Real Life Applications of Calculus: Calculus is a part of mathematics and is also used in physics. With real-life applications of calculus, it can be found how the changing conditions of a system affect us. Students can learn how to control a system by studying calculus. Calculus is the language of engineers, scientists, and economists and it is one of the many instances of the application of integration in real life.

From microwaves, cell phones, TV, and car to medicine, economy, and defence, calculus is an integral part. Furthermore, the application of derivatives in real life is way more than what is understood. In this article, Embibe has listed some of the applications of differential calculus in real life.

Real Life Applications of Calculus: Understanding It Better

Before understanding the use of calculus in real life, students must first understand what calculus is.

Definition of Calculus: Calculus, originally called infinitesimal calculus or “the calculus of infinitesimals”, is the mathematical study of continuous change, in the same way that geometry is the study of shape and algebra is the study of generalisations of arithmetic operations.

Given below are some of the most common applications of Calculus in real life:

Finance: Application of Derivatives in Real Life

It is used for Portfolio Optimisation, i.e., how to choose the best stocks. Some of the real-life applications of differential calculus are listed below:

• Statisticians will use calculus to evaluate survey data to help develop business plans. A survey involves many questions with various possible answers; calculus allows a more accurate prediction.
• Credit card companies use calculus to set the minimum payments due on credit card statements at the exact time the statement is processed.

Chemistry: Application of Integration in Real Life

• Inorganic Chemistry: The Rate of Reaction, i.e., How fast a reaction takes place (Integration).
• Integrations are applicable in various fields like engineering, where the engineers apply integrals to determine the shape of the building. In Physics, they are used in concepts like the centre of gravity etc. They are used in the field of graphical representation, where three-dimensional models are demonstrated.

Biology: Application of Differential Calculus in Real Life

• Study of Population: Analysing how the population of predators and prey evolves over time. It is done using a differential equation. Biologists use differential calculus to determine the exact rate of growth in a bacterial culture.

Physics: Application of Derivatives in Real Life

• Mechanics: Velocity and acceleration all come from simple derivatives of the position function.

Real-Life Applications of Calculus: Other Uses

Here are some other applications of calculus in real life:

• Electrical Engineering: An electrical engineer uses integration to determine the exact length of power cable needed to connect two substations that are miles apart.
• Architect: An architect will use integration to determine the number of materials necessary to construct a curved dome over a new sports arena. You can also find this in the applications of integration in real life examples.
• Space flight engineers:  Space flight engineers frequently use calculus when planning lengthy missions. To launch an exploratory probe, calculus allows each of those variables to accurately take into account the orbiting velocities under the gravitational influences of the sun and the moon. This is one of the most crucial instances of real life applications of calculus.
• Graphics artist: A graphics artist uses calculus to determine how different three-dimensional models will behave when subjected to rapidly changing conditions. This use of calculus in real life often correlates with art.

A wide range of careers regularly makes use of calculus. Whether it is in graduation-level Universities, military, government agencies, airlines, entertainment studios, software companies, or construction companies, the application of integration in real life is everywhere. Even doctors and lawyers use calculus to help build the discipline necessary for solving complex problems. So, in short, calculus is used almost everywhere. It is very important from even the exam point of view, and hence students can start practising calculus from today itself with Embibe.

FAQs on Real Life Applications of Calculus

Q1: What are the real-life applications of calculus?
Ans: Calculus is used to solve the area of complicated shapes, evaluating survey data, the safety of vehicles, business planning, credit card payment records, or finding the changing conditions of a system that affect us, etc.

Q2: What are the 4 concepts of calculus?
Ans: The 4 basic fundamental concepts of calculus are limits, functions, derivatives, integrals, and infinite series.

Q3: What are the uses of calculus in Physics?
Ans: In Physics, calculus is used a lot. It is used in motion, electricity, heat, light, harmonics, acoustics, astronomy, and dynamics. In fact, even advanced physics concepts, including electromagnetism and Einstein’s theory of relativity, use calculus.

Q4: What are the applications of calculus in Chemistry?
Ans: In the field of Chemistry, calculus can be used to predict functions such as reaction rates and radioactive decay.

Q5: In Economics, what are the applications of calculus?
Ans: In Economics, calculus is used to compute marginal cost and marginal revenue, enabling economists to predict maximum profit in a specific setting.

Also Check:

Integral Calculus: Definition

Definite Integration