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Business Calculus
MATH 0120
4 Credits
Description: This is an introduction to calculus for students in business, economics, and other social
sciences. Application of concepts is stressed throughout the course
Prerequisite: A rigorous high school algebra background that includes exponentials and logarithmic
functions or precalculus is a prerequisite for the course. Proficiency in algebraic manipulation is essential.
A score of 61 or greater on the ALEKS placement examination is required to register for the CHS credits
for this course.
Grading: The grade is determined by the student's performance on three exams and a comprehensive
final. The student’s final grade will not exceed the final exam grade by more than one letter grade.
Textbook: The recommended text for this course is Brief Applied Calculus by Berresford and Rockett, 6
th
ed. Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning.
The following topics are covered in the University of Pittsburgh MATH 0120 course:
1. Functions
– Inequalities and lines
– Exponents
– Functions:
– Linear and quadratic
– Polynomial, rational
– Exponential
– Piecewise linear
– Composite, shifts of graphs
– Difference quotient
– Break-even points
– Maximizing profit
2. Derivatives
– Limits
– Introduction to limits
– Approaching infinity
– One-sided limits
– Continuity
– Tangents as rate of change
– Definition of derivatives
– Rules for derivatives
– Polynomials
– Products
– Quotients
– Chain Rule
– Powers
– Implicit differentiation
– Higher-order derivatives
– Related rates
3. Application of the Derivative
– Graphing using:
– First derivative
– Second derivative
– Asymptotes and intercepts
– Absolute extrema on a given domain
– Optimizing problems
– Differentials
– Marginal analysis in business
4. Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
– Algebraic properties review
– Graphs of exponential/log functions
– Constant e
– Compounding Interest
– Derivatives
– Chain Rule
– Elasticity of Demand
5. Integration
– Antiderivatives and Indefinite integrals
– Integration rules and procedures
– Polynomials
– Powers
– Exponentials/logarithmic
– Definite integral
– Definite integral as a limit of a Riemann sum
– Fundamental theorem of integral calculus
– Area under the curve and between curves
– Integration by substitution
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– Integration by parts
– Integration using tables
– Applications
– Recovering cost from marginal cost
– Cost of a succession of units
– Average value of a function
– Consumer and producer's surplus
6. Multivariable calculus
– Functions of several variables
– Partial derivatives
– Maxima and minima, the D test
– LaGrange multipliers
OPTIONAL:
– Improper integrals
– Numerical Integration
– Trapezoidal and/or Simpson’s Rule
– Method of least squares
– Double integrals over rectangular regions
– Logistic Growth
– Trigonometric functions
– Basic trigonometric values, graphs, and laws
– Derivatives and integrals
– Differential Equations
– General and particular solutions
– Separation of variables
– Arithmetic and Geometric Progressions
Additional course credit information for MATH 0120:
At the University of Pittsburgh:
• Majors: This is a course that can be used for majors in the College of Business
Administration as well as some social sciences. Students intending to major in a
math- or science-related field or engineering should not take this course and would
need to take a scientific calculus course such as the University of Pittsburgh’s
MATH 0220.
• Electives: Individual Schools and Colleges of the University (such as Engineering,
Arts & Sciences, Business, Information Sciences, and so on) have different policies
about elective credits and may count this course as an elective. Students interested
in studying at the University of Pittsburgh should contact their School/College of
interest to see if this course would be counted.
Academic Integrity: All College in High School teachers, students, and their parents/guardians are required to
review and be familiar with the University of Pittsburgh’s Academic Integrity Policy located online at
www.as.pitt.edu/fac/policies/academic-integrity
.
Grades: Grade criteria in the high school course may differ slightly from University of Pittsburgh standards. A
CHS student could receive two course grades: one for high school and one for the University transcript. In most
cases the grades are the same. These grading standards are explained at the beginning of each course.
Transfer Credit: University of Pittsburgh grades earned in CHS courses appear on an official University of
Pittsburgh transcript, and the course credits are likely to be eligible for transfer to other colleges and universities.
Students are encouraged to contact potential colleges and universities in advance to ensure their CHS credits
would be accepted. If students decide to attend any University of Pittsburgh campuses, the University of
Pittsburgh grade earned in the course will count toward the student grade point average at the University. At the
University of Pittsburgh, the CHS course supersedes any equivalent AP credit.
Drops and Withdrawals: Students should monitor progress in a course. CHS teacher can obtain a Course
Drop/Withdrawal Request form from the CHS office or Aspire. The form must be completed by the student,
teacher and parent/guardian and returned to teacher by deadlines listed. Dropping and withdrawing from the CHS
course has no effect on enrollment in the high school credits for the course.
