Education Technology


VIC: A Special Function

by Texas Instruments

Objectives

Establish and use the formula d(ex)/dx=ex [ ACMMM100 ]

Vocabulary

  • Gradient
  • Derivative
  • Polynomial

About the Lesson

Students begin by manipulating a flexible line focusing on the outcome of producing a gradient line that matches the original. The flexible line consists of a series of line segments; the gradient of each line segment is instantly computed and plotted. As the basic curve is established it is assumed to be a polynomial, the degree of which is unknown. The equation for the polynomial is generated by successive differentiation and substitution until a pattern is established. The level of calculus used does not go beyond the derivative of a basic polynomial however it does introduce some strategies for determining derivatives of other functions.