Calculus is widely used in various professional fields such as in engineering, statistics, physics, economics and architecture. Calculus is also considered as the language that scientists, engineers and economists use due to its capability to model and also control numerous systems. The tasks performer by these professionals usually has a massive impact on people’s lives such as in communication, medicine, electronics, economy, transport and also in national defense.
Calculus is widely applied in the field of engineering in modeling and controlling systems. Electrical engineer often uses integration in determining the precise length of power cables that are required in connecting two substations positioned several miles apart. Because the electrical cables are usually hung from poles, they constantly curve and as a result calculus is essential in determining the precise length. Space flight engineers use calculus in planning for lengthy missions in space. When launching the exploratory probes, they use calculus in determining the orbiting velocities that the probe can achieve in relation to the Earth and other planets (Nipissing University).
Architects use calculus in determining the quantity of materials required in constructing curved domes as well as in calculating the weight of the dome so as to determine the appropriate form of support structure. As a result, without the accuracy that results from the application of calculus in architecture, roads, bridges, and tunnels cannot be constructed in a safe way. Calculus is used by the physicists in obtaining an objects’ center of mass such as in designing sports utility vehicles that meet some safety features at different speeds and road surfaces (Michigan State University).
Statisticians use calculus in evaluating survey data to assist in developing business plans for various companies. This is because surveys involve numerous different questions that can give a range of potential answers and calculus offers a more accurate estimate for appropriate actions. Economists use calculus mostly in credit cards where it is used in setting the minimum payments with regards to credit card statements. The changes in transactions must be analyzed instantaneously when the statements are processed by taking into consideration several variables such as change in interest rates and available balance. Biologists usually use differential calculus in determining the exact growth rate of cultured bacterial when different variables for instance temperature, food source and other conditions are changed (University of Otago).
In in an interview with an astronautic engineer, calculus was identified as the backbone of modeling and controlling the spaceships with regards to their velocity, trajectory and controls. The astronautic engineers are concerned with the creation of spacecraft, satellites and the space stations. Consequently, all these require a thorough grasp of mathematics and physics, especially the application of calculus in integration and differentiation. The astronautic engineers apply advanced calculus and mathematical equations in modeling their space equipment that can be used safely in space missions. From the interview, it was further revealed that most of the calculus formulas have been programmed into computer programs for ease of use. However, the astronautic engineers perform manual calculus calculations when carrying out experiments. Whenever the computers can fail, the must be in a position to solve manually the calculus based equations (Michigan State University).
In conclusion, several professions widely use calculus in solving their daily problems. As a result, several employers such as universities, military agencies, engineering firms, airline industries, entertainment studios, software firms, and construction firms and other relevant firms seek for professional with solid calculus knowledge. As a result, calculus is a language that scientists, engineers, economists, statisticians and other professional use in solving both simple and complex problems.
Works Cited
Michigan State University. Mathematics at LBC. 2013. Web. 2 June 2013. http://lymanbriggs.msu.edu/current/math.cfm
Nipissing University. Applications of Calculus. 2013. Web. 2 June 2013. http://calculus.nipissingu.ca/calc_app.html
