Use a linear approximation (or differentials) to estimate the value of . Which of the following is the best estimate?
Table of contents
- 0. Functions7h 52m
- Introduction to Functions16m
- Piecewise Functions10m
- Properties of Functions9m
- Common Functions1h 8m
- Transformations5m
- Combining Functions27m
- Exponent rules32m
- Exponential Functions28m
- Logarithmic Functions24m
- Properties of Logarithms34m
- Exponential & Logarithmic Equations35m
- Introduction to Trigonometric Functions38m
- Graphs of Trigonometric Functions44m
- Trigonometric Identities47m
- Inverse Trigonometric Functions48m
- 1. Limits and Continuity2h 2m
- 2. Intro to Derivatives1h 33m
- 3. Techniques of Differentiation3h 18m
- 4. Applications of Derivatives2h 38m
- 5. Graphical Applications of Derivatives6h 2m
- 6. Derivatives of Inverse, Exponential, & Logarithmic Functions2h 37m
- 7. Antiderivatives & Indefinite Integrals1h 26m
- 8. Definite Integrals4h 44m
- 9. Graphical Applications of Integrals2h 27m
- 10. Physics Applications of Integrals 3h 16m
- 11. Integrals of Inverse, Exponential, & Logarithmic Functions2h 34m
- 12. Techniques of Integration7h 39m
- 13. Intro to Differential Equations2h 55m
- 14. Sequences & Series5h 36m
- 15. Power Series2h 19m
- 16. Parametric Equations & Polar Coordinates7h 58m
4. Applications of Derivatives
Differentials
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
If f(x)=x3−8x+6, find the differential dy when x = 2 and dx=0.2.
A
0.8
B
0.4
C
3.2
D
-1.3

1
First, understand that the differential dy represents the change in the function f(x) when x changes by a small amount dx. We need to find dy when x = 2 and dx = 0.2.
To find dy, we start by calculating the derivative of the function f(x) = x^3 - 8x + 6. The derivative, f'(x), gives us the rate of change of the function with respect to x.
Differentiate f(x) = x^3 - 8x + 6 with respect to x. The derivative f'(x) is found using the power rule: f'(x) = 3x^2 - 8.
Evaluate the derivative at x = 2. Substitute x = 2 into f'(x) to find f'(2). This gives us the rate of change of the function at x = 2.
Finally, calculate the differential dy using the formula dy = f'(x) * dx. Substitute f'(2) and dx = 0.2 into this formula to find dy.
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