Python Instructional Video Series - Virtual Math Learning Center

An example-based guide to using Python to solve math problems.

The first video includes instructions for installing and getting started with Python. Note this video may be slightly out-of-date. The video mentions this calclab page with a link for installing the software.
For each video, you can see the problem being solved, as well as the Python code used.
You can also open the link to the Python Notebook file. You can click File>Download to download the notebook file to run on your own computer.
Each video has a link to the full video page. These pages include links to related videos covering the same topics.

Three Part Series

This is part one of a three part Python video series and you should visit them in order. The second and third parts focus on Calculus I and II, respectively, but contain useful Python information even if you are not studying Calculus.

Python Series - Part 2

Python Series - Part 3

Newly Redesigned Pages

We have redesigned the pages for our Python Series, but it still includes all the same videos. Now you can see the problem and the Python code for each video. You can also open the Python notebook file in Google Colab and download it.

We hope to add more videos soon!

Concepts

Installing Python
Using symbols and functions in Python
Solving equations numerically
Plotting functions

Python Basics

Introduction and Installation

This video shows how to install and get started with Python. Note that some details of the installation process may be out-of-date, and we are working on recording an updated video. The video mentions the calclab page (link below) for installing the software.

Calclab Link

Transcript 00

Video 00 Page

Numerical Calculations in Python

Problem

Evaluate

\ln (5) * e^{1.4} .

Open Python Notebook File

Transcript 01

Full Video Page

See Python Code

Using Variables in Python

Problem

Find area of triangle with side lengths 100, 150, and 200 cm.

Open Python Notebook File

Transcript 02

Full Video Page

See Python Code

Creating and Manipulating Symbolic Expressions

Problem

Simplify

g (x)

for

g (x) = \frac{f (x)}{x^{2} - 1}

with

f (x) = x^{4} + 5 x^{3} + 8 x^{2} + x - 15

. Evaluate

g (1)

before and after simplifying

g (x) .

Open Python Notebook File

Transcript 03

Full Video Page

See Python Code

Solving Equations Symbolically

Problem

Suppose former A&M punter Braden Mann wants to punt a ball 50 m and the ball leaves his foot with an initial velocity of 30 m/s. To determine the angle the ball needs to be kicked, it can be shown that the answer can be found by solving the equation

50 \tan (θ) - \frac{13.61}{\cos (θ)^{2}} = 0.

Open Python Notebook File

Transcript 04

Full Video Page

See Python Code

Plotting Expressions and Solving Expressions Numerically

Problem

Plot the expression

50 \tan (θ) - \frac{13.61}{\cos (θ)^{2}} = 0.

Then solve the equation numerically.

Open Python Notebook File

Transcript 05

Full Video Page

See Python Code

Plotting Multiple Expressions in One Graph

Problem

Plot the function

f (x) = {\begin{cases} 2 x + 6 & if x \leq 2 \\ x^{2} & if x > 2 \end{cases}

on the domain

x \in [- 5, 3] .

Open Python Notebook File

Transcript 06

Full Video Page

See Python Code

After finishing these videos, you can visit the next Python section. The examples are based on Calculus I examples, but still cover useful Python commands even if you are not learning Calculus.

Python Series - Part 2