Math53 Multivariable Calculus discussion
Math 53 with Sethian, Discussion 209/221
GSI contact information: Elliot Kienzle, Evans 836. Contact me through bCourses, or through ekienzle AT berkeley DOT edu.
All times follow Berkeley time, and start in earnest 10 minutes after posted time
Lecture: Tu/Th 8:00-9:30 am
Section: DIS 202 MWF 12-1 pm, DIS 204 MWF 6-7pm
Office Hours: Evans 836: 4:00-5:00 pm Monday, 1-2 pm Tuesday, 5-6 pm Friday, or by appointment.
Important links
- Sethian’s course webpage
- Homework and slides from lecture posted here
- Bcourses
- I will use announcements through BCourses to communicate important information
- Homework and Quiz policy
| Date | Topics | Handout | Solutions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single variable review | worksheet | Notes from the review session | |
| wed 8/24 | No official discussion. Unofficially, we talked about topology, calculus, and the gauss-bonnet theorem. | ||
| fri 8/26 | Introductions, creating a hyperbolic paraboloid out of sticks and rubber bands. | Webpage with activity | |
| mon 8/29 | Parametric curves and their calculus, Lissajous curves | worksheet | solutions |
| wed 8/31 | Parametric curves continued, polar coordinates, cardiods | worksheet | |
| fri 9/02 | Vectors, dot and cross products | worksheet | |
| mon 9/05 | Homework questions | ||
| wed 9/07 | Quiz one: Parametric equations, polar coordiantes, vector algebra | quiz | solutions |
| fri 9/09 | Level sets, quadradic surfaces | ||
| mon 9/12 | Multivariable limits, epsilon-delta definition | ||
| wed 9/14 | Quiz two: Multivariable functions, partial detrivatives | quiz | solutions |
| fri 9/16 | Partial derivatives and gradients | ||
| wed 9/21 | Quiz three: Gradients, Tangent planes, Chain rule | quiz | solutions |
| Monday 11/7 | Interpretation of curl and divergence | notes |
Resources
The textbook is Stewart’s Multivariable calculus, Early Transcendentals, eight edition. You can find this online on libgen.is, by searching “Calculus: Early Transcendentals 8th Edition””. The multivar section is the second half of the book. The UC Berkeley edition simply deletes a couple chapters, it is not necessary
MATH53 specific resources
- A cheat sheet of useful trig identities
- Past Math 53 Exams
Online Resources
- Paul’s online math notes
- Has pages on all the topics we will talk about in class, along with worked out examples
- Calculus BLUE
- For visual learners, this has lots of well animated videos on every topic in this class.
- Our class will cover the basic aspects of volume 1, and most of volume 2 and 3. If you’re having trouble with any of the subjects, see if they have a video on it.
- Desmos
- Online graphing calculator, useful for parametric curves and polar coordinates
- Geogebra
- Online 3D grapher, helps you see functions
- Wolfram Alpha
- Symbolic calculator. Very useful for solving annoying integrals
- Berkeley gives you free access to wolfram alpha pro. This will give you step by step directions on how to solve problems.
- Be Cautious with this. While it can solve many of the homework problems, remember that homework makes a negligible impact on your final grade. Use this tool to supplement your learning and problem solving, not supplant it. You won’t have it on the exams.
Extra help
- Student Learning Center for Math53
- Math Deptartment Tutor List
- Math Undergrad Student Assoc.
- MUSA tutoring
- MUSA BUMP mentoring
Homework and Quiz policy
Homework
Homework is collected on gradescope. The code for entry is 2KB7ZP. It is due each Monday. (Exceptions: The first homework is due on Friday, sept. 2. The second homework is due on Tuesday, sept 6th due to labor day.) The starred problems on homework will be graded for completion. I will be checking to make sure if it seems like you know what you’re doing, or if you’re writing nonsense.
Quizzes
By popular demand, quizzes will be biweekly on Wednesday. They will cover questions from the proceeding two weeks. The first quiz will be Wednesday, Sept. 7.