Visualization of relationship between a function and Its derivative

Year 2015, Volume: 5 Issue: 1, 205 - 213, 01.04.2015

Karmelita Pjanıć Edin Lıđan Admir Kurtanovıć

Abstract

The first and second derivatives of a function provide an enormous amount of useful
information about function itself as well as of the shape of the graph of the function.
Mathematics curriculum in Bosnia and Herzegovina emphasises algebraic representation of
a function ant its derivatives. That implies that concept of a derivative of a function is only
partialy developed. On the other hand, an important skill to develop is that of producing the
graph of the derivative of a function, given the graph of the function and conversely, to
producing the graph of a function, given the graph of its derivative. In this paper we
describe one possibility of enhancing pupils understanding of relationship between function
and its derivative using specially designed Wolfram Mathematica applet. Preliminary results
of implementation of the applet during the topic Examination of functions using its
derivatives, indicate that visualization support better understanding of concept of function
and its derivative.

Keywords

Function, Derivative, Graphical representation

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