The textbook used for Calculus I–IV and Accelerated Multivariable Calculus is:
James Stewart, Calculus: Early Transcendentals, 9th edition.
WebAssign for Calculus Courses
Students enrolled in sections with WebAssign requirements receive access to:
- an electronic copy of the textbook;
- practice problems;
- step-by-step tutorials;
- video solutions.
Important: Used textbooks do not include WebAssign access.
Each section includes a two-week free-access period.
After that period, students who need continued access must purchase it directly from Cengage.
Students planning to take more than one course that uses WebAssign may wish to consider Cengage Unlimited, which includes:
- multi-term WebAssign access;
- access to Cengage textbooks used in other courses.
Please note: The Mathematics Department cannot provide or extend WebAssign access. Access must be purchased directly from Cengage. The department does not offer financial aid for WebAssign.
Free WebAssign Bootcamp
Columbia and Barnard students may use the free WebAssign Bootcamp for self-paced review and practice.
The bootcamp supports students preparing for the Precalculus Bootcamp or for Calculus I, Calculus II, or Calculus III.
There are two separate sessions, one for each term. Students should enroll in the session corresponding to the term in which they are taking their course.
| Term | Free-access period | Class Key |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | August 15–September 20, 2026 | columbia 3504 7832 |
| Spring 2027 | January 1–January 31, 2027 | columbia 3586 6488 |
How to enroll
- Select the class key for the appropriate term.
- Sign in to WebAssign or create an account.
- Choose Temporary Access when prompted.
Important: These class keys are only for the free bootcamp. If WebAssign is required in your calculus section, your instructor will provide
a separate class key for that course.
Precalculus Bootcamp: Calculus I Readiness
The Mathematics Department also offers a Precalculus Bootcamp for students preparing for Calculus I. It is designed to help students check and strengthen the background skills that
Calculus I assumes, including algebra, equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, exponentials and logarithms, and trigonometry.
What the bootcamp includes
| Review Notes | Detailed explanations, worked examples, formulas, exercises, and reminders about common precalculus techniques. |
|---|---|
| Six Worksheets | Focused practice in algebra, rational expressions and radicals, exponents and logarithms, functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and trigonometry. |
| In-Person Help | Drop-in sessions where students can bring worksheet questions to a TA assigned to that topic. |
| Online Practice | The free WebAssign Bootcamp provides additional self-paced review and practice. |
The review notes and worksheets may be used independently, before the in-person sessions, and throughout Calculus I whenever students need to revisit a background skill.
In-person bootcamp dates
| Term | Dates |
|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | Tuesday, September 8–Monday, September 14, 2026 |
| Spring 2027 | Tuesday, January 19–Monday, January 25, 2027 |
In-person sessions are drop-in. Students do not need to register in advance, attend every day, or remain for the full session. Each worksheet is staffed during scheduled times, and the Friday sessions follow a special schedule.
The Precalculus Bootcamp is not a precalculus course.
It reviews material that students are expected to have seen before Calculus I. If many of the topics feel unfamiliar or overwhelming, a full precalculus course may be better preparation before enrolling in Calculus I.
Review notes, worksheets, answer keys, in-person schedules, and enrollment information are available on the Precalculus Bootcamp CourseWorks page
Student FAQ
- Will WebAssign be required in my calculus section?
- Can I use WebAssign if it is not required in my calculus section?
- I have a copy of the book but no WebAssign access. What should I do?
- Can I purchase only an eBook?
- How much does WebAssign cost?
Will WebAssign be required in my calculus section?
Whether WebAssign is required depends on your section. Check your syllabus or
contact your instructor for confirmation.
Can I use WebAssign if it is not required in my calculus section?
Yes. You may use WebAssign for additional practice, but that work will not count toward your course grade unless your instructor has included it in the course requirements.
Note: If WebAssign is required for your section, use the class key provided by your instructor. Do not use a bootcamp class key or a key from another section.
I have a copy of the book but no WebAssign access. What should I do?
You may enroll in your section’s WebAssign course during the two-week free-access period. After that, you will need to purchase access to continue using the course. Students planning to take multiple courses that use WebAssign may wish to consider Cengage Unlimited.
Can I purchase only an eBook?
WebAssign enrollment typically includes access to the electronic textbook associated with the course. Review the available purchasing options after enrolling in your instructor’s WebAssign section and choose the option that best fits your needs.
How much does WebAssign cost?
Current pricing is available from Cengage
If you expect to take more than one course using Cengage materials, Cengage Unlimited may be the most economical option. It includes:
- multi-term WebAssign access;
- access to Cengage textbooks used in other courses.
Purchase access only after enrolling in the WebAssign class for your section. The first two weeks are available through temporary access.
Keep in mind
- The WebAssign Bootcamp is free only during the access periods listed above.
- A bootcamp class key cannot be used for a calculus section that requires WebAssign.
- If purchasing access for multiple terms, compare the available options with Cengage Unlimited before completing the purchase.
- The Mathematics Department cannot provide or extend WebAssign access and does not offer financial aid for it.
Updated: July 19, 2026
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