University of Caloocan City

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

Mathematics Department

CALCULUS I: Learning Module No. 1

Topic BASIC CONCEPTS
Sub-Topic Braches of Calculus, Applications, Increment of a
Function, Ratio of Increments, General Rule of
Differentiation (4-step Rule)
Duration 3 hours
Introduction The word CALCULUS was derived from the Latin
word “calculi” which means pebble or small stone.
It is a branch of mathematics concerned with the
rate of change of one variable quantity with respect
to another. The slope of a complex curve and the
area under it within certain limits. It is the
computation of the maximum and minimum values
of functions, and the calculations of varying speeds
and motions. The development of Calculus was
credited to Isaac Newton (1642-1727) and Gottfried
Wilhelm Leibnitz (1646-1714).
Theories/Concepts/Fo Common Branches of Calculus
rmulas 1. Differential Calculus-based on the
consideration of the limits of certain ratio.
2. Integral Calculus- based on the
consideration of the limits of certain sum.
3. Differential Equations- based on the
relations of some functions of one or more
variable with its derivatives.

Applications of Calculus
1. Physical Science
2. Biological Science
3. Social Science
4. Computer Science
 5. Space Science or Astronomy
6. Engineering
7. Technology
8. Electronics
9. Geometry
10. Statistics
11. Business
12. Economics
13. Medicine
14. Pharmacology

Increment of a Function
The increment of a variable is a very small change
in the value of the variable. An increment of X is
denoted by the symbol “x” and is read as “delta x.”
Thus,
y – is an increment of variable y, and
t – is an increment of time

Ratio of Increments
The ratio of increments is a very small change in the
value of the dependent variable over a very small
change in the value of the independent variable. In
symbol, the ratio of the increment of variable “y”
𝑦
over the increment of variable “x” is 𝑥.

General Rule of Differentiation (the 4-step Rule)

For y = f(x)

1. Replace “y” by “y+y” and “x” by “x+x.”

y + y = f (x + x)

2. Subtract “y” from the function of “x”

y = f (x + x) – y
but y = f(x)
 y = f (x + x) – f(x)

3. Form the ratio of the increment by dividing

both sides of the equation by “x.”
𝑦 𝑓 (𝑥 + 𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑥)
=
𝑥 𝑥

4. Apply limits to the ratio of the increment as

“x” approaches zero.

𝑦 𝑓 (𝑥 + 𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑥)
Lim = Lim
𝑥0 𝑥 𝑥0 𝑥

𝑦 𝑓 (𝑥 + 𝑥) 𝑓 (𝑥)
Lim = Lim − Lim
𝑥0 𝑥 𝑥0 𝑥 𝑥0 𝑥

Thus,
𝑦 𝑑𝑦
Lim =
𝑥0 𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
is a symbol for differentiation and read as “the
𝑑𝑥
derivative of “y” with respect to “x.”

YouTube Link/s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UukVP7Mg3TU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tt2DGYOi3hc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUvTyaaNkzM&list=PLZHQ
ObOWTQDMsr9K-rj53DwVRMYO3t5Yr