4: Applications of Derivatives

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A rocket launch involves two related quantities that change over time. Being able to solve this type of problem is just one application of derivatives introduced in this chapter. We also look at how derivatives are used to find maximum and minimum values of functions. As a result, we will be able to solve applied optimization problems, such as maximizing revenue and minimizing surface area. In addition, we examine how derivatives are used to evaluate complicated limits, to approximate roots of functions, and to provide accurate graphs of functions.

4.1: Prelude to Applications of Derivatives
4.2: Related Rates
4.3: Maxima and Minima
4.4: Derivatives and the Shape of a Graph
4.5: Graphing
4.6: Sketch the GRAPH Exercises
4.7: Optimization Problems
4.8: Optimization Exercises
4.9: Linear Approximations and Differentials
In this section, we examine another application of derivatives: the ability to approximate functions locally by linear functions. Linear functions are the easiest functions with which to work, so they provide a useful tool for approximating function values. In addition, the ideas presented in this section are generalized later in the text when we study how to approximate functions by higher-degree polynomials Introduction to Power Series and Functions.
4.0E: Exercises
4.10: The Mean Value Theorem
The Mean Value Theorem is one of the most important theorems in calculus. We look at some of its implications at the end of this section. First, let’s start with a special case of the Mean Value Theorem, called Rolle’s theorem.
4.11: Antiderivatives
4.1E: Related Rates Exercises
4.2E: Maxima and Minima Exercises
4.3E: Shape of the Graph Exercises
4.8E: AntiDerivative and Indefinite Integral Exercises

Contributors

Gilbert Strang (MIT) and Edwin “Jed” Herman (Harvey Mudd) with many contributing authors. This content by OpenStax is licensed with a CC-BY-SA-NC 4.0 license. Download for free at http://cnx.org.