averages.
- Average value of f on [a, b]: (1/(b − a)) ∫_a^b f(x) dx
- Displacement on [a, b] = ∫_a^b v(t) dt
- Total distance traveled = ∫_a^b |v(t)| dt
- Position: s(b) = s(a) + ∫_a^b v(t) dt
- Units: integrating a rate multiplies its units by the input's units (m/s × s = m)
Area Between Curves
Subtract the lower curve from the upper curve and integrate.
- Area = ∫_a^b [top(x) − bottom(x)] dx
- Find intersection points to get the limits of integration
- If the curves cross, split the integral where top and bottom switch
- Integrating with respect to y: ∫ [right(y) − left(y)] dy
- Area is always positive, so check which function is on top
Volumes
Slice a solid into thin pieces whose volumes you can add up.
- Disc method: V = π ∫_a^b [R(x)]² dx
- Washer method: V = π ∫_a^b ([R(x)]² − [r(x)]²) dx
- Radii are distances from the axis of rotation, so adjust when rotating about lines like y = −1
- Known cross sections: V = ∫_a^b A(x) dx, with A(x) the area of the cross section (square, semicircle, …)
- Square cross sections with side s have A = s²; semicircles with diameter s have A = (π/8)s²
Displacement and total distance differ when velocity changes sign.
In the washer method it's R² − r², not (R − r)².
The average value of f is not the average of f(a) and f(b).
Unit 6: Exponential & Logarithmic Calculus
▾Derivatives of Exponentials and Logs
eˣ is its own derivative; ln x turns products into sums, which simplifies differentiation.
- d/dx eˣ = eˣ; d/dx e^{u} = e^{u} u'
- d/dx ln x = 1/x for x > 0; d/dx ln|x| = 1/x for x ≠ 0
- d/dx aˣ = aˣ ln a; d/dx log_a x = 1/(x ln a)
- Log properties first: ln(xy) = ln x + ln y, ln(xⁿ) = n ln x
- Logarithmic differentiation handles functions like xˣ: take ln of both sides, then differentiate
Integrals Involving e and ln
The exponential and log rules run backward for integration.
- ∫ eˣ dx = eˣ + C; ∫ e^{kx} dx = (1/k)e^{kx} + C
- ∫ 1/x dx = ln|x| + C
- ∫ u'/u dx = ln|u| + C, e.g. ∫ 2x/(x² + 1) dx = ln(x² + 1) + C
- ∫ aˣ dx = aˣ / ln a + C
- ∫ tan x dx = −ln|cos x| + C, a log integral in disguise
Exponential Growth and Decay
Rates proportional to size produce exponential models.
- y = y₀e^{kt} solves dy/dt = ky
- Doubling time = ln 2 / k; half-life = ln 2 / |k|
- Continuous compounding: A = Pe^{rt}
- lim_{n→∞} (1 + 1/n)ⁿ = e ≈ 2.71828
- Exponentials eventually outgrow any polynomial; logs grow slower than any positive power of x
d/dx eˣ isn't xeˣ⁻¹. The power rule doesn't apply to exponentials.
ln(a + b) is not ln a + ln b.
∫ 1/x dx needs absolute value: ln|x|.
Unit 7: Related Rates & Optimization
▾Derivatives as Rates in Context
A derivative has units of 'output per input' and describes how fast a quantity changes.
- If V(t) is volume in liters and t is minutes, V'(t) is in liters per minute
- Interpret V'(5) = −2: at t = 5 minutes, the volume is decreasing at 2 liters per minute
- Motion: velocity v(t) = s'(t), acceleration a(t) = v'(t) = s''(t)
- Speed is |v(t)|; speed increases when v and a have the same sign
- A particle is at rest when v = 0 and changes direction where v changes sign
Related Rates
When quantities are linked by an equation, their rates are linked by its derivative.
- Draw a picture, name variables, and write an equation relating them
- Differentiate both sides with respect to time t (chain rule on every variable)
- Substitute known values only after differentiating
- Common equations: Pythagorean theorem, similar triangles, area and volume formulas
- Answer with units and a sign that matches increasing (+) or decreasing (−)
Linearization and L'Hôpital's Rule
Tangent lines approximate values; derivatives also resolve indeterminate limits.
- L(x) = f(a) + f'(a)(x − a) approximates f near a
- The approximation is an overestimate if f is concave down there, an underestimate if concave up
- L'Hôpital's Rule: if a limit gives 0/0 or ∞/∞, lim f/g = lim f'/g' (when the latter exists)
- Check the indeterminate form before applying it; it doesn't apply to forms like 1/0
- Example: lim_{x→0} (eˣ − 1)/x = lim eˣ/1 = 1
Substituting numbers before differentiating in related rates freezes quantities that are changing.
