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Total Differentials on a Surface: Instructor's Guide

Main Ideas

Students' Task

Estimated Time: 10 min

Prerequisite Knowledge

Props/Equipment

Activity: Introduction

Students should be introduced to the ideas of differentials using a one-dimensional graph and the corresponding symbolic relationship. Then, give each group a plastic surface representing a function $f(x,y)$ and ask them to sketch $df$, $dx$, and $dy$ on the surface and to relate these differentials geometrically and then symbolically.

Activity: Student Conversations

Activity: Wrap-up

Extensions