A presentation of the concepts of calculation, in engineering schools, not focused on the definition of limit

Abstract

Admitting that the presentation of mathematical concepts in teaching should consider the needs and interests of those to whom the educational process is directed, then the mathematics courses taught in the engineering schools should be thought and imparted in the manner in which the mathematical concepts involved will be used in the professional activity of the engineer and, of course, in the way these concepts are used to acquire and use the knowledge of the engineering sciences. The traditional presentation of Calculus is centered on the concept of limit, although the experience in the classrooms clearly shows that there are great difficulties for learning and even though the texts used for the teaching of engineering sciences use the Calculation concepts with a scarce resource of the concept of limit. This document intends to insist on the possibility to offer a presentation of the Calculus, in engineering schools, that does not put in the center of attention the concept of limit.