Topic 4: Rates of Change in the Natural and Social Sciences

Given y = f(x), the derivative dy/dx can be interpreted as the rate of change of y with respect to x in many areas such as physics, chemistry, biology, economics, and other sciences. Depending on your major or area of interest, please choose ONE example in Section 3.7 of the textbook (Calculus, Early Transcendentals, 6th edition, by James Stewart) and answer the following questions:

1) Specify the number of the example you chose (example 1, example 2, etc).

2) In this example, please analyze how the concept of the derivative is used.

3) In the context of your chosen area, please make up an example where a derivative needs to be computed to describe some rate of change.

If you do not have the textbook, you can look at the examples of Section 3.7 on the class website. Notice that the examples are classified under the associated areas (i.e., physics, chemistry, biology, and economics).

The deadline to submit your comments is a week from now (i.e., Thursday, 10/25). Late submission will be graded zero. Besides, there will be NO extension for this assignment since the Review Set for Test 3 will be posted next Thursday.

PLEASE WRITE YOUR NAME AT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR COMMENTS FOR GRADING. IF YOU HAPPEN TO FORGET YOUR ACCOUNT ID OR PSW, GO TO GOOGLE TO CREATE A NEW ONE. DO NOT SEND YOUR COMMENTS TO ME BY EMAIL!