MATH 647 - Foundations of Calculus I

This course will explore the foundations of differential calculus, the role of rigour in mathematics, and the use of sophisticated mathematical software. Topics include: A brief primer on logic and proof, axiom of choice and other ideas from set theory, convergence of sequences and the various forms of the completeness axiom for R, detailed study of limits, continuity and the Intermediate Value Theorem, fundamentals of differentiation and the importance of linear approximation, role of the Mean Value Theorem, the nature and existence of extrema, Taylor's Theorem and polynomial approximation, MAPLE as a tool for discovery.