What do integrals and derivatives actually do/mean?

Integrals are frequently used in computing areas in two, three and even multidimensional space, thus they can be used to find out the "area" or "volume" of objects that we cannot even draw. Practically, when we do the integral of a function we are computing the area of the space that lies "under" the funtion. Eg: uniform function = area of a square/rectangle
The derivatives show us the rate of change of a function, which means how much a function is changing at different points. This a very useful tool that is used in analysing functions which model (describe) different dynamics, as it shows us their maximum, minimum, and how fast they would grow or decrease. Eg: in physics the velocity is the derivative of the position function

Answered by Dragos-Sebastian F. STEP tutor

747 Views

See similar STEP University tutors

Related STEP University answers

All answers ▸

Let y=arcsin(x)/sqrt(1-x^2). Show that (1-x^2) y'-xy-1=0, and prove that, for all integers n>=0, (1-x^2)y^{n+2}-(2n+3)xy^{n+1} -(n+1)^2 y^{n}=0. (Superscripts denote repeated differentiation)


(x_(n+1), y_(n+1))=(x_n^2-y_n^2+a, 2x_ny_n +b+2). (i) Find (x1, y1) if (a, b)=(1,-1) and (x_n, y_n) is constant. (ii) Find (a, b) if (x1, y1)=(-1,1) and (x_n, y_n) has period 2.


How can I integrate e^x sin(x)?


Suppose that 3=2/x(1)=x(1)+(2/x(2))=x(2)+(2/x(3))=x(3)+(2/x(4))+...Guess an expression, in terms of n, for x(n). Then, by induction or otherwise, prove the correctness of your guess.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences