Introduction

Calculus is the foundation for all of our understanding of motion, including the aerodynamic principles that made supersonic flight possible.

Differential calculus is the study of the derivative, and differentiation is the process of computing derivatives. What is a derivative? There are three equally important answers: A derivative is a rate of change, it is the slope of a tangent line, and (more formally), it is the limit of a difference quotient, as we will explain shortly. In this chapter, we explore all three facets of the derivative and develop the basic rules of differentiation. When you master these techniques, you will possess one of the most useful and flexible tools that mathematics has to offer.