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Calculus 2 vs Multivariable Calculus - Distance Calculus

Calculus 2 (Calculus II) and Multvariable Calculus are two completely different courses.

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Calculus 2 is the last half of the freshman calculus sequence, and is concerned primarily with integration theory - finishing up the course with sequences and series, which ultimately are used to integrate functions that cannot be integrated "in finite terms" algebraically, so infinite polynomials are introduced as a way to approximate functions (and their integrals) algebraically.

Multivariable Calculus is the generalization of 1-variable calculus (Calculus I and II) to multiple variables. Calculus I and II is concerned with the calculus of functions of a single variable: f(x), where as Multivariable Calculus is exploring the calculus of functions of 2 or more variables: f(x,y).

So, these two courses are completely different. You do need to finish Calculus II before engaging the Multvariable Calculus course.

Here are some videos to explore our Multivariable Calculus and Calculus 2 courses.



Multivariable Calculus & High School

Multivariable Course





Calculus 2 Introduction



Multivariable Calculus course can best be described as a "the first semester course of Differential and Integral Calculus to functions of many variables".

This course has many names, all being equivalent:
  • Calculus III
  • Calculus IV
  • Vector Calculus
  • Calculus of Many Variables
  • Calculus of Several Variables
At Distance Calculus, we call our "Multivariable Calculus" course as Multivariable Calculus - DMAT 355 - 4 credits.

Below are some links for further information about the Multivariable Calculus course via Distance Calculus @ Roger Williams University.

Distance Calculus - Freshman Courses
Freshman Mathematics Courses
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Distance Calculus - Soph Courses
Sophomore Mathematics Courses
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Distance Calculus - Lower Courses
General Mathematics Courses
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Hours
Mathematics Major Courses
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Hours




Distance Calculus - Student Reviews

Julia★★★★★
Posted: Jun 24, 2026
Courses Completed: Calculus I
As a full-time business owner completing an Executive MBA, I needed to satisfy a calculus prerequisite without putting my work on hold. Distance Calculus made that possible. The fully self-paced structure let me work early mornings and weekends around an unpredictable schedule, which a fixed-semester classroom course never would have allowed.
The course covered the core business calculus material thoroughly — derivatives, optimization, integration techniques including u-substitution, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, improper integrals, and numerical methods. The LiveMath computer algebra environment was central to the experience: it forced me to build each step explicitly rather than just arriving at an answer, which actually deepened my understanding of the mechanics.
Communication through the student portal was responsive when I had questions. For working professionals who need a rigorous, accredited calculus course on a flexible timeline, I'd recommend it.
Transferred Credits To: MIT Ebma
John ★★★★★
Posted: Nov 20, 2025
Courses Completed: Precalculus, Applied Calculus
Great course. Professor Curtis and the TAs graded quickly and gave really helpful feedback that made the class feel smooth and manageable. Definitely recommend it.
Transferred Credits To: Binghamton University (School of Managment)
Trevor★★★★★
Posted: Jun 19, 2025
Courses Completed: Calculus I
POSITIVES:
One of the best math classes I have ever taken. The lessons made the failures of my previous professors very apparent. In a few short minutes, things that I used to struggle with just clicked. This professor is top notch and really wants you to understand how to use the material.
NEGATIVES:
The SOFTWARE is extremely frustrating. Even after taking the time to learn, there are countless glitches. You learn to work around them, and overall, the software makes the math convenient, but its failures are sorely felt throughout the course. Make sure you save often as it crashes regularly, especially with graphs.
The assignments are easy enough but some of them don't line up with the taught material. Be prepared to do some of your own independent research to get a deeper understanding of why things are the way they are.
Transferred Credits To: US Army
Lucas L.★★★★★
Posted: Jun 25, 2026
Courses Completed: Multivariable Calculus
The professor as well as the TAs give great feedback when you need help with problems and the videos are great at explaining concepts. Return time on work is good and the work is not too much to handle.
Transferred Credits To: University of Wisconsin
Hari K.★★★★☆
Posted: Jun 24, 2026
Courses Completed: Linear Algebra
This course gives a perspective on Linear algebra that no traditional course does. I’d say i gained much more intuition for this subject from the DC course than my friends who took traditional courses elsewhere. As a cs major, this version of learning with visualization has helped me a lot in understand ML models. However the course doesn’t have videos for the last 2 chapers so i had to self learn with the mathematica notebooks. Response times are a little slow but since it’s a remote class, i guess it’s justified. Overall amazing course and definitely take this over traditional lin alg classes.
M M.★★★★★
Posted: Feb 8, 2026
Courses Completed: Precalculus, Calculus I
The courses were excellent. Very flexible and engaging and the platform offers a lot of upper-level courses. Dr. Curtis is an outstanding professor and very responsive. I would take again.
Transferred Credits To: None yet

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