Calculus 1, part 2 of 2: Derivatives with applications from Udemy

Calculus 1, part 2 of 2: Derivatives with applications

Single variable calculus

S1. Introduction to the course

You will learn: about the content of this course and about importance of Differential Calculus. The purpose of this section is not to teach you all the details (this comes later in the course) but to show you the big picture.

S2. Definition of the derivative, with some examples and illustrations

You will learn: the formal definition of derivatives and differentiability; terminology and notation; geometrical interpretation of derivative at a point; tangent lines and their equations; how to compute some derivatives directly from the definition and see the result it gives together with the graph of the function in the coordinate system; continuity versus differentiability; higher order derivatives; differentials and their geometrical interpretation; linearization.

S3. Deriving the derivatives of elementary functions

You will learn: how to derive the formulas for derivatives of basic elementary functions: the constant function, monic monomials, roots, trigonometric and inverse trigonometric functions, exponential functions, logarithmic functions, and some power functions (more to come in the next section); how to prove and apply the Sum Rule, the Scaling Rule, the Product Rule, and the Quotient Rule for derivatives, and how to use these rules for differentiating plenty of new elementary functions formed from the basic ones; differentiability of continuous piecewise functions defined with help of the elementary ones.

S4. The Chain Rule and related rates

You will learn: how to compute derivatives of composite functions using the Chain Rule; some illustrations and a proof of the Chain Rule; derivations of the formulas for the derivatives of a more general variant of power functions, and of exponential functions with the basis different than e; how to solve some types of problems concerning related rates (the ones that can be solved with help of the Chain Rule).

S5. Derivatives of inverse functions

You will learn: the formula for the derivative of an inverse function to a differentiable invertible function defined on an interval (with a very nice geometrical/trigonometrical intuition behind it); we will revisit some formulas that have been derived earlier in the course and we will show how they can be motivated with help of the new theorem, but you will also see some other examples of application of this theorem.

S6. Mean value theorems and other important theorems

You will learn: various theorems that play an important role for further applications: Mean Value Theorems (Lagrange, Cauchy), Darboux property, Rolle's Theorem, Fermat's Theorem; you will learn their formulations, proofs, intuitive/geometrical interpretations, examples of applications, importance of various assumptions; you will learn some new terms like CP (critical point, a.k.a. stationary point) and singular point; the definitions of local/relative maximum/minimum and global/absolute maximum/minimum will be repeated from Precalculus 1, so that we can use them in the context of Calculus (they will be discussed in a more practical way in Sections 7, 17, and 18).

S7. Applications: monotonicity and optimisation

You will learn: how to apply the results from the previous section in more practical settings like examining monotonicity of differentiable functions and optimising (mainly continuous) functions; The First Derivative Test and The Second Derivative Test for classifications of CP (critical points) of differentiable functions.

S8. Convexity and second derivatives

You will learn: how to determine with help of the second derivative whether a function is concave of convex on an interval; inflection points and how they look on graphs of functions; the concept of convexity is a general concept, but here we will only apply it to twice differentiable functions.

S9. l'Hôpital's rule with applications

You will learn: use l'Hôpital's rule for computing the limits of indeterminate forms; you get a very detailed proof in an article attached to the first video in this section.

S10. Higher order derivatives and an intro to Taylor's formula

You will learn: about classes of real-valued functions of a single real variable: C^0, C^1, ... , C^∞ and some prominent members of these classes; the importance of Taylor/Maclaurin polynomials and their shape for the exponential function, for the sine and for the cosine; you only get a glimpse into these topics, as they are usually a part of Calculus 2.

S11. Implicit differentiation

You will learn: how to find the derivative y'(x) from an implicit relation F(x,y)=0 by combining various rules for differentiation; you will get some examples of curves described by implicit relations, but their study is not included in this course (it is usually studied in "Algebraic Geometry", "Differential Geometry" or "Geometry and Topology"; the topic is also partially covered in "Calculus 3 (Multivariable Calculus), part 1 of 2": Implicit Function Theorem).

S12. Logarithmic differentiation

You will learn: how to perform logarithmic differentiation and in what type of cases it is practical to apply.

S13. Very briefly about partial derivatives

You will learn: how to compute partial derivatives to multivariable functions (just an introduction).

S14. Very briefly about antiderivatives

You will learn: about the wonderful applicability of integrals and about the main integration techniques.

S15. A very brief introduction to the topic of ODE

You will learn: some very basic stuff about ordinary differential equations.

S16. More advanced concepts built upon the concept of derivative

You will learn: about some more advanced concepts based on the concept of derivative: partial derivative, gradient, jacobian, hessian, derivative of vector-valued functions, divergence, rotation (curl).

S17. Problem solving: optimisation

You will learn: how to solve optimisation problems (practice to Section 7).

S18. Problem solving: plotting functions

You will learn: how to make the table of (sign) variations for the function and its derivatives; you get a lot of practice in plotting functions (topic covered partly in "Calculus 1, part 1 of 2: Limits and continuity", and completed in Sections 6-8 of the present course).

S19. Extras

You will learn: about all the courses we offer. You will also get a glimpse into our plans for future courses, with approximate (very hypothetical. ) release dates.

Make sure that you check with your professor what parts of the course you will need for your final exam. Such things vary from country to country, from university to university, and they can even vary from year to year at the same university.

A detailed description of the content of the course, with all the 245 videos and their titles, and with the texts of all the 330 problems solved during this course, is presented in the resource file

“001 List_of_all_Videos_and_Problems_Calculus_1_p2.pdf”

under video 1 ("Introduction to the course"). This content is also presented in video 1.

What's inside

Learning objectives

How to solve problems concerning derivatives of real-valued functions of 1 variable (illustrated with 330 solved problems) and why these methods work.
Definition of derivatives of real-valued functions of one real variable, with a geometrical interpretation and many illustrations.
Write equations of tangent lines to graphs of functions.
Derive the formulas for the derivatives of basic elementary functions.
Prove, apply, and illustrate the formulas for computing derivatives: the sum rule, the product rule, the scaling rule, the quotient and reciprocal rule.
Prove and apply the chain rule; recognise the situations in which this rule should be applied and draw diagrams helping in the computations.
Use the chain rule in problem solving with related rates.
Use derivatives for solving optimisation problems.
Understand the connection between the signs of derivatives and the monotonicity of functions; apply first- and second-derivative tests.
Understand the connection between the second derivative and the local shape of graphs (convexity, concavity, inflection points).
Determine and classify stationary (critical) points for differentiable functions.

Use derivatives as help in plotting real-valued functions of one real variable.
Main theorems of differential calculus: fermat's theorem, mean value theorems (lagrange, cauchy), rolle's theorem, and darboux property.
Formulate, prove, illustrate with examples, apply, and explain the importance of the assumptions in main theorems of differential calculus.
Formulate and prove l'hospital's rule; apply it for computing limits of indeterminate forms; algebraical tricks to adapt the rule for various situations.
Higher order derivatives; an intro to taylor / maclaurin polynomials and their applications for approximations and for limits (more in calculus 2).
Classes of functions: c^0, c^1, ... , c^∞; connections between these classes, and examples of their members.
Implicit differentiation with some illustrations showing horizontal and vertical tangent lines to implicit curves.
Logarithmic differentiation: when and how to use it.
A sneak peek into some future applications of derivatives.
Show more
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How to solve problems concerning derivatives of real-valued functions of 1 variable (illustrated with 330 solved problems) and why these methods work.
Definition of derivatives of real-valued functions of one real variable, with a geometrical interpretation and many illustrations.
Write equations of tangent lines to graphs of functions.
Derive the formulas for the derivatives of basic elementary functions.
Prove, apply, and illustrate the formulas for computing derivatives: the sum rule, the product rule, the scaling rule, the quotient and reciprocal rule.
Prove and apply the chain rule; recognise the situations in which this rule should be applied and draw diagrams helping in the computations.
Use the chain rule in problem solving with related rates.
Use derivatives for solving optimisation problems.
Understand the connection between the signs of derivatives and the monotonicity of functions; apply first- and second-derivative tests.
Understand the connection between the second derivative and the local shape of graphs (convexity, concavity, inflection points).
Determine and classify stationary (critical) points for differentiable functions.
Use derivatives as help in plotting real-valued functions of one real variable.
Main theorems of differential calculus: fermat's theorem, mean value theorems (lagrange, cauchy), rolle's theorem, and darboux property.
Formulate, prove, illustrate with examples, apply, and explain the importance of the assumptions in main theorems of differential calculus.
Formulate and prove l'hospital's rule; apply it for computing limits of indeterminate forms; algebraical tricks to adapt the rule for various situations.
Higher order derivatives; an intro to taylor / maclaurin polynomials and their applications for approximations and for limits (more in calculus 2).
Classes of functions: c^0, c^1, ... , c^∞; connections between these classes, and examples of their members.
Implicit differentiation with some illustrations showing horizontal and vertical tangent lines to implicit curves.
Logarithmic differentiation: when and how to use it.
A sneak peek into some future applications of derivatives.
Show more
Show less

Syllabus

Introduction to the course

Good news first

Rates of change, slopes, and tangent lines

Derivative at a point and derivative as a function that shows variable slopes

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Focuses on calculus, which is foundational for individuals interested in math, science, engineering and related fields

Appropriate for learners with a basic understanding of precalculus and some experience with algebra and trigonometry

Taught by instructors with background in mathematics and experience teaching calculus

Emphasis on solving problems related to derivatives, making this suitable for those who want to strengthen their analytical skills

May require additional resources or a strong background for learners who need more foundational support

Course is part of a series, suggesting a more comprehensive approach to calculus

Reviews summary

Calculus 1: derivatives with applications

According to students, this course is a highly comprehensive and rewarding deep dive into derivatives and their applications. Learners consistently praise Dr. Daniel as a fantastic and highly knowledgeable instructor, known for his exceptionally clear explanations and ability to teach both the 'how' and 'why' of calculus. The course offers a well-structured progression, emphasizing conceptual understanding and extensive problem-solving practice with detailed solutions. While demanding and not for absolute beginners, requiring a solid precalculus foundation, students find the effort incredibly worthwhile, leading to a profound grasp of differential calculus.

Well-organized with clear progression of topics.

"The course material is very well-structured and easy to follow, building concepts logically."

"I appreciate the logical flow from definitions to rules and then applications, making it easy to grasp."

"Each section builds seamlessly on the previous one, ensuring a comprehensive understanding."

Offers extensive practice with 330 solved problems.

"I found the 330 solved problems extremely useful for practicing and cementing my understanding."

"The problem-solving sections where the lecturer walks through many examples are invaluable."

"I could apply derivatives effectively after working through the many hands-on examples."

Focus on understanding 'why' and underlying theory.

"This course goes beyond typical textbook explanations, emphasizing the underlying reasons behind formulas and theorems."

"I appreciate how the course provides a strong conceptual understanding rather than just rote memorization."

"I gained a solid understanding of fundamental calculus principles and their derivations."

Dr. Daniel is highly praised for clarity and depth.

"Dr. Daniel is a fantastic instructor, explaining concepts clearly and intuitively."

"The instructor has a brilliant mind and is able to explain even the most difficult concepts easily."

"I feel that the instruction is excellent. He's passionate and really makes the topics approachable."

A strong precalculus background is essential for success.

"This course is not for beginners. I recommend taking part 1 or having a strong precalculus foundation."

"I found it quite challenging without a very solid understanding of the prerequisites."

"It's a demanding course, but if you put in the work, the rewards are immense."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Calculus 1, part 2 of 2: Derivatives with applications with these activities:

Create Derivatives Revision Notes

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Creating comprehensive notes on derivatives not only helps you keep all the concepts in one place but also improves your understanding by forcing you to recall knowledge and condense it in a meaningful way. An effective way to revise for exams.

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Make a list of all the key concepts covered in this course
Write down your understanding of each of these key concepts
Include examples to illustrate how the concept is applied
Use visual aids to enhance your learning experience and understanding

Chain Rule Tutorial

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Chain rule is an important technique in differentiation. By following a tutorial, you can strengthen the concepts, learn the tricks to apply chain rule effectively, and develop better understanding of its applications.

