Lesson #35 Differentials

Quote of the Day: 
   "It is clear that the chief end of mathematical study 
        must be to make the students think." 
    -- John Wesley Young

Objectives:
The student will learn to compute differentials.
The student will apply differentials to computing 
	approximations for cube roots.

1. Collect homework.

2. Definition of a differential:
      If y = f(x),
      The differential dy = f'(x)dx.

      To see where this comes from,
        begin with    y = f(x)
      Take the derivative of each side:
         dy/dx = f'(x)
      Then multiple both sides by dx:
         dy = f'(x)dx

      Think of the differentials dy and dx 
         as small changes in y and x.

3. Examples
       
       
4. Compare the corresponding differential and derivative    
    formulas on p. 216.
        5. More Examples        

       

6. Click here for a Comic Strip on Differential Calculus

7. Assignment: 
       p. 217 (9, 11, 12, 27, 30, 35)   


Click here to go to the next page