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UF MAC 2313 Calculus 3: Topics, Study Guide and Practice

A study guide for UF MAC 2313 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 3: solid analytic geometry, vectors, partial derivatives and multiple integrals, with practice.

University of Florida Updated 3 min read

At a glance

Course code
MAC 2313
Credits
4
Prerequisites
MAC 2312, MAC 2512 or MAC 3473 with a minimum grade of C
Covers
Solid analytic geometry, vectors, partial derivatives, multiple integrals
Honors version
MAC 3474 Honors Calculus 3
Practice here
Calculus 3
On this page
  1. What UF MAC 2313 covers
  2. MAC 2313 topic map
  3. MAC 2313 in the UF sequence
  4. Example problems at the MAC 2313 level
  5. How to do well in MAC 2313

UF MAC 2313 (Analytic Geometry and Calculus 3) is the multivariable calculus course at the University of Florida and the last of the MAC 2311, 2312, 2313 sequence, covering the geometry of space and calculus in several variables. This guide maps each MAC 2313 topic to Calculus 3 practice with instant feedback.

What UF MAC 2313 covers

The UF catalog description is four items long: solid analytic geometry, vectors, partial derivatives and multiple integrals. "Solid analytic geometry" means the geometry of three-dimensional space: distance, lines, planes and surfaces.

In standard terms that is the core of Calculus 3: vectors and space, partial derivatives, and double and triple integrals. On PracticeCalculus that is the first three units of the Calculus 3 path. If your section also covers vector fields, line integrals or Green's theorem, the vector calculus unit has those too.

MAC 2313 topic map

MAC 2313 in the UF sequence

Course Credits Covers
MAC 2311 Calculus 1 4 Limits, derivatives, intro to integration
MAC 2312 Calculus 2 4 Integration techniques and applications, series
MAC 2313 Calculus 3 4 Solid analytic geometry, vectors, partials, multiple integrals

The honors track runs MAC 3472, 3473 and 3474 in parallel, covering the same topics in greater depth. Credit is given for only one of MAC 2313 and MAC 3474.

Example problems at the MAC 2313 level

1. Distance in space. The distance between (1, 2, 3) and (4, 6, 3) is

\sqrt{(4 - 1)^2 + (6 - 2)^2 + (3 - 3)^2} = \sqrt{9 + 16} = 5

2. A mixed partial derivative. For f(x, y) = x^3 y^2: f_x = 3x^2 y^2, so

f_{xy} = \frac{\partial}{\partial y}\left(3x^2 y^2\right) = 6x^2 y

Computing f_y = 2x^3 y and then f_{yx} = 6x^2 y gives the same answer, as Clairaut's theorem predicts.

3. A double integral.

\int_0^1 \int_0^2 (x + y)\,dy\,dx = \int_0^1 \left[xy + \frac{y^2}{2}\right]_0^2 dx = \int_0^1 (2x + 2)\,dx = 3

How to do well in MAC 2313

  • Start with vectors and keep them sharp. The cross product gives normal vectors to planes, which you will need for tangent planes later.
  • Sketch every region of integration. Most mistakes in multiple integrals are wrong bounds, not wrong antiderivatives. Practice switching the order.
  • Use polar coordinates for circles. And remember the extra r in dA = r\,dr\,d\theta.
  • Keep single-variable skills current with the formula sheet, and test yourself with timed practice exams.

Tip: a partial derivative is just an ordinary derivative with the other variables frozen as constants. Every Calculus 1 rule still works.

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Points and distance in space

Solve real problems on this topic with instant feedback, hints and a step-by-step walkthrough for every answer. Free, no sign-up needed to start.

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Frequently asked questions

What is MAC 2313 at UF?

MAC 2313 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 3 is UF's multivariable calculus course. The catalog lists solid analytic geometry, vectors, partial derivatives and multiple integrals.

What is the prerequisite for MAC 2313?

MAC 2312, MAC 2512 or MAC 3473, with a minimum grade of C.

Does MAC 2313 cover vector calculus?

The catalog description names solid analytic geometry, vectors, partial derivatives and multiple integrals. Many Calculus 3 courses also introduce line integrals and Green's theorem near the end, so check your section's syllabus for the exact list.

Is MAC 2313 hard?

The main new skill is thinking in three dimensions, especially when setting up multiple integrals. The computations reuse Calculus 1 and 2, so students with solid integration skills usually adjust quickly.

How should I prepare for MAC 2313?

Review integration techniques and polar coordinates, then learn vectors, the dot product and the cross product first, since the rest of the course builds on them.

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