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Saturday, April 19, 2014

Be The Professor: Emma Wall The Power Rule

As we all know, Derivatives can be confusing, but the most important part of finding a derivative of a function is knowing what the word derivative means and some short cuts to finding it.

Derivative basically is the rate of change of a function. In the most applicable sense, you can look at the cost function of a specific product. The original function is measuring the cost for a certain quantity of the product. If you find the derivative, you are finding the price it costs for that specific unit to be produced. Also known as the rate of change for one unit.

Once you know the definition of a derivative, understanding why you’re finding them makes a lot more sense. But the next question is how to find a derivative. Here is one shortcut to finding a derivative of a function.

It’s called “The Power Rule”

And it goes a little something like this:

Original function:





Derivative using power rule!














Here's a video to watch the power rule in action!


4 comments:

  1. Great post! I did the same topic and we pretty much hit on the same points! Way to go!

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  2. Emma- I really liked who you made the drawings different from other people, by cutting each piece! very interesting and the video is helpful too!

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  3. I feel that your videos and graphics really add to getting a better grasp of the concept.

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  4. emma,

    really nice job! i like the piecing together of the functions. if my class sees a modification of this activity next semester, i'll give them your number and tell them to come talk to you if they don't like the activity. haha. totally stealing this from you! you know how i love to go outside and how i love crafty things... =0]

    the only thing i would have added is a worked example. but great job!

    professor little

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