The document discusses methods for determining deflection and slope in beams. It defines terms like deflection, slope, flexural rigidity, and presents the differential equation of the elastic curve. Macaulay's method is described as a way to determine slope and deflection for complex beam loadings by integrating the bending moment expression while applying boundary conditions. Several example problems are given demonstrating the use of Macaulay's method to calculate deflection and slope at specific points for beams with various loading conditions.