Date of Degree
8-1994
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Program
Education
Advisor
D. Reginald Traylor
Advisor
Cheryl A. Anderson
Advisor
Patricia Fite
Advisor
Jane Cardea
Abstract
The purpose of this thesis is to relate a unique method of dealing with the concept of the derivative of a function. The traditional approach to teaching calculus introduces the idea of the limit of a function early in the course as evidenced in the Essential Elements of the State Board of Education of Texas which places the limit concept as the second essential element of calculus in Texas high schools (Texas Education Agency (TEA) Essential Elements 1991). The "concepts and skills associated with the derivative" (TEA Essential Elements 1991) follow immediately after the introduction of the limit of a function and appear to be dependent upon the understanding of the limit. Apparently, finding tangent and normal lines, deriving formulas for the derivative, solving maximum and minimum problems, and finding velocity and acceleration values must be preceded by the development of the concept of a limit (TEA Essential Elements 1991)(see Appendix A).
Recommended Citation
Roman, Julia Lee, "An Algebraic Approach to Derivatives" (1994). Theses & Dissertations. 299.
https://athenaeum.uiw.edu/uiw_etds/299