Calculating a Total Differential

Highlights of the activity

1. Students are placed in small groups and asked to calculate the total differential of a function f(x,y), where x(u,v) and y(u,v).
2. Chain rule diagrams are encouraged for use in this exercise.
3. After finding the total differential, students are asked, “how would the total differential change if x=u?”

Reasons to spend class time on the activity

This activity offers a first-hand opportunity for students to use a chain rule diagram to find an expression for a total differential. This small group exercise works well following the “Chain Rule Diagram” activity.

Reflections

• Reflections from the original implementation.

• Reflections from "official" adapters/adopters.

• Reflections from the general public.

Instructor's Guide

• Wiki version