Overview
We understand slope as the change in y coordinate divided by the change in x coordinate. Considering change in position over time or change in temperature over distance, we see that the derivative can also be interpreted as a rate of change. If we think of an inaccurate measurement as "changed" from the true value we can apply derivatives to determine the impact of errors on our calculations.
Lecture Video and Notes
Video Excerpts
» Clip 1: Introduction to Rates of Change (00:01:00)
From Lecture 2 of 18.01 Single Variable Calculus, Fall 2006
Clip 1: Introduction to Rates of Change
> Download from iTunes U (MP4 - 116MB)
> Download from Internet Archive (MP4 - 116MB)
» Clip 3: Physical Interpretation of Derivatives (00:08:00)
From Lecture 2 of 18.01 Single Variable Calculus, Fall 2006
Clip 3: Physical Interpretation of Derivatives
> Download from iTunes U (MP4 - 116MB)
> Download from Internet Archive (MP4 - 116MB)
» Clip 4: Physical Interpretation of Derivatives, Continued (00:06:00)
From Lecture 2 of 18.01 Single Variable Calculus, Fall 2006
Clip 4: Physical Interpretation of Derivatives, Continued
> Download from iTunes U (MP4 - 116MB)
> Download from Internet Archive (MP4 - 116MB)
Worked Example
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