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University of Alberta · Edmonton · mathematical and physical sciences
University of Alberta MATH144 — Calculus for the Mathematical and Physical Sciences I
Practise polynomial differentiation and the first antiderivative/definite-integral calculations for Alberta’s physical-science calculus route.
48 original question families · 144 parameter instances
Practise this course →Course alignment and coverage
Current catalogue description and Fall 2026/Winter 2027 listings checked on 25 October 2026. No public current syllabus was available on that catalogue entry.
Across this collection: 140 distinct original families and 420 parameter instances. Courses share topic banks; translations and shared mappings are not extra questions.
Supported learning objectives
Limits
Evaluate a limit using substitution, factoring or rationalization.
Continuity
Find missing values and compare one-sided limits.
Polynomial derivatives
Apply the power rule and interpret a derivative.
Product rule
Differentiate polynomial products and identify missing terms.
Chain rule
Differentiate composite polynomial functions.
Tangent lines
Connect slope, point and tangent-line equation.
Implicit differentiation
Differentiate a curve and evaluate a local slope.
Related rates
Relate changing lengths, areas, volumes and distances.
Linear approximation
Use a tangent model and estimate a differential.
Optimization
Locate and check a maximum or minimum in a stated domain.
Polynomial antiderivatives
Reverse the power rule and use a stated constant or initial value. Exact fractional coefficients are supported.
Definite integrals and average value
Evaluate elementary polynomial integrals, distinguish signed accumulation and compute an average value.
What is not covered
Selected single-variable and polynomial foundations only. Trigonometric/logarithmic derivatives, quotient-rule exercises, formal proofs, complete curve sketching and long modelling tasks are not covered. Elementary function evaluation is not equivalent to differentiating those functions. Taylor polynomials, integral-as-sum exercises and extended physical applications are missing.
An original worked example
Find lim as x→2 of (x² + 3x - 1).
Worked solution
Answer: 9
- Polynomials are continuous everywhere.
- 2² + 3(2) - 1 = 9.
Official course sources
Independent, original, free self-study practice. Not affiliated with or endorsed by this university; these are not official exam questions. Topic alignment does not establish transfer credit, a current section’s weekly syllabus, full course coverage or a grade prediction. Follow your instructor’s rules and use official course materials for assessed work. No live AI chat or paid access is required.