Week 7: Modelling change with derivatives

Change is constant. Almost all the systems we study are dynamic. Quantities increase, decrease, accumulate, and diminish. To take a concrete example consider the language around the Covid-19 epidemic.

The number of cases is rising dramatically.

Total deaths for the week are over 1,200.

The number of infections is falling gradually.

The viral load increases until it reaches a critical point and the infection activates.

Deaths are still increasing, but the rate of increase is slowing.

The tools we need to model dynamic processes are provided by the branch of mathematics called Calculus. The derivative measures the rate of change of a quantity, while the integral measures the accumulation of a quantity, and we will spend the next three weeks working with them.

Reading week!

That three week span will be broken up by Reading Week. This Friday will mark the midpoint of the semester, and next week there are no classes, in-person or virtual. It's a golden opportunity to catch up, refresh, and organize yourself for the second half of the semester. I know I can use it. 🤗

Assignment 5 deadline extended

Assignment 5 was going to be due this Friday, but is now due next Friday, at the end of Reading Week. It was a slip to have it due before reading week rather than after.

Free tutoring still available

I know some of you are making good use of the tutors from the Academic Support Centre, but I want to remind the rest of you that there are several tutors offering help with Math 120 via Zoom or in person at the YukonU campus. They even have a dedicated button on their page that will let you quickly book your appointment. Check them out! https://www.yukonu.ca/student-life/learning-matters/academic-support-centre

Meet with me one on one

Have more than a quick question? Need some focussed help? When I had an office I always had an open door policy, and encouraged students to drop in any time. Zoom isn't as spontaneous as an open office door, but I am happy to meet with you online outside my office hours.

Office Hours: Get help, or just come by to say "Hi"

I'll be in my Zoom "office" again this week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. I hope you'll come by at some point with your questions or just to say hi.

That's all for now!

Stay warm and stay in touch,
Tim