Author Archive | Shaun Ault

  • Shaun Ault

    Shaun earned his Ph. D. in mathematics from The Ohio State University in 2008 (Go Bucks!!). He received his BA in Mathematics with a minor in computer science from Oberlin College in 2002. In addition, Shaun earned a B. Mus. from the Oberlin Conservatory in the same year, with a major in music composition. Shaun still loves music -- almost as much as math! -- and he (thinks he) can play piano, guitar, and bass. Shaun has taught and tutored students in mathematics for about a decade, and hopes his experience can help you to succeed!

Common Integrals on the AP Calc Exam

The AP Calculus exams include a substantial amount of integration. So it’s very important to be familiar with integrals, numerous integration methods, and the interpretations and applications of integration. In this short article, we’ll take a look at some of the most common integrals on the test. For a quick review of integration (or, antidifferentiation), […]

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What is Logarithmic Differentiation? AP Calc Review

What is logarithmic differentiation? Basically, it’s a calculus tool that helps you to find derivatives of complicated functions involving a lot of multiplication, division, or powers. This review article walks you through the methods and provides plenty of example problems to help you succeed on the AP Calculus exams! Properties of Logarithms First of all, […]

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Linear Approximation: AP Calculus Exam Review

What is linear approximation? Basically, it’s a method from calculus used to “straighten out” the graph of a function near a particular point. Scientists often use linear approximation to understand complicated relationships among variables. In this review article, we’ll explore the methods and applications of linear approximation. We’ll also take a look at plenty of […]

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AP Calculus Review: Differential Equations

A differential equation is a relation that involves an unknown function and its derivative. There are many kinds of differential equations and tons of specialized techniques we may use to solve them. Fortunately, on the AP Calculus exams you will only encounter a handful of the most basic kinds. Basic Differential Equations: Integration You have […]

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AP Calculus Review: Optimization

This review article is all about optimization. Here, you’ll learn the tools and techniques for setting up and solving these often difficult problems. And along the way, we’ll work out a few examples! Optimization The method of optimization uses derivatives to find maximum or minimum values. However, the functions that need to be optimized typically […]

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AP Calculus Review: Applications of Derivatives

Calculus is primarily the study of rates of change. However, there are numerous applications of derivatives beyond just finding rates and velocities. In this review article, we will highlight the most important applications of derivatives for the AP Calculus AB/BC exams. Applications of Derivatives Here is a list of some of the essential derivative applications. […]

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AP Calculus Review: Shell Method

The Shell Method is a technique for finding the volume of a solid of revolution. Just as in the Disk/Washer Method (see AP Calculus Review: Disk and Washer Methods), the exact answer results from a certain integral. In this article, we’ll review the shell method and show how it solves volume problems on the AP […]

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