Fast start differential calculus

Abstract

This book reviews the algebraic prerequisites of calculus, including solving equations, lines, quadratics, functions, logarithms, and trig functions. It introduces the derivative using the limit-based definition and covers the standard function library and the product, quotient, and chain rules. It explores the applications of the derivative to curve sketching and optimization and concludes with the formal definition of the limit, the squeeze theorem, and the mean value theorem.