This free course is an introduction to differentiation. Section 1 looks at gradients of graphs and introduces differentiation from first principles. Section 2 looks at finding derivatives of simple functions. Section 3 introduces rates of change by looking at real life situations. Section 4 looks at using the derivative of a function to deduce useful facts for sketching its graph. Section 5 covers the second derivative test, used to determine the nature of stationary points and ends by looking at rates of change, including the real-life situation, using differentiation to find acceleration.
Course learning outcomes
After studying this course, you should be able to:
understand the idea of differentiation from first principles
differentiate power functions
find stationary points of some functions
determine the nature of some stationary points using either the first or second derivative tests
understand and work with derivatives as rates of change in mathematical models.
Very enjoyable module.
Been a few years since I have done any calculus so this was the perfect way to refresh.
The course material is very well written with clear models and explanations.
Thank you!
I very much enjoyed this course. I would have given 5 stars but it doesn't quite stand alone. For instance I had to research some foundation material seperately [enjoyable in itself] and I failed entirely to find how to open the "investigating cubic functions" applet. Thanks to whoever put this course together and I would recommend it as a first step to anyone curious about calculus. 4.75 stars from me.
Been a few years since I have done any calculus so this was the perfect way to refresh.
The course material is very well written with clear models and explanations.
Thank you!