The Applications of Calculus in Everyday Life (Uses & Examples) (2024)

The Applications of Calculus in Everyday Life (Uses & Examples) (1)

6

BYJU'S FutureSchool

6 Min Read

Although it may not always be obvious, we actually use calculus quite often in our daily lives. Various fields such as engineering, medicine, biological research, economics, architecture, space science, electronics, statistics, and pharmacology all benefit from the use of calculus. Although the average person isn’t solving differential or integral calculus problems daily, we are using technology and equipment developed through the application of calculus in almost every aspect of our lives.

[Read: Math in Real Life]

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 temperature 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.

The Applications of Calculus in Everyday Life (Uses & Examples) (2)

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 proper 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 co*ckcroft-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 calculus. 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 experience.

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 respect to temperature, humidity, and pressure changes.

[Read: Father of Mathematics]

Learning calculus is not just beneficial in early academics, but also incredibly useful for a child’s future career. The examples provided can help a student understand just how important the application of calculus is for real life, and why it is so important to learn.
At BYJU’S FutureSchool, we celebrate learning in all its forms and would love to help your child expand their mathematical mindset. We teach classes on math, coding, and music (with an expanded curriculum on the way). Regardless of your child’s age or knowledge, there’s a course that’s perfect for them. Check out our website to browse our catalog and sign up for a FREE trial.

Learn with Math, Math

About the Author

BYJU'S FutureSchool

View All Articles

More than just Coding and Math! Our proprietary, activity-based curriculum with live, real-time instruction facilitates: Problem Solving. Creative Thinking. Grit. Confidence. Communication

The Applications of Calculus in Everyday Life (Uses & Examples) (2024)

FAQs

The Applications of Calculus in Everyday Life (Uses & Examples)? ›

Calculus is used to improve the architecture not only of buildings but also of important infrastructures such as bridges. In Electrical Engineering, Calculus (Integration) is used to determine the exact length of power cable needed to connect two substations, which are miles away from each other.

What are the applications of calculus in everyday life uses & examples? ›

Blood pressure, heart rate, stock markets, the weight of rockets, the speed of a runner, air pressure and temperature, and the population of bacteria are some of the many vital examples. We use differential calculus when analyzing the curved graphs, or parabolas, that map these events to find instantaneous rates.

What are the applications of calculus? ›

Applications of integral calculus include computations involving area, volume, arc length, center of mass, work, and pressure. More advanced applications include power series and Fourier series. Calculus is also used to gain a more precise understanding of the nature of space, time, and motion.

What is the relevance of basic calculus in your life as a student? ›

Students can use calculus skills in a wide variety of mathematical situations. For example, a student can calculate the rate of acceleration of an object using basic differential calculus skills. Calculus can also be used to calculate the amount of pressure applied to an object and an object's centre of mass.

How is calculus used in life sciences? ›

For example, in conservation biology, calculus is used to determine the effect of habitat fragmentation on population dynamics; in epidemiology, calculus is used to explore the antigenic change that occurs during an influenza epidemic; and in physiology, calculus is used to show how blood pressure depends on the radius ...

What is a real life example of limits in calculus? ›

You cannot have calculus without limits!

Similarly, if you drop an ice cube in a glass of warm water and measure the temperature with time, the temperature eventually approaches the room temperature where the glass is stored. Measuring the temperature is a limit again as time approaches infinity.

What are real life applications of calculus in sports? ›

Athletes, trainers, and coaches often use calculus to gain benefits over their counterparts. Calculus can also be used to calculate the projectile motion of baseball's trajectory, speed of baseball when hit, and predict if runners can make it to the next base on time, given their running Speed.

How does calculus apply to medicine? ›

For example, calculus was used to develop the co*ckroft-Gault equation, which determines the appropriate drug dosage for patients with certain kidney diseases based on the level of creatinine in their blood. Equations like this are invaluable to physicians and could not exist without an understanding of calculus.

What is an application of calculus in chemistry examples? ›

Generally, calculus may relate to chemistry when you work with thermodynamics and kinetics. where S is entropy, q is heat flow, and T is temperature. At a constant pressure and temperature (such as during a phase transition), it can be written like this: dS=δqrev,pT=dHT (Eq. B)

What is a real life example of differentiation? ›

Real-World Applications of Derivatives
  • To use graphs to calculate business profit and loss.
  • To monitor temperature changes.
  • To calculate the distance or speed travelled, such as miles per hour or kilometres per hour.
  • In physics, derivatives are utilized to derive numerous equations.

What is the main purpose of calculus? ›

Expressed in the starkest terms, the two fundamental operations of calculus have the objective of either (i) determining the slope of a function at a given point or (ii) determining the area under a curve.

How does calculus help society? ›

In addition, calculus is often used when data is being collected and analyzed. The social sciences, therefore, must rely on calculus very heavily. For example, calculating things like trends in rates of birth and rates of death wouldn't be possible without the use of calculus.

Why do you need calculus? ›

It provides a framework for modeling systems in which there is change, and a way to make predictions using such models. Calculus provides the foundation to physics, engineering, and many higher math courses. It is also important to chemistry, biology, astronomy, busi- ness, economics and statistics.

How is calculus used in real life economics? ›

In economics, calculus is used to study and record complex information - commonly on graphs and curves. Calculus allows for the determination of a maximal profit by providing an easy way to calculate marginal cost and marginal revenue. It can also be used to study supply and demand curves.

How is calculus used in human biology? ›

For example, calculus is used in population growth models to account for complex demography (Ellner and Rees, 2006), in Susceptible-Infectious-Removed (SIR) models to understand disease spread (e.g., bucet* and Johnson, 2017), and in tumor growth and metastasis models (e.g., Bilous et al., 2019).

How is calculus used in business? ›

Business calculus is necessary when calculating optimum production quantities which will result in the greatest profit. It is also used to calculate the profit on additional items made (marginal profit). Another use is in determining ideal packaging and shipment sizes.

How are limits calculus limits used or applied to daily life? ›

The applications of Limits are as follows: It helps to measure the strength of the magnetic field, electric field, etc. Limits are used to figure out the most relevant pieces of information from the large complex functions.

What are the three types of limits calculus? ›

Besides ordinary, two-sided limits, there are one-sided limits (left- hand limits and right-hand limits), infinite limits and limits at infinity.

What is the best explanation of limits calculus? ›

A limit tells us the value that a function approaches as that function's inputs get closer and closer to some number. The idea of a limit is the basis of all calculus.

How calculus is used in weather forecasting? ›

The understanding of calculus gives a forecaster a depth of understanding atmospheric processes more completely. 2. Meteorology is a specialized highly mathematical field where the understanding of calculus is critical in order to have academic success.

How is calculus used in the stock market? ›

To summarize, calculus is used to define random behaviors in the stock market and provide models and analysis to make more accurate predictions about the future of a stock. Stochastic calculus is a branch of calculus that deals with random behaviors, where in the stock market, prices are unpredictable and fluctuate.

What is calculus in biology? ›

A calculus (plural calculi), often called a stone, is a concretion of material, usually mineral salts, that forms in an organ or duct of the body. Formation of calculi is known as lithiasis (/ˌlɪˈθaɪəsɪs/). Stones can cause a number of medical conditions. Calculus. Other names.

How is calculus used in public health? ›

In order for doctors to prescribe the correct dosage of a drug and provide a regimen for treatment (ie., “take 2 capsules twice a day”), the drug's concentration over time must be tracked. This prevents under and over-dosing. The way that a drug's concentration over time is calculated is using calculus!

How is calculus used to measure blood flow? ›

Calculus can help us understand how the rate of blood flow through an artery depends on its radius, and why even slight narrowing of arteries can pose such a big problem to blood flow. Within an artery, blood moves at different speed.

What is the application of calculus in cardiology? ›

Thus, calculus is used to diagnose heart conditions and improve the process, and ideally, the specialist should be able to do more than interpreting the graphs. In addition to ECG, calculus also helps identify and classify leukocytes before issuing a diagnosis.

What is a simple example of calculus? ›

Integral calculus is the process of calculating the area underneath a graph of a function. An example is calculating the distance a car travels: if one knows the speed of the car at different points in time and draw a graph of this speed, then the distance the car travels will be the area under the graph.

How are derivatives used in everyday life? ›

It is an important concept that comes in extremely useful in many applications: in everyday life, the derivative can tell you at which speed you are driving, or help you predict fluctuations on the stock market; in machine learning, derivatives are important for function optimization.

How is differentiation used in daily life? ›

Rate of Change of a Quantity

This is the general and most important application of derivative. For example, to check the rate of change of the volume of a cube with respect to its decreasing sides, we can use the derivative form as dy/dx.

What are examples of differentiation in calculus? ›

Differentiation is a process, in Maths, where we find the instantaneous rate of change in function based on one of its variables. The most common example is the rate change of displacement with respect to time, called velocity.

What are the 4 types of calculus? ›

The main concepts of calculus are :
  • Limits.
  • Differential calculus (Differentiation).
  • Integral calculus (Integration).
  • Multivariable calculus (Function theory).

What are the two main ideas of calculus? ›

The two major concepts that calculus is based on are derivatives and integrals. The derivative of a function is the measure of the rate of change of a function, while integral is the measure of the area under the curve of the function.

What are the 3 main topics in calculus? ›

The Three Calculus Concepts You Need to Know
  • 1) Limits. Limits are a fundamental part of calculus and are among the first things that students learn about in a calculus class. ...
  • 2) Derivatives. Derivatives are similar to the algebraic concept of slope. ...
  • 3) Integrals.
Apr 20, 2018

How does calculus help in solving complicated problems? ›

Calculus makes it possible to solve problems as diverse as tracking the position of a space shuttle or predicting the pressure building up behind a dam as the water rises. Computers have become a valuable tool for solving calculus problems that were once considered impossibly difficult.

Can we live without calculus? ›

Without calculus, we wouldn't have cell phones, computers, or microwave ovens. We wouldn't have radio. Or television. Or ultrasound for expectant mothers, or GPS for lost travelers.

What is the most important thing in calculus? ›

Some of the most important things you will learn in calculus include: Limits: The concept of a limit is central to calculus and is used to describe the behavior of a function as it approaches a particular value, such as zero. Derivatives: A derivative is a measure of how a function is changing at a particular point.

How is calculus used in statistics? ›

At a very basic level, one example of calculus being used in statistics involves integrating over sections of a probability distribution. This will yield the cumulative probability over those values, which is simply the area under the curve.

How is calculus used in bacterial growth? ›

The use of calculus in measuring the growth rate of bacteria Biologists use differential calculus to determine the exact rate of growth in a bacterial culture when different variables such as temperature and food source are changed.

How is calculus used in architecture? ›

Calculus is used in architecture to understand shapes of the structures that are built. Calculus can be used to determine how much material is necessary to sustain the forces expected on a building. This allows for cost savings, safer buildings, and other benefits.

What is the application of calculus in pharmacy? ›

In order for doctors to prescribe the correct dosage of a drug and provide a regimen for treatment (ie., “take 2 capsules twice a day”), the drug's concentration over time must be tracked. This prevents under and over-dosing. The way that a drug's concentration over time is calculated is using calculus!

What is an example of where calculus is used in machine learning? ›

One of the important applications of calculus in machine learning is the gradient descent algorithm, which, in tandem with backpropagation, allows us to train a neural network model. In this tutorial, you will discover the integral role of calculus in machine learning.

Do electrical engineers use calculus? ›

Calculus. As we move beyond resistor circuits and start to include capacitors and inductors, we need calculus to understand how they work. Think of calculus as a corequisite in parallel with electrical engineering. You don't need to have a complete calculus background to get started, but it is helpful before too long.

How is calculus used in healthcare? ›

For example, calculus was used to develop the co*ckroft-Gault equation, which determines the appropriate drug dosage for patients with certain kidney diseases based on the level of creatinine in their blood. Equations like this are invaluable to physicians and could not exist without an understanding of calculus.

What is the application of calculus in neurology? ›

Researchers discover that to sharpen its control over precise maneuvers, the brain uses comparisons between control signals — not the signals themselves. Recent work with mice suggests that the brain precisely controls some quick movements by using principles of calculus in its signaling.

What real life applications do math derivatives have? ›

It is an important concept that comes in extremely useful in many applications: in everyday life, the derivative can tell you at which speed you are driving, or help you predict fluctuations on the stock market; in machine learning, derivatives are important for function optimization.

What is an example of differential calculus? ›

Differential calculus studies the rate of change of two quantities.
...
Differential Calculus vs Integral Calculus.
Differential CalculusIntegral Calculus
Example: Differentiate f(x) = x3 f'(x) = 3x2Example: Integrate f(x) = x3 F(x) = x44+C x 4 4 + C where, C is the constant of integration
3 more rows

Where is calculus used in business? ›

Business calculus is necessary when calculating optimum production quantities which will result in the greatest profit. It is also used to calculate the profit on additional items made (marginal profit). Another use is in determining ideal packaging and shipment sizes.

How is calculus related to machine learning? ›

Calculus is one of the core mathematical concepts behind machine learning, and enables us to understand the inner workings of different machine learning algorithms. It plays an important role in the building, training, and optimizing machine learning algorithms.

How often do data scientists use calculus? ›

Calculus Menu

Data Scientists use calculus for almost every model, a basic but very excellent example of calculus in Machine Learning is Gradient Descent.

What to major in if you like calculus? ›

Majors that require Calculus
  • Biochemistry.
  • Chemistry.
  • Engineering - Civil.
  • Engineering - Computer.
  • Engineering - Electrical/Electronic.
  • Engineering - Mechanical.
  • Engineering - Mechatronic.
  • Environmental Sciences.

Does electronics require calculus? ›

Electronics engineering careers usually include courses in calculus (single and multivariable), complex analysis, differential equations (both ordinary and partial), linear algebra and probability.

Do NASA engineers use calculus? ›

Aerospace engineers use calculus, trigonometry, and other math in their analysis, design, and troubleshooting work. Problem-solving skills.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Jerrold Considine

Last Updated:

Views: 6552

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (78 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Jerrold Considine

Birthday: 1993-11-03

Address: Suite 447 3463 Marybelle Circles, New Marlin, AL 20765

Phone: +5816749283868

Job: Sales Executive

Hobby: Air sports, Sand art, Electronics, LARPing, Baseball, Book restoration, Puzzles

Introduction: My name is Jerrold Considine, I am a combative, cheerful, encouraging, happy, enthusiastic, funny, kind person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.