Electronic Proceedings of the Twenty-fifth Annual International Conference on Technology in Collegiate Mathematics

Boston, Massachusetts, March 21-24, 2013

Paper C019

This is an electronic reprint, reproduced by permission of Pearson Education Inc. Originally appeared in the Proceedings of the Twenty-fifth Annual International Conference on Technology in Collegiate Mathematics, ISBN-10: 0133866726, Copyright (C) 2014 by Pearson Education, Inc.

Surface Integration Computer Activities in Multivariable Calculus

Przemyslaw Bogacki

Old Dominion University

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ABSTRACT

Students in our Multivariable Calculus course tend to find the Divergence Theorem to be quite challenging. To large extent, this challenge is due to the geometric complexity of boundaries of solids. Most solids require that the boundary surface be broken up into a number of smooth pieces before iterated integrals can be properly set up to calculate the flux. Often, different pieces will involve a mix of different coordinate systems (Cartesian, cylindrical, spherical). On the other hand, prior to taking Multivariable Calculus, students' exposure to solid geometry tends to be minimal. Consequently, we found it beneficial to augment the course with computer activities designed to help students learn how to properly deal with these issues.

Keyword(s): multivariable calculus, Mathcad