Table of contents
- 0. Functions7h 52m
- Introduction to Functions16m
- Piecewise Functions10m
- Properties of Functions9m
- Common Functions1h 8m
- Transformations5m
- Combining Functions27m
- Exponent rules32m
- Exponential Functions28m
- Logarithmic Functions24m
- Properties of Logarithms34m
- Exponential & Logarithmic Equations35m
- Introduction to Trigonometric Functions38m
- Graphs of Trigonometric Functions44m
- Trigonometric Identities47m
- Inverse Trigonometric Functions48m
- 1. Limits and Continuity2h 2m
- 2. Intro to Derivatives1h 33m
- 3. Techniques of Differentiation3h 18m
- 4. Applications of Derivatives2h 38m
- 5. Graphical Applications of Derivatives6h 2m
- 6. Derivatives of Inverse, Exponential, & Logarithmic Functions2h 37m
- 7. Antiderivatives & Indefinite Integrals1h 26m
- 8. Definite Integrals3h 25m
4. Applications of Derivatives
Differentials
Problem 4.6.9
Textbook Question
Given a function f that is differentiable on its domain, write and explain the relationship between the differentials dx and dy.
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1
Understand that the differential 'dx' represents an infinitesimally small change in the variable 'x'. It is often used to denote a small increment in the input of a function.
Recognize that 'dy' represents the corresponding infinitesimal change in the function 'f(x)' when 'x' changes by 'dx'. This relationship is expressed through the derivative of the function.
Recall the definition of the derivative: if 'f' is differentiable at a point 'x', then the derivative 'f'(x) = rac{dy}{dx}', which means 'dy' can be expressed as 'dy = f'(x) imes dx'.
Interpret this relationship: the differential 'dy' is directly proportional to 'dx' and scaled by the derivative 'f'(x)', indicating how steep the function is at that point.
Use this relationship in applications such as linear approximations, where 'dy' can be used to estimate changes in 'f(x)' based on small changes in 'x'.
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