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. Assignment: p. 230 (19, 21, 27, 37, 39)