Speed isn't velocity: speed is |v|.
L'Hôpital differentiates top and bottom separately, not as a quotient-rule derivative.
Unit 8: Sequences & Series Intro
▾Sequences and Series
A series adds up the terms of a sequence; it converges if its partial sums approach a finite limit.
- A sequence aₙ converges if lim_{n→∞} aₙ exists
- A series Σaₙ converges if the partial sums Sₙ = a₁ + … + aₙ approach a limit
- nth-term test: if lim aₙ ≠ 0, the series diverges (if it is 0, the test says nothing)
- Geometric series Σ arⁿ converges to a/(1 − r) when |r| < 1 and diverges when |r| ≥ 1
- Telescoping series collapse when consecutive terms cancel
Convergence Tests
Different series shapes call for different tests.
- p-series Σ1/nᵖ converges if p > 1 and diverges if p ≤ 1 (the harmonic series Σ1/n diverges)
- Integral test: for positive, decreasing f, Σf(n) and ∫_1^∞ f(x) dx both converge or both diverge
- Comparison and limit comparison tests compare to a known series
- Ratio test: L = lim |aₙ₊₁/aₙ|; L < 1 converges absolutely, L > 1 diverges, L = 1 inconclusive
- Alternating series test: if |aₙ| decreases to 0, Σ(−1)ⁿaₙ converges
Absolute and Conditional Convergence
Some series converge only because their signs alternate.
- Absolutely convergent: Σ|aₙ| converges (then Σaₙ converges too)
- Conditionally convergent: Σaₙ converges but Σ|aₙ| diverges, e.g. the alternating harmonic series
- Alternating series error bound: |S − Sₙ| ≤ |aₙ₊₁|
- Choose tests by form: factorials or powers → ratio test; rational functions → p-series comparison
- Always name the test and check its conditions when justifying
aₙ → 0 does not mean Σaₙ converges (harmonic series).
The ratio test is inconclusive when L = 1.
Conditional convergence needs both: Σaₙ converges and Σ|aₙ| diverges.
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Unit 1: Limits & Continuity
- Limit
- lim_{x→a} f(x) = L: f(x) gets arbitrarily close to L as x approaches a (x ≠ a).
- One-sided limits
- Approach from the left (x→a⁻) or right (x→a⁺); the limit exists only if both agree.
- Continuity at a
- f(a) is defined, lim_{x→a} f(x) exists, and lim_{x→a} f(x) = f(a).
- Removable discontinuity
- A hole: the limit exists but doesn't equal f(a) (or f(a) is undefined).
- Intermediate Value Theorem
- Continuous f on [a, b] takes every value between f(a) and f(b).
- Squeeze Theorem
- If g ≤ f ≤ h near a and g, h → L, then f → L.
Unit 2: Derivative Rules & Techniques
- Derivative (definition)
- f'(x) = lim_{h→0} [f(x + h) − f(x)]/h; instantaneous rate of change.
- Power rule
- d/dx xⁿ = n xⁿ⁻¹.
- Product rule
- (fg)' = f'g + fg'.
- Quotient rule
- (f/g)' = (f'g − fg')/g².
- Tangent line
- y − f(a) = f'(a)(x − a).
- Differentiability
- Implies continuity; fails at corners, cusps, vertical tangents and discontinuities.
- Chain rule
- d/dx f(g(x)) = f'(g(x))·g'(x).
- Implicit differentiation
- Differentiate both sides with respect to x, treating y as y(x); solve for dy/dx.
- Inverse function derivative
- (f⁻¹)'(b) = 1/f'(a), where f(a) = b.
- d/dx ln u
- u'/u.
- d/dx arctan u
- u'/(1 + u²).
- d/dx aˣ
- aˣ ln a.
Unit 3: Applications of Derivatives
- Mean Value Theorem
- Continuous on [a, b] and differentiable on (a, b) → f'(c) = [f(b) − f(a)]/(b − a) for some c.
- Extreme Value Theorem
- Continuous on [a, b] → f has an absolute max and min there.
- Critical point
- Where f'(x) = 0 or f' is undefined (f defined).
- First Derivative Test
- f' + to − → relative max; − to + → relative min.
- Concavity
- f'' > 0 concave up; f'' < 0 concave down; sign change = inflection point.
- Candidates Test
- Absolute extrema on [a, b]: evaluate f at critical points and endpoints.
Unit 4: Integration Basics
- Definite integral
- ∫_a^b f(x) dx: signed area; the net accumulation of f over [a, b].
- FTC part 2
- ∫_a^b f(x) dx = F(b) − F(a), where F' = f.
- FTC part 1
- d/dx ∫_a^x f(t) dt = f(x).
- u-substitution
- Let u = inner function, du = u' dx; reverses the chain rule.
