What is Calculus?

Calculus means ‘small pebble’ in Latin, and is named after the rocks used by the
Romans for counting. Sir Isaac Newton, one of the greatest scientists and
mathematicians in history, is credited as the founder of calculus. Over
centuries, many mathematicians have contributed to the further development
of calculus as a branch of mathematics and physics.

What does calculus actually do? Well, calculus measures the rate of change that
occurs in almost every phenomenon in the universe. There are two branches of
calculus, integrals and derivatives. The derivative component of a mathematical
function defines the rate of change at a specific point, whereas integrals show
the accumulation of discrete values of a function over a range.

Implications of Calculus in Everyday Life

1. Engineering
Real life applications of calculus is incredibly prevalent in the field of
engineering. Let’s discuss a few of its applications below:

Structural Engineering:
One of the most critical applications of calculus in real life is in structural
engineering. Calculus is used to calculate heat loss in buildings, forces in
complex structural configurations, and structural analysis in seismic design
requirements. Architects use calculus to determine the ever-important quantity
of materials required for constructing support systems that can withstand
stress over long periods of time. Even notable monuments such as the Eiffel
Tower were constructed using calculus to predict the impact of wind
resistance.

[Read: Applications of Trigonometry]

Civil Engineering:
When designing bridges, civil engineers need to consider three structural
elements: beams, tension, and compression members. Using calculus, we can
determine the amount of force acting on the beam including the weight of
pedestrians, weight of vehicles, and the amount of traffic anticipated on that
bridge. Based on these factors, the materials, size, and capacity can be
computed.

Electrical Engineering:
Integral and differential calculus are crucial for calculating voltage or current
through a capacitor. Integral calculus is also a main consideration in calculating
the exact length of a power cable necessary for connecting substations that are
miles apart from each other.

Mechanical Engineering:
Mechanical engineering is yet another great example. The pump used for filling
an overhead tank, gardening tools, cars, motorcycles, robots, and many
household appliances are designed using the principles of calculus.

Space Flight Engineering:

Before launching a rocket or exploratory probe, engineers must use calculus to
figure out the gravitational pulls of the sun and moon in order to know how to
launch a probe or hit the velocity needed to orbit the earth.

2. Medicine :
Calculus can also be applied in medicine. Applications of calculus in medical
science include:

Bacterial growth:
Biologists use differential calculus to compute the exact bacterial growth rate
in a culture by varying environmental factors such as temperatu re and food
source.

Patient Diagnosis:
Calculus is crucial in medical tests used for measuring cardiac output, blood
flow, and tumor growth. This data is needed to properly assess a patient’s
health condition.

Epidemiology:
Epidemiologists who conduct research on infectious diseases use calculus to
discover the spread rate and area where an infection will likely occur. Calculus
can also help create a containment plan and investigate the source of an
infection.

Cancer:
Calculus is used to determine the growth or shrinkage and number of cells of a
cancerous tumor. Using an exponential function, oncologists analyze the
progression or regression of a disease.

Surgical Control of Red Blood Cells:

The blood in the human body is made up of red blood cells. While undergoing
surgery, a patient’s blood volume has to be maintained by injecting a saline
solution that mixes quickly with the blood and dilutes as time passes. Calculus
is used for computing the volume of red blood cells so the pro per amount of
saline solution can be given to the patient during surgery.

[Read: Probability in Real Life]

Cardiology:
Cardiologists use differential calculus to understand the blood flow dynamics
needed for building an artificial aorta model in order to make sure it is placed
correctly during transplant.

Pharmacology:
Understanding drug sensitivity is crucial in finding the proper dosage for
maximum output of drug integration. The side effects of a drug, brought about
by factors like body temperature change, can be computed through integral
calculus. Pharmacologists can make a kidney a changing function in the
calculus-based Cockcroft-Gault equation and determine the creatinine levels in
the blood to assess the kidney’s functionality. Using these results, the dosage of
drugs for treatment can be finalized.

Neurology:
Neurology is the study of the human nervous system, which is a very complex
network of neurons that pass the brain’s signals to the entire body and control
all physical activities. The system consists of the central nervous system, the
brain, and the spinal cord. Integral calculus is used to compute the voltage of a
neuron at a certain point. In contrast, differential calculus is used for
calculating the change of voltage in a neuron with respect to time.

Entomology:
Entomology is the study of insects. An entomologist conducts research,
classifies insects based on species, and finds safe solutions to control insect
infestations in indoor and outdoor environments. Calculus is used for modeling
and generating insect proficiency through partial derivatives.

3. Business
Modern business also benefits from the application of calculus . Some of its uses
include:
Credit card payments:
Calculus is used for setting payment structures and the minimum due amount
by the credit card company by considering variables such as interest rates and
fluctuating balance.

Economics:
The price elasticity of supply and demand is determined using calculu s.
Economists use variables such as the supply-demand curve to find the exact
measure of elasticity at a particular point according to changes in price.
4. Music
You may be surprised to know that the use of calculus is not restricted to
engineering or medical science, but can also be applied to music. Some
applications include:
Harmonics:
An oscillation created by a damped harmonic is not infinite, as friction and air
resistance will dissipate the energy. Calculus is used to anticipate these
motions to make the proper adjustments and provide the best musical
experience to the listeners.

[Read: Applications of Algebra]

Acoustics:
Resonance and forced oscillation can be computed using calculus. Air
resistance varies at different frequencies and resonates throughout an enclosed
space whenever a musical instrument is played. Through calculus, we can make
improvements on acoustics and improve the listener’s ex perience.

5. Research Analytics
The application of calculus in research and development has paved the way for
manufacturing, data management, gaming, and other service industries to grow
exponentially. These applications include:

Variables in manufacturing:
Research analysts use calculus while observing different processes. Based on
collected data, companies can optimize their output, productivity, and
efficiency, which improves the industry’s quality and revenue.

Evaluate survey data:

Statisticians make use of survey data to find a range of answers for different
questions. Using calculus allows them to make accurate predictions, which
helps their decision making process.

Computing birth and death rates:

Ecologists use calculus to make dynamic population models that showcase
growth without any environmental constraints. Through calculus, accurate
predictions on population changes can be made, taking birth and death rates
into account.

Simulation for video games:

Graphic designers use calculus to understand 3D models created through
changing conditions. Based on the results derived from calculus, video games
and animated movies are made with a real world perspective.

6. Meteorology
Understanding weather patterns is crucial for agriculture, weather warnings,
and for preparation in case of extreme conditions.

Computing Weather Patterns:

Meteorologists use differential calculus equations to predict the effects of
varying weather conditions on the atmosphere with resp ect to temperature,
humidity, and pressure changes