Overview
The differential dy represents an infinitely small change in the value of y. The derivative dy/dx can be thought of as a ratio of differentials. Using differentials will make our calculations simpler; here we see how they can be used to compute linear approximations.
Lecture Video and Notes
Video Excerpts
» Clip 1: Introduction to Differentials (00:04:00)
From Lecture 15 of 18.01 Single Variable Calculus, Fall 2006
Recitation Video
Computing Differentials
> Download from iTunes U (MP4 - 9MB)
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Lecture Video and Notes
Video Excerpts
» Clip 1: Differentials and Linear Approximation (00:10:00)
From Lecture 15 of 18.01 Single Variable Calculus, Fall 2006
Clip 1: Differentials and Linear Approximation
> Download from iTunes U (MP4 - 107MB)
> Download from Internet Archive (MP4 - 107MB)
Recitation Video
Linear Approximation with Differentials
> Download from iTunes U (MP4 - 12MB)
> Download from Internet Archive (MP4 - 12MB)
Worked Example
Population Dynamics