- Riemann sum
- Sum of f(xᵢ)Δx using left, right or midpoint heights.
- Net change theorem
- ∫_a^b F'(t) dt = F(b) − F(a).
Unit 5: Applications of Integrals
- Average value
- (1/(b − a)) ∫_a^b f(x) dx.
- Displacement vs. distance
- ∫ v dt vs. ∫ |v| dt.
- Area between curves
- ∫ (top − bottom) dx or ∫ (right − left) dy.
- Disc method
- V = π ∫ R(x)² dx.
- Washer method
- V = π ∫ (R² − r²) dx.
- Known cross sections
- V = ∫ A(x) dx, A = cross-section area.
Unit 6: Exponential & Logarithmic Calculus
- d/dx eᵘ
- eᵘ · u'.
- d/dx ln u
- u'/u.
- ∫ u'/u dx
- ln|u| + C.
- Logarithmic differentiation
- Take ln of both sides, differentiate implicitly, multiply by y.
- Doubling time
- ln 2 / k for y = y₀e^{kt}.
- e
- lim_{n→∞} (1 + 1/n)ⁿ ≈ 2.71828.
Unit 7: Related Rates & Optimization
- Velocity and acceleration
- v(t) = s'(t); a(t) = v'(t) = s''(t).
- Speeding up
- When v and a have the same sign; slowing down when they differ.
- Related rates steps
- Picture → variables → equation → differentiate in t → substitute → answer with units.
- Local linearization
- L(x) = f(a) + f'(a)(x − a).
- L'Hôpital's Rule
- For 0/0 or ∞/∞: lim f/g = lim f'/g'.
- Units of a derivative
- Units of the output per unit of the input.
Unit 8: Sequences & Series Intro
- Geometric series
- Σarⁿ converges to a/(1 − r) when |r| < 1.
- p-series
- Σ1/nᵖ converges iff p > 1.
- nth-term test
- If lim aₙ ≠ 0, Σaₙ diverges. Can't prove convergence.
- Ratio test
- L = lim|aₙ₊₁/aₙ|: < 1 converges, > 1 diverges, = 1 inconclusive.
- Alternating series test
- |aₙ| decreasing to 0 → Σ(−1)ⁿaₙ converges; error ≤ next term.
- Conditional convergence
- Σaₙ converges but Σ|aₙ| diverges.
Unit 1: Limits & Continuity
What a Limit Means
A limit describes the value f(x) approaches as x gets close to a number, not necessarily the value at that number.
Evaluating Limits Algebraically
Most limits come from direct substitution or a little algebra to remove a 0/0 form.
Continuity and the IVT
A function is continuous at a point when there is no break, jump or hole there.
Key fact
A limit exists only when the left- and right-hand limits agree.
Key fact
lim_{x→0} sin x / x = 1.
Key fact
Continuity at a: f(a) defined, the limit exists, and they're equal.
Key fact
IVT needs continuity on a closed interval.
Unit 2: Derivative Rules & Techniques
The Derivative as a Limit
The derivative measures instantaneous rate of change: the slope of the tangent line.
Basic Rules
A handful of rules handle most derivatives without using the limit definition.
Tangent Lines
The derivative turns into an equation for the line that best fits the curve at a point.
The Chain Rule
Differentiate compositions from the outside in.
Key fact
f'(x) = lim_{h→0} [f(x + h) − f(x)]/h.
Key fact
Power rule: d/dx xⁿ = n xⁿ⁻¹.
Key fact
Product: f'g + fg'. Quotient: (f'g − fg')/g².
Key fact
Tangent line: y − f(a) = f'(a)(x − a).
Key fact
Chain rule: (f∘g)' = f'(g(x))·g'(x).
Unit 3: Applications of Derivatives
Mean Value and Extreme Value Theorems
Two existence theorems guarantee special points for continuous, differentiable functions.
Increasing, Decreasing and Relative Extrema
The sign of f' tells you which way f is heading.
Concavity and Optimization
The second derivative describes the bending of the graph and helps find maxima and minima.
Key fact
MVT: f'(c) = average rate of change on [a, b] for some c in (a, b).
Key fact
f' changes + → − : relative max; − → + : relative min.
Key fact
Inflection point: f'' changes sign.
Key fact
Absolute extrema on [a, b]: compare critical points and endpoints.
Unit 4: Integration Basics
Accumulation and Riemann Sums
A definite integral adds up a rate over an interval to give total change.
The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
Differentiation and integration undo each other.
Antiderivatives and u-Substitution
Finding antiderivatives reverses the derivative rules.
Key fact
∫_a^b f(x) dx = F(b) − F(a).
Key fact
d/dx ∫_a^x f(t) dt = f(x).
Key fact
∫ xⁿ dx = xⁿ⁺¹/(n + 1) + C, n ≠ −1.
Key fact
The integral of a rate is net change.
Unit 5: Applications of Integrals
Average Value and Motion
Integrals turn rates into totals and averages.
Area Between Curves
Subtract the lower curve from the upper curve and integrate.
Volumes
Slice a solid into thin pieces whose volumes you can add up.
Key fact
Average value = (1/(b − a)) ∫_a^b f(x) dx.
Key fact
Total distance = ∫ |v(t)| dt; displacement = ∫ v(t) dt.
Key fact
Area = ∫ (top − bottom) dx.
Key fact
Washer: V = π ∫ (R² − r²) dx.
Unit 6: Exponential & Logarithmic Calculus
Derivatives of Exponentials and Logs
eˣ is its own derivative; ln x turns products into sums, which simplifies differentiation.
Integrals Involving e and ln
The exponential and log rules run backward for integration.
Exponential Growth and Decay
Rates proportional to size produce exponential models.
Key fact
d/dx e^{u} = e^{u}u'; d/dx ln u = u'/u.
Key fact
∫ 1/x dx = ln|x| + C.
Key fact
Doubling time = ln 2 / k.
Key fact
e = lim (1 + 1/n)ⁿ ≈ 2.718.
Unit 7: Related Rates & Optimization
Derivatives as Rates in Context
A derivative has units of 'output per input' and describes how fast a quantity changes.
Related Rates
When quantities are linked by an equation, their rates are linked by its derivative.
Linearization and L'Hôpital's Rule
Tangent lines approximate values; derivatives also resolve indeterminate limits.
Key fact
Units of f'(t): units of f per unit of t.
Key fact
v = s', a = v' = s''.
Key fact
Speeding up when v and a have the same sign.
Key fact
L'Hôpital: only for 0/0 or ∞/∞.
Unit 8: Sequences & Series Intro
Sequences and Series
A series adds up the terms of a sequence; it converges if its partial sums approach a finite limit.
Convergence Tests
Different series shapes call for different tests.
Absolute and Conditional Convergence
Some series converge only because their signs alternate.
Key fact
Geometric: Σarⁿ = a/(1 − r) if |r| < 1.
Key fact
p-series converges iff p > 1.
Key fact
nth-term test can only prove divergence.
Key fact
Alternating error ≤ first omitted term.
Common mistakes for each unit — read the mistake, then make sure you know why it's wrong.
Unit 1: Limits & Continuity
Watch out
0/0 doesn't mean the limit is 0 or undefined. It means you need more algebra.
Watch out
f(a) and lim_{x→a} f(x) can differ; the limit ignores the value at a.
Watch out
The IVT says a value exists, not where it is or how many times it's hit.
Unit 2: Derivative Rules & Techniques
Watch out
(fg)' is not f'g'. Use the product rule.
Watch out
Quotient rule order matters: the numerator is f'g − fg', not fg' − f'g.
Watch out
A function can be continuous at a point where it isn't differentiable, like |x| at 0.
Watch out
Don't forget the inner derivative: d/dx sin(3x) = 3cos(3x), not cos(3x).
Unit 3: Applications of Derivatives
Watch out
f'(c) = 0 alone doesn't guarantee an extremum. Check for a sign change.
Watch out
f''(c) = 0 alone doesn't make an inflection point. Concavity must change.
Watch out
Don't forget the endpoints when finding absolute extrema on a closed interval.
Unit 4: Integration Basics
Watch out
The definite integral is net (signed) area. Total area needs absolute values.
Watch out
Don't forget + C on indefinite integrals.
Watch out
With u-substitution in a definite integral, change the limits too.
Unit 5: Applications of Integrals
Watch out
Displacement and total distance differ when velocity changes sign.
Watch out
In the washer method it's R² − r², not (R − r)².
Watch out
The average value of f is not the average of f(a) and f(b).
Unit 6: Exponential & Logarithmic Calculus
Watch out
d/dx eˣ isn't xeˣ⁻¹. The power rule doesn't apply to exponentials.
Watch out
ln(a + b) is not ln a + ln b.
Watch out
∫ 1/x dx needs absolute value: ln|x|.
Unit 7: Related Rates & Optimization
Watch out
Substituting numbers before differentiating in related rates freezes quantities that are changing.
Watch out
Speed isn't velocity: speed is |v|.
Watch out
L'Hôpital differentiates top and bottom separately, not as a quotient-rule derivative.
Unit 8: Sequences & Series Intro
Watch out
aₙ → 0 does not mean Σaₙ converges (harmonic series).
Watch out
The ratio test is inconclusive when L = 1.
Watch out
Conditional convergence needs both: Σaₙ converges and Σ|aₙ| diverges.