Calculus is a branch of
mathematics focused on
limits,
functions,
derivatives,
integrals, and
infinite series. This subject constitutes a major part of modern
mathematics education. It has two major branches,
differential calculus and
integral calculus, which are related by the
fundamental theorem of calculus. Calculus is the study of change,
in the same way that
geometry is the study of shape and
algebra is the study of operations and their application to solving equations. A course in calculus is a gateway to other, more advanced courses in mathematics devoted to the study of functions and limits, broadly called
mathematical analysis. Calculus has widespread applications in
science,
economics, and
engineering and can solve many problems for which
algebra alone is insufficient.