RankLab
Back to Concepts
MathsMediumClass 12

Approximation using Differentials

Applications of Derivatives

15

JEE Qs

8%

Hard

45

min

Master the skill of judiciously choosing the base value 'x' and the increment 'Δx' to simplify calculations while maintaining approximation accuracy.

🧮 Key Formulas

Δy = f(x + Δx) - f(x)
dy = f'(x) dx
Δx = dx
f(x + Δx) ≈ f(