An Essential Tip about Calculus

The language of calculus is algebra and geometry. Too often students incorrectly attribute difficulties with learning calculus to calculus itself, rather than a lack of fluency in these other subjects. If you know algebra and geometry, calculus will be easy. If not, learning calculus may be next to impossible. It is no different than trying to study the original works of Jules Verne if you can’t read French. You will not get very far.

See the following short easily-digested papers and calculus notes for a first semester calculus course.

• A functional equation whose solutions must satisfy y” = ky
• More necessary and sufficient conditions for normality
• Symmetry and Simpson’s Rule
• A probabilistic reason why the root test is stronger than the ratio test
• Why two different sequences converge to exp(x)

Do you play the Lottery?

If you play or are thinking of playing the lottery, you might find these comparisons interesting. Be aware that these do refer to the current version of Powerball, which is even harder to win than the old one.

Do you want to be an actuary or a statistician?

Do you want to have a deeper understanding of the mathematics behind statistical tests? Mathematical Statistics 361/362: Introduction to Mathematical Statistics I and II is a year-long course which provides the background for a sophisticated understanding of the fundamental concepts of statistics.

Also of interest for future actuaries is Introduction to Probability Models which covers material appearing on the Course 3 exam.

You might be interested in reading our Actuarial Science Major planning document.

Graduate Students and the Theory of Probability

Graduate students! If you are interested in a graduate course in probability, consider Mathematics 771, Theory of Probability, which is usually taught in the fall. See Mathematics 771. Also see Homework Problems. Also, see Problem Set 1.

See the PowerPoint presentation on Math Course Prerequisites..

PowerPoint presentation for a presentation on uses of Computer Adaptive Testing software, given at MAA sectional meeting at Ripon College on April 12, 2002.