Engineering Calculus Made Simple (Derivatives)

In mathematics, the derivative of a function of a real variable measures the sensitivity to change of the function value (output value) with respect to a change in its argument (input value). Derivatives are a fundamental tool of calculus. For example, the derivative of the position of a moving object with respect to time is the object's velocity: this measures how quickly the position of the object changes when time advances.

The derivative of a function of a single variable at a chosen input value, when it exists, is the slope of the tangent line to the graph of the function at that point. The tangent line is the best linear approximation of the function near that input value. For this reason, the derivative is often described as the "instantaneous rate of change", the ratio of the instantaneous change in the dependent variable to that of the independent variable.

This course is designed as the basics review of derivatives as they apply to electrical functions. It is designed for the student of electrical engineering who comes across theoretical formulas that reference derivatives. A detailed understanding of derivatives is not required in order to continue the electrical topic and this course will provide the basic amount required. During this course, the student will learn useful trig identities and approach derivatives with the help of limits and theorems such as the squeeze theorem.