Calculus Concepts Math · Noduly
Lesson

The math of change and accumulation

Calculus answers two questions: how fast is something changing right now, and how much has accumulated so far? Derivatives handle the first, integrals the second — and the Fundamental Theorem ties them together.

Limits

The value f(x) approaches as x → a. Limits make “just before” and “just after” precise even when f(a) doesn't exist.

limx→2 (x² − 4) = 0.

Derivatives

The instantaneous rate of change of f at x; the slope of the tangent line. Defined as the limit of slopes of secant lines as the gap shrinks.

d/dx[xⁿ] = n·xⁿ⁻¹

Integrals

The accumulated area under f between two values of x. Approximated by Riemann sums; computed exactly via antiderivatives.

∫xⁿ dx = xⁿ⁺¹/(n+1) + C

Fundamental Theorem

If F'(x) = f(x), then ∫ₐᵇ f(x) dx = F(b) − F(a). Differentiation and integration are inverse operations.

Headline rules

Power rule
d/dx[xⁿ] = n·xⁿ⁻¹
Sum rule
(f + g)' = f' + g'
Product rule
(fg)' = f'g + fg'
Quotient rule
(f/g)' = (f'g − fg')/g²
Chain rule
(f(g))' = f'(g)·g'
d/dx[sin x]
cos x
d/dx[cos x]
−sin x
d/dx[eˣ]
d/dx[ln x]
1/x
FTC
∫ₐᵇ f dx = F(b) − F(a)

Hands-on tools

Slide a tangent, watch a Riemann sum converge, and animate position-velocity-acceleration.

Limit explorer

Pick a function and a target. See f(x) from both sides as x approaches.

Tangent slider

Pick a function. The tangent line is the limit of the secant as h → 0.

Riemann sum visualizer

Approximate ∫ₐᵇ f(x)dx with rectangles. More slices → better.

Position · velocity · acceleration

An object's position is plotted; its derivative is velocity; the second derivative is acceleration.

t = 0.0

Quiz

Score 0/0 Streak 🔥 0 Best 0

Flashcards

Tap to flip. ← / → keys to navigate.

Limit
LimitThe value f(x) approaches as x approaches a — may differ from f(a).
1 / 22

Daily challenge

A new problem every day. Same problem for everyone, worldwide. Build a streak — one shot per day.

For teachers

Print-ready worksheet, answer key, teaching tips and standards alignment.

Teaching tips

    Standards alignment

      Reference

      Formula sheet

      Limit def. of derivative
      f'(x) = limh→0 [f(x+h) − f(x)] / h
      Power rule
      d/dx[xⁿ] = n·xⁿ⁻¹
      Constant rule
      d/dx[c] = 0
      Sum rule
      (f + g)' = f' + g'
      Product rule
      (fg)' = f'g + fg'
      Quotient rule
      (f/g)' = (f'g − fg')/g²
      Chain rule
      (f(g(x)))' = f'(g(x))·g'(x)
      d/dx[sin x]
      cos x
      d/dx[cos x]
      −sin x
      d/dx[eˣ]
      d/dx[ln x]
      1/x
      ∫xⁿ dx
      xⁿ⁺¹/(n+1) + C, n ≠ −1
      ∫1/x dx
      ln |x| + C
      ∫sin x dx
      −cos x + C
      ∫cos x dx
      sin x + C
      FTC
      ∫ₐᵇ f(x)dx = F(b) − F(a)

      Photo gallery

      Images sourced from Wikipedia.

      Report an issue or share feedback

      We read every submission. Critical bugs get priority.