Math 3214

Calculus of Several Variables


Course Description

From Catalog:

Fundamental calculus of functions of two or more variables. Implicit function theorem, Taylor expansion, line integrals, Green's theorem, surface integrals.

The objectives of this course are to develop skills in vector calculus including: fundamental calculus of functions of two or more variables, the implicit function theorem, Taylor expansion, line integrals, Green's theorem, surface integrals. Where reasonable, examples of physical systems will be used to illuminate some of these ideas.

Prerequisite: MATH 2224.

Some topics are

  • Implicit Function Theorem (Sensitivity Analysis)
  • Multidimensional Taylor Expansions (Polynomial Models)
  • Line Integrals (And Applications)
  • Green's Theorem (Engineering Applications)
  • Lagrange Multipliers (Optimization)
Course Contract

Math 3214 - Calculus of Several Variables - Spring 2013

Course Instructor: Jeff Borggaard

Regular office hours will be held in McBryde 528, Monday 8-9 and Friday 2:30-3:30. Additional meeting times can be arranged by e-mail.

Course Resources

Vector Calculus , J.E. Marsden and A.J. Tromba, Sixth Edition, Freeman, 2012.

This course will be managed using the Virginia Tech Scholar site.

Evaluation and Grading

The grade will be determined by homework and projects. Collected homework problems and in class quizzes (25%), Two midterm exams (25% each) and a final exam (25%). To encourage everyone to keep up with the material and lectures, late homework will not be accepted unless by prior agreement.

For the Spring 2013 semeseter, the Final Exam date is 10 May 2013, from 1:05 PM - 3:05 PM (i.e. 13:05-15:05).

Honor Code

You are encouraged to discuss homework assignments with other members of the class. However, the objective of this course is to teach you critical thinking and problem solving skills, as well as a basic background in a fundamental subject. Thus, the final writeup of your submitted homework should be your work alone. Failure to follow these restrictions, and giving or receiving unauthorized aid or assistance on in-class or take-home exams are Virginia Tech Honor System violations and cases will be filed.