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

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Send any comments or questions to: David Pleacher