Boston University MA 124 Calculus 2: Topics and Practice

Boston University CAS MA 124, Calculus 2, completes BU's introduction to the calculus of one variable. The course page says that Calculus I and II together are an introduction to calculus of a function of a single real variable. MA 124 adds the transcendental functions in depth, methods of integration, and series. This guide maps each topic to free practice with instant feedback.

What MA 124 covers

The BU course page lists four topics: logarithmic, exponential and trigonometric functions; sequences and series; Taylor's series with the remainder; and methods of integration. The prerequisite is CAS MA 121 or MA 123, and the course carries 4 units. Students may receive credit for only one of CAS MA 122, MA 124 or MA 129.

MA 124 fulfills one BU Hub unit each in Quantitative Reasoning II, Scientific Inquiry II and Critical Thinking. Sections are listed for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027, and the Fall 2026 notes ask students to reserve Thursday evenings, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, for exams and to register for a discussion section.

MA 124 topic map

How MA 124 differs from other Calculus 2 courses

Two things stand out in the BU description. First, logarithmic, exponential and trigonometric functions are listed as a topic of their own, so expect to revisit them carefully, including their inverses, before using them in integration. Second, the description does not mention parametric equations or polar coordinates, which many Calculus 2 courses include. Check your syllabus, but plan to spend most of your energy on integration methods and series.

Example problems at the MA 124 level

1. An exponential integral.

2. A ratio test. For \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{n!}{n^n}, the ratio \frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n} = \left(\frac{n}{n+1}\right)^n \to \frac{1}{e} < 1, so the series converges.

3. Taylor's series with the remainder. Using e^x \approx 1 + x + \frac{x^2}{2} at x = 0.2 gives 1.22. The remainder is at most \frac{e^{0.2}(0.2)^3}{6} < 0.002.

How to do well in MA 124

• Rebuild your function toolkit first. Logs, exponentials and inverse trig appear everywhere, so revisit them in week one.
• Practice choosing a method. The choosing a strategy lesson trains the decision that exams test.
• Learn the series tests together. Choosing a test helps you see which test fits which series.
• Plan around evening exams. Space your review across the week before each Thursday exam instead of cramming.

When you finish, see the MA 225 guide for multivariate calculus.