Did I scare you? Often, the mere mention of calculus send shivers down the spine of a student. However, it doesn't have to be that way.

The reason behind the common perception that calculus is perceived as a scary topic by so many is the basic idea behind the article at BetterExplained, A Gentle Introduction To Learning Calculus. In this article, math is likened to art, and preventing kids from learning about calculus when they're younger is likened to not letting the finger-paint until they have 12 years of art fundamentals. It sounds strange, but the way calculus is taught today is a big example of what's wrong with modern math education.

BetterExplained has many more articles on calculus that are worth your time and attention. You'll be amazed how well you can start understanding calculus after reading them.

If you really want to take the time to sit down, and practice calculus concepts enough to understand them, then I'd like to turn your attention to Visual Calculus. As opposed to the introductory articles at BetterExplained, this is a thorough course with both lesson and exercises. What makes Visual Calculus stand out, though, is stated right in its name. Each concept taught is well detailed with visual examples, to make each of the points clearer.

Update (9/14/09): One Grey Matters reader alerted me to an old text from 1914, called Calculus Made Easy. This is a great work, and is still understandable and usable today!

Granted, the more time and attention you give you calculus, the better you'll comprehend it. That doesn't mean that fun is out of the question, however. If you prefer it quick and simple, here's all of calculus in 2 videos, and in under 20 minutes: