Introduction to Calculus

Polynomials are some of the simplest functions we use. We can compute derivatives of polynomials easily with some basic rules. Besides, many relations in the real world can be modeled as polynomial functions.

On this lesson we will first learn how to calculate derivatives of polynomials. Then, we will use a model of the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere where it follows a polynomial function of the time. Using derivatives, we will study the predictions of this model for the future.

Some examples of polynomials:

13x3+x22x3

x2+2x2

Now read this text and do the exercises at the end:

Derivatives of polynomials, from World Wide Math at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

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