Skagit Valley College

Catalog Course Search Details

This course has been changed from the previous catalog, the changed field(s) are highlighted in red:

 Course Title:   Business Calculus

 Title Abbreviation:   BUSINESS CALCULUS

 Department:    MATH&

 Course #:    148

 Credits:    5

 Variable:     No

 IUs:    5

 CIP:    270101

 EPC:    n/a

 REV:    2021


 Course Description  

Introduces differential and integral calculus for students in business, management, behavioral and social science, or disciplines needing only one quarter of calculus. Topics include limits and continuity, differentiation techniques and applications, integration techniques and applications. Graphing technology required.

 Prerequisite  

Prerequisite: Math& 141 with a grade of C or higher, appropriate placement score, or instructor permission.

Additional Course Details

Contact Hours (based on 11 week quarter)

Lecture: 55

Lab: 0

Other: 0

Systems: 0

Clinical: 0


Intent: Distribution Requirement(s) Status:  

Academic Natural Sciences, Quantitative  

Equivalencies At Other Institutions

Other Institution Equivalencies Table
Institution Course # Remarks
CWU Math 170
EWU
UW Math 112
WSU Math 202
WWU Math 157

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, the student will be able to:

  1. Calculate limits and determine continuity of a function using limit laws.
  2. Evaluate derivatives of polynomial, rational, power, exponential, and logarithm functions.
  3. Find tangent lines to functions using the derivative.
  4. Use the first and second derivative tests to help sketch the graph of a function.
  5. Solve optimization applications using the techniques of differentiation.
  6. Find the antiderivative of basic functions using substitution.
  7. Solve application problems involving area using definite integrals.

General Education Learning Values & Outcomes

Revised August 2008 and affects outlines for 2008 year 1 and later.

Course Contents

  1. Differentiation
    • Limits and continuity
    • The derivative as limit of the difference quotient
    • The product and quotient rule
    • The chain rule
    • Calculate tangent lines
    • Higher order derivatives
    • Curve sketching using the first and second derivatives
    • Find extrema using the first and second derivative tests
    • Derivatives of exponential and logarithmic functions
    • Implicit differentiation (optional)
  2. Integration
    • Antiderivatives
    • Definite integrals and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
    • Integration using substitution
  3. Applications
    • Elasticity of Demand
    • Related rates (optional)
    • Exponential growth and decay models
    • Marginals of cost, profit and revenue
    • Optimization applications
    • Business Applications: a) Annuities and Amortization (optional) b) Minimizing inventory costs (optional) c) Consumer Surplus - Producer Surplus (optional) d) Distribution of wealth - the GINI Index (Optional)