Derivatives
Integrals
Applications
STEM Figures
Real-World Applications of Calculus
100

What is the derivative of f(x)=5x3

f'(x)=15x^2


100

What is the integral of ∫1 dx

∫1dx=x+C

100

If the height of a ball is given by h(t) = -5t^2 + 20t, when will the ball hit the ground?

When h(t) = 0 → Solve -5t^2 + 20t = 0 → t = 0 or t = 4 seconds

100

Who is Albert Einstein

Developed the theory of relativity, which revolutionized our understanding of space, time, and gravity.

100

 How is calculus used when driving a car?


 To calculate speed and acceleration from distance-time data.

200

Find the derivative of f(x)=cos⁡(x)

f'(x)=-sin(x)

200

Find ∫sin⁡(x) dx

∫sin(x)dx=−cos(x)+C

200

 The population of a town is modeled by P(t) = 1000e^{0.03t}. What does the 0.0

The growth rate (3% per year)


200

Who is Marie Curie 

Discovered the radioactive elements polonium and radium, and was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize.

200

How does NASA use calculus to land a spacecraft on the Moon

They use integrals and derivatives to calculate changing positions, speeds, and fuel use during descent.

300

Apply the Product Rule to find the derivative of f(x)=x2sin⁡(x)

f′(x)=2xsin(x)+x2cos(x)

300

Compute ∫1/x dx

∫1/x dx=ln ∣x∣ +C

300

A rectangle has one side of fixed length 10 cm. What width maximizes the area if the perimeter is 40 cm?

Width = 10 cm (because 2(10 + w) = 40 → w = 10)

300

Beth A. Brown

(February 4, 1969 – October 5, 2008) was a NASA astrophysicist with a research focus on X-ray observations of elliptical galaxies and black holes. She earned a Ph.D. in Astronomy from the University of Michigan in 1998, becoming the first African-American woman to do so

300

How does an engineer use calculus when designing a roller coaster?

To calculate the curves and slopes that make the ride safe and thrilling.

400

Find the second derivative of f(x)=x3−5x2+4x−2

f′′(x)=6x−10

400

Compute ∫e2x dx

∫e2x dx=e2x/2 + C

400

Water is leaking from a tank at a rate of 3 liters per minute. What is the total amount leaked in 30 minutes?


90 liters

400

Isabella Aiona Abbott

from Hawaii, was an ethnobotanist who studied Pacific marine algae. Abbott is especially known for her research on edible seaweed (limu), of which there are more than 70 types, and has been called the "First Lady of Limu." (Fun fact! Seaweed is a form of algae, so limu is edible algae.)

400

How is calculus used in weather forecasting

To model and predict changes in temperature, wind, and pressure over time.

500

 Differentiate f(x)=e3xsin⁡(2x) using the Product Rule and Chain Rule.

f′(x)=e3x(3sin(2x)+2cos(2x))


500

Compute ∫1/x2 dx

∫1/x2 dx=-1/x+C

500

A balloon is rising at a constant rate of 4 meters per second. After 5 seconds, how high is the balloon? What is its velocity?

•    Height = 4 \times 5 = 20 meters

    •    Velocity = 4 m/s (constant)

500

Dilhan Eryurt

Turkish astrophysicist Dilhan Eryurt researched how the Sun affects the Moon’s environment, aiding NASA in developing technology for lunar missions, including Apollo 11. She discovered the Sun was once brighter and hotter, challenging prior beliefs and influencing understanding of Earth and Moon chemistry. Her work earned her the Apollo Achievement Award in 1969.

500

How does Spotify use calculus to improve your music recommendations?

It helps optimize algorithms that track your listening habits and adjust suggestions in real-time using rate-of-change models.