Basic Math: Differentiation and Integration

Jun 17, 2024

Lecture Notes on Basic Math: Differentiation and Integration

Introduction

  • Lecturer: Rohit Gupta
  • Topic: Differentiation and Integration in Basic Math
  • Objective: Eliminate fear of these topics.

Importance

  • Part of mathematics and essential for science, especially physics.
  • Two parts of the course:
    1. How to differentiate and integrate.
    2. Understanding the meaning and applications of differentiation and integration.

Differentiation

Basics

  • Example: Dividing numbers to find a quotient (e.g., 27 divided by 3 equals 9).
  • Differentiation is about understanding rates of change between variables.
  • Symbols: Commonly written as dy/dx.
  • Purpose: To find the rate of change of a function.
  • Variables: Involves independent and dependent variables related by a function.

Types of Functions

  • Constant Functions: No change in value.
  • Polynomial Functions: Expressions like x^n (e.g., x squared).
  • Trigonometric Functions: Sine, cosine, etc.
  • Logarithmic Functions: Involves log expressions.
  • Exponential Functions: Involves expressions like e^x.

Rules and Examples

  • Power Rule: The derivative of x^n is n*x^(n-1).
  • Trig Functions: Differentiation rules for sine, cosine, etc., (e.g., derivative of sin(x) is cos(x)).
  • Logs and Exponential: Differentiation of ln(x) is 1/x, e^x is e^x.
  • Product Rule: For u*v, the derivative is u'*v + u*v'.
  • Quotient Rule: For u/v, the derivative is (u'*v - u*v')/v^2.

Integration

Basics

  • Definition: Reverse process of differentiation, involves summing area under a curve.
  • Two Types: Definite (with limits) and indefinite (without limits).
  • Symbols: Integral sign (∫).

Key Concepts

  • Definite Integrals: Result in a numerical value as they are evaluated over an interval [a, b].
  • Indefinite Integrals: Result in a family of functions representing an antiderivative plus a constant C.
  • Fundamental Theorem of Calculus: Links differentiation and integration.

Examples and Rules

  • Constant Function Integration: Integral of c is c*x + C.
  • Power Rule: Integral of x^n is (x^(n+1))/(n+1) + C, for n ≠ -1.
  • Basic Trigonometric Functions: Integrals
    • Integral of sin(x) is -cos(x) + C.
    • Integral of cos(x) is sin(x) + C.
  • Logarithmic Functions: Integral of 1/x is ln|x| + C.
  • Exponential Functions: Integral of e^x is e^x + C.

Practical Tips & Practice Problems

  • Practice differentiating and integrating various functions.
  • Utilize fundamental rules and memorize key differentiation and integration formulas.
  • *Problem Examples:
    1. Differentiate x^3.
    2. Integrate 2x^2.
    3. Differentiate sin(x) * ln(x) (Product Rule).
    4. Integrate 1/x from 2 to 5 (Definite Integral).

Conclusion

  • Differentiation and integration are essential tools in mathematics, especially for physics.
  • Practice is necessary to achieve fluency.
  • Review and understand the meaning behind the operations, not just the procedures.