Differentiation and Integration of Vectors (Undergraduate Foundation)

This course applies the principles of calculus to vector-valued functions. We move beyond static vectors to analyse how they change with respect to a parameter, such as time. The curriculum provides a rigorous treatment of vector differentiation, including specific rules for scalar and vector triple products. It then introduces vector integration, covering both anti-derivatives and the foundational concept of the line integral. Vector calculus is the essential language of dynamics and physics. Its primary application is kinematics - the mathematical description of motion. Engineers use these methods to model trajectories, velocities, and accelerations in mechanical, aerospace, and robotic systems. Physicists apply them to describe particle paths and force fields. These tools are non-negotiable for any study involving motion in two or three dimensions. Upon completion, you will be able to differentiate any vector-valued function and correctly apply the product rules. You will master the integration of vectors to solve initial-value problems, allowing you to determine position from acceleration or velocity. You will also gain the ability to set up and compute basic line integrals, a direct prerequisite for more advanced topics in vector analysis. This course is a mandatory component for undergraduate students in Engineering, Physics, and Applied Mathematics. It directly follows foundational courses in single-variable calculus and vector algebra (including products). It is also an essential module for computer science students focusing on 3D graphics or physics simulations, and a critical refresher for anyone preparing for advanced courses in fluid dynamics or electromagnetism.

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Enrolment valid for 12 months
This course is also part of the following learning track. You may join the track to gain comprehensive knowledge across related courses.
[NUC Core] MTH 103: Elementary Mathematics III - Vectors, Geometry and Dynamics
[NUC Core] MTH 103: Elementary Mathematics III - Vectors, Geometry and Dynamics
This comprehensive learning track guides you through the complete world of vector analysis. We begin with the fundamentals of vector algebra and its application to foundational geometry. You will then master scalar, vector, and triple products before using them to construct the vector equations of lines, planes, and conics. The journey culminates in advanced topics, including vector calculus, its applications in classical mechanics, and an introduction to differential geometry. Vectors are the essential language used to describe our physical world, making their mastery non-negotiable for any serious student of science or engineering. This track is designed to build your intuition for spatial reasoning and equip you with a powerful problem-solving toolkit. You will see direct applications in mechanics, analyzing forces and motion; in geometry, calculating angles and distances; and in calculus, modeling dynamic change over time. While this track is tailored to the first-year university curriculum for MTH 104 at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, it is an invaluable resource for a wide range of learners. It is ideal for any undergraduate student in mathematics, physics, engineering, or computer science seeking a comprehensive understanding of vector analysis. Furthermore, it serves as an excellent and thorough refresher for professionals who wish to solidify their foundational knowledge of this critical subject.

This comprehensive learning track guides you through the complete world of vector analysis. We begin with the fundamentals of vector algebra and its application to foundational geometry. You will then master scalar, vector, and triple products before using them to construct the vector equations of lines, planes, and conics. The journey culminates in advanced topics, including vector calculus, its applications in classical mechanics, and an introduction to differential geometry. Vectors are the essential language used to describe our physical world, making their mastery non-negotiable for any serious student of science or engineering. This track is designed to build your intuition for spatial reasoning and equip you with a powerful problem-solving toolkit. You will see direct applications in mechanics, analyzing forces and motion; in geometry, calculating angles and distances; and in calculus, modeling dynamic change over time. While this track is tailored to the first-year university curriculum for MTH 104 at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, it is an invaluable resource for a wide range of learners. It is ideal for any undergraduate student in mathematics, physics, engineering, or computer science seeking a comprehensive understanding of vector analysis. Furthermore, it serves as an excellent and thorough refresher for professionals who wish to solidify their foundational knowledge of this critical subject.

Course Chapters

1. Introduction
1

Welcome to the course and course outline.

Chapter lessons

1-1. Welcome

Welcome to the course and course outline.

2. Differentiation of Vectors
3
3

Differentiation of vector-valued functions; rules of vector differentiation; derivatives of vector products; some applications of vector differentiation.

Chapter lessons

2-1. The derivative

Formal definitions of differentiability and the derivative of a vector-valued function.

2-2. Rules

Rules of differentiation for vector-valued functions.

2-3. Triple products

Differentiating the scalar and vector triple products of vector-valued functions.

3. Integration of Vectors
3
3

Integration of vector-valued functions; definite, indefinite and line integrals of vector-valued functions; some applications of integration of vector-valued functions.

Chapter lessons

3-1. The anti-derivative

How to integrate a vector-valued function.

3-2. Line integral

Meaning of line integral and its relation to work done by a given force.

3-3. Position, velocity and acceleration

Linear and angular positions, velocity and acceleration of a body, and their calculus relations.