Think derivatives mean "slopes"? Not anymore... In this module, we will reconsider what a derivative is and means in terms of the asymptotic (or big-O) notation from the previous chapter. This will give us a new language for describing and understanding rates of change and the rules that govern them.
Putting Derivatives to Work
Why exactly are derivatives so central to calculus? In part, it is because they are so ubiquitously useful! In this module, we will recall a few core applications of derivatives. In so doing, we'll see exactly how having an understanding of the asymptotics assists in building applications of the derivative.
Differentials and Operators
There is much more to derivatives than simply their computation and applications. So much of how they arise is calculus is in the mysterious guise of *differentials*. These arise from implicit differentiation, which in turn reveals a deeper level of understanding of what differentiation means.