The 2e textbook
The 2e student workbook: chapters 1-4
The 2e student workbook: chapters 5-8
As of August 2025, there are two separate editions of Active Calculus – Single Variable. This is page regards the 2nd edition. (You can learn about the 1st edition at https://activecalculus.org/acs1e/, and about the differences between 1e and 2e at this page.)
The 2nd edition is available in HTML and PDF only for Fall 2025. A new low-cost print edition will be available for purchase by January 2026. A new cover image is also forthcoming.
This book is different. Think of it as a workbook, not a worked-book.
Research shows people learn better when they interactively engage and struggle with ideas themselves, rather than passively watch others. Instead of reading worked examples or watching an instructor complete examples, Active Single engages students with Activities that prompt them to grapple with concepts and develop deep understanding. Students should spend time in class working with peers on Activities and getting feedback from them and their instructor.
Each section begins with a short introduction and a Preview Activity; students should read the short introduction and complete the Preview Activity prior to class (and instructors should require this).
Students are strongly encouraged to acquire a copy of the Activities Workbook for their course, which is available in low-cost print from Amazon or as a free PDF from the links below on the left. Students should complete all of the activities in the relevant sections of the text and use the workbook to keep a careful record of their work.
Note! There are separate workbooks for Calculus 1 (chapters 1-4) and Calculus 2 (chapters 5-8); scroll down further at left for the chapters 5-8 workbook. Ask your instructor about the best way to acquire the workbook; many instructors also have their university bookstore print a coursepack from the PDF.
Active Calculus Single is designed to support an active learning approach in the first two semesters of calculus. You can learn more about the text in the Our Goals section of the preface, and the subsequent section Features of the Text.
Instructors should visit the Instructors page to learn more about available supporting materials and to join the Google Group for Instructors.
