After completing this section, students should be able to do the following.

  • Determine a function for velocity, given a function for position.
  • Determine a function for acceleration, given a function for position.
  • Determine a function for acceleration, given a function for velocity.
  • Sketch a detailed graph of a function that includes all relevant extrema, domain restrictions, end-term behavior, curvature, and points of inflection.
  • Determine how each of our values (e.g., extrema, curvature, points of inflection) are visually represented on a graph.
  • Sketch an example of what linear approximation means for a function.
  • Explain the relationship between linear approximation and tangent lines.
  • Use linear approximation to approximate values of functions.
  • Apply linear approximation when needing an approximate value.
  • Determine appropriate functions and anchor values to use when linear approximation is needed.
  • Model problems that involve interrelated rates of change.
  • Solve problems that involve interrelated rates of change for a desired rate of change.
  • Determine optimal solutions to models that require optimization.
  • Create a mathematical model based on a problem description that can then be optimized.