# Pitt MATH 0220 Calculus 1: Syllabus, Topics and Practice

> A study guide for Pitt MATH 0220 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1: limits, derivatives, integrals and their applications, with practice.

Source: https://practicecalculus.com/courses/university-of-pittsburgh-math-0220
Updated: 2026-11-08

## At a glance

- **Course code:** MATH 0220
- **Credits:** 4
- **Prerequisites:** C or better in MATH 0032, C or better in MATH 0200, or a math placement score of at least 76
- **Covers:** The derivative and integral of functions of one variable and their applications
- **Credit rule:** Credit will not be given for both MATH 0120 and MATH 0220
- **Honors version:** MATH 0235 Honors 1-Variable Calculus (enriched 0220/0230)
- **Next course:** MATH 0230 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2
- **Practice here:** [Calculus 1](/learn/calculus-1)

## Key takeaways

- MATH 0220 is the 4-credit first course in the University of Pittsburgh's three-course calculus sequence.
- It covers the derivative and integral of functions of one variable and their applications.
- You need a C or better in MATH 0032 or MATH 0200, or a math placement score of at least 76.
- A C or better in MATH 0220 is the usual way into MATH 0230.

**Pitt MATH 0220** (Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1) is the first of three basic calculus courses at the University of Pittsburgh, followed by MATH 0230 and MATH 0240. It carries 4 credits. This guide maps the Calculus 1 topics to short lessons you can practice with instant feedback.

## What Pitt MATH 0220 covers

The Pitt mathematics department describes MATH 0220 in one sentence: this is the first of a sequence of three basic calculus courses, and it covers the derivative and integral of functions of one variable and their applications. The department page also links a syllabus example for current details such as textbook, grading and exam dates.

The department's description of MATH 0205 Bridge to Calculus gives a useful hint about what MATH 0220 includes. It says that trigonometric functions, limits, derivatives and integrals involving trig functions, linear approximation, indeterminate forms and L'Hospital's rule, and related rates with trig functions are covered in MATH 0220 but not in Business Calculus. So expect a full **Calculus 1** course with trig throughout.

## MATH 0220 topic map

| MATH 0220 topic | Practice | Read |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Functions and trig review | [Key trig values](/learn/calculus-1/functions-warmup/key-trig-values) | [Sine function](/functions/sine-function) |
| Limits | [What is a limit?](/learn/calculus-1/limits/what-is-a-limit) | [How to evaluate limits](/blog/how-to-evaluate-limits) |
| Trig limits and squeeze theorem | [Squeeze theorem](/learn/calculus-1/limits/squeeze-theorem) | [Squeeze theorem](/theorems/squeeze-theorem) |
| Continuity | [Continuity](/learn/calculus-1/limits/continuity) | [Continuity](/blog/continuity) |
| The derivative | [Tangent lines](/learn/calculus-1/the-derivative/tangent-lines) | [Limit definition of the derivative](/blog/limit-definition-of-the-derivative) |
| Derivative rules | [Quotient rule](/learn/calculus-1/derivative-rules/quotient-rule) | [Product and quotient rules](/blog/product-and-quotient-rules) |
| Trig derivatives | [Chain rule with trig](/learn/calculus-1/derivative-rules/chain-rule-trig) | [Derivatives of trig functions](/blog/derivatives-of-trig-functions) |
| Related rates | [Related rates](/learn/calculus-1/applications-of-derivatives/related-rates) | [Related rates](/blog/related-rates) |
| Linear approximation | [Linear approximation and the MVT](/learn/calculus-1/applications-of-derivatives/linear-approximation-and-mvt) | [Linear approximation](/blog/linear-approximation) |
| L'Hospital's rule | [L'Hopital's rule](/learn/calculus-1/applications-of-derivatives/lhopitals-rule) | [L'Hopital's rule](/blog/lhopitals-rule) |
| Max and min problems | [Optimization](/learn/calculus-1/applications-of-derivatives/optimization) | [Optimization problems](/blog/optimization-problems) |
| Integrals | [Signed area](/learn/calculus-1/integrals/signed-area) | [Fundamental Theorem](/blog/fundamental-theorem-of-calculus) |
| Applications of integrals | [Area between curves](/learn/calculus-1/applications-of-integrals/area-between-curves) | [Area between curves](/blog/area-between-curves) |

## MATH 0220 and the other Pitt calculus options

| Course | Credits | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| MATH 0120 Business Calculus | 4 | No credit for both 0120 and 0220 |
| MATH 0205 Bridge to Calculus | 1 | Takes 0120 students up to the 0220 level |
| MATH 0220 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 | 4 | Start of the science and engineering sequence |
| MATH 0235 Honors 1-Variable Calculus | 4 | Enriched 0220/0230, Honors College consent |

Next in the sequence are [MATH 0230](/courses/university-of-pittsburgh-math-0230) and [MATH 0240](/courses/university-of-pittsburgh-math-0240).

## Example problems at the MATH 0220 level

**1. A trig limit.**

$$\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{\sin 3x}{x} = 3 \lim_{x \to 0} \frac{\sin 3x}{3x} = 3$$

**2. L'Hospital's rule.**

$$\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{1 - \cos x}{x^2} = \lim_{x \to 0} \frac{\sin x}{2x} = \frac{1}{2}$$

**3. Area between curves.** Between $y = x$ and $y = x^2$ on $[0, 1]$:

$$\int_0^1 (x - x^2)\,dx = \frac{1}{2} - \frac{1}{3} = \frac{1}{6}$$

## How to do well in MATH 0220

- **Brush up on trig before the term starts.** Trig appears in limits, derivatives, related rates and integrals. The [key trig values](/learn/calculus-1/functions-warmup/key-trig-values) lesson is a fast review.
- **Aim for a C or better with margin.** MATH 0230 requires it.
- **Practice mixed derivative sets** like [derivative rules practice](/learn/calculus-1/derivative-rules/derivative-rules-practice) so you can spot which rule applies.
- **Draw a picture for every related rates problem** and label what changes and what stays fixed.
- **Use the [formula sheet](/formulas)** and timed [practice exams](/practice) before each exam.

> **Tip:** L'Hospital's rule only applies to $\frac{0}{0}$ or $\frac{\infty}{\infty}$ forms. Check the form before you differentiate the top and bottom.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is MATH 0220 at Pitt?

MATH 0220 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 is the first of a sequence of three basic calculus courses at the University of Pittsburgh. The department says it covers the derivative and integral of functions of one variable and their applications.

### What is the prerequisite for MATH 0220?

A C or better in MATH 0032, a C or better in MATH 0200 Prep for Scientific Calculus, or a math placement score of at least 76.

### Can I take both MATH 0120 and MATH 0220?

You will not get credit for both. MATH 0120 is Business Calculus. Students who took MATH 0120 can reach MATH 0230 by adding MATH 0205 Bridge to Calculus, a 1-credit course that covers the trig-based topics MATH 0120 skips.

### Is there an honors version of MATH 0220?

Yes. MATH 0235 Honors 1-Variable Calculus is an enriched version of MATH 0220 and 0230 that covers the same topics in greater depth. It requires consent of the Honors College.

### What comes after MATH 0220?

MATH 0230 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2, which requires MATH 0220 (or MATH 0120 plus MATH 0205) with a C or better.