Browse courses on Chain Rule

Show steps

Find a tutorial on chain rule.
Watch the tutorial and follow along.
Take notes and practice the examples.

Practice: Derivative Simplification

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Applying power rule and chain rule to simplify complex derivatives through repetitive practice will help you become more proficient in working with derived functions.

Browse courses on Chain Rule

Show steps

Take a list of complex derivatives.
Apply power rule and chain rule to simplify each of them

One other activity

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all four activities

Use Derivatives in Applications

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In this practice activity, you will apply the concepts of derivatives to solve real-world problems. This will give you a deeper understanding of how derivatives are used in different fields like optimization and curve sketching.

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Learn how to use derivatives to solve optimisation problems.
Learn how to use derivatives to sketch curves.

Career center

Learners who complete Calculus 1, part 2 of 2: Derivatives with applications will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Analyst

Data Analysts examine and interpret data that is widely available today in order to turn it into usable information. Since they spend their days grappling with large datasets, a class focused on Calculus can provide the foundation needed to help you get started. For example, you may be tasked with deciding which statistical method is the most effective in revealing trends in a particular customer base. The material in a class like this one can help you in making the right choice, and will also provide you the background you need to gain insights from the data that your team compiles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Investment Analyst

Investment Analysts spend their days examining market trends, analyzing financial data, and making recommendations as to what stocks to buy. Taking a class on Calculus may not be at the top of your list but it can be a useful way to strengthen your foundational knowledge of math as it pertains to finance and investing. For example, you may find that understanding the derivatives of different asset classes helps you make smarter recommendations to your clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Analyst

Business Analyst

A Business Analyst role requires one to have a strong quantitative background. When working with this kind of data, it is helpful to have a strong understanding of how mathematical functions work and how to get the most out of quantitative data. In this way, Calculus can be helpful for you in this role even though it is not directly used day to day.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Financial Analyst

A Financial Analyst needs to have a background in quantitative methods. Although you may not use the explicit materials from Calculus in this role, a strong understanding of the core concepts can set you apart from the competition. For example, being able to calculate the derivative of a function can be helpful when trying to find the optimal solution to a problem.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analysts use analytical methods to solve complex problems in business and industry. Although everyday tasks will not require Calculus, the strong quantitative background that this course can provide will make you a more competitive candidate in the job market.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst

Market Research Analyst

Market Research Analysts must be able to use and understand quantitative and qualitative data in order to make informed recommendations on how to best market a product or service. This course can be useful for building a foundation in understanding and using quantitative data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Research Analyst

Economist

Economists apply mathematical and statistical techniques to analyze economic data. Although you probably won't be using Calculus on a day-to-day basis, having proficiency in the subject can help open doors in the field and ensure that you are well-prepared for any eventuality.

See salaries and explore the career path for Economist

Statistician

Statisticians use mathematical and statistical methods to collect, analyze, interpret, and present data. Calculus is a good way to build a foundation for understanding the math and statistics used everyday in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Data Scientist

Data Scientists must have a strong background in mathematics and statistics. Calculus is a core component of this background and can help you become a stronger candidate for these roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Actuary

Actuaries use mathematical and statistical skills to assess risk. Since these roles tend to require an advanced degree, taking Calculus now can provide you with a strong foundation and show future employers a dedication to your craft.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary

Software Engineer

Software Engineers need to have a strong foundation in mathematics. Taking Calculus can provide you with a strong foundation for success in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Analysts use mathematical and statistical methods to analyze and solve financial problems. Calculus can provide a strong foundation for the math needed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst

Computer Scientist

Computer Scientists need to have a solid foundation in mathematics. Calculus is a great way to begin building this base.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Scientist

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers build and maintain machine learning models. Calculus can provide you with a great foundation in the math that is needed in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Data Engineer

Data Engineers collect, clean, and analyze data to help businesses make better decisions. Calculus can provide a good foundation in the mathematics needed for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer