Uploaded June 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Turns out there is not just one way to think about Derivatives but at least FIVE (for students in a first semester calculus course). And these different meanings each have different advantages in calculus. But one of them really takes the cake when it comes to real world problem solving with math. In this video we discuss these five conceptions, apply them to some pretty awesome real world contexts, and share a research study on how mathematicians, scientists, and engineers think about derivatives.
Link to Potato Gun Video: youtu.be/M4FQok6RUoY
Link to Article: journals.aps.org/prper/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevSTPER.11.020126
It is important to note that the actual experiment is framed as a multivariable calculus problem, although it could be solved without multivariable calculus thinking or partial derivative thinking. We simplify the story to illustrate it's main point for our video here by just referring to the problem as derivatives.
Math The World is dedicated to bringing real world math problems into the classroom and answering the age old question “when will I ever use this?”
We use unique topics for algebra, trigonometry, calculus, and much more and go beyond context problems and use a technique called mathematical modeling to find solutions to real world questions and real world problems. These videos are great for students who plan to enter technical fields that require real world problem solving, and can be a great resource for teachers looking for ways to bring real world contexts into their classroom.
Instagram: instagram.com/maththeworld
Twitter/X: twitter.com/math_the_world
Facebook: facebook.com/maththeworldproject
Email: MathTheWorld@byu.edu
Created by Doug Corey
Script: Doug Corey and Jennifer Canizales
Audio: Doug Corey
Animation: Jennifer Canizales
Music: Coma Media
© 2023 BYU
Turns out there is not just one way to think about Derivatives but at least FIVE (for students in a first semester calculus course). And these different meanings each have different advantages in calculus. But one of them really takes the cake when it comes to real world problem solving with math. In this video we discuss these five conceptions, apply them to some pretty awesome real world contexts, and share a research study on how mathematicians, scientists, and engineers think about derivatives.
Link to Potato Gun Video: youtu.be/M4FQok6RUoY
Link to Article: journals.aps.org/prper/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevSTPER.11.020126
It is important to note that the actual experiment is framed as a multivariable calculus problem, although it could be solved without multivariable calculus thinking or partial derivative thinking. We simplify the story to illustrate it's main point for our video here by just referring to the problem as derivatives.
Math The World is dedicated to bringing real world math problems into the classroom and answering the age old question “when will I ever use this?”
We use unique topics for algebra, trigonometry, calculus, and much more and go beyond context problems and use a technique called mathematical modeling to find solutions to real world questions and real world problems. These videos are great for students who plan to enter technical fields that require real world problem solving, and can be a great resource for teachers looking for ways to bring real world contexts into their classroom.
Instagram: instagram.com/maththeworld
Twitter/X: twitter.com/math_the_world
Facebook: facebook.com/maththeworldproject
Email: MathTheWorld@byu.edu
Created by Doug Corey
Script: Doug Corey and Jennifer Canizales
Audio: Doug Corey
Animation: Jennifer Canizales
Music: Coma Media
© 2023 BYU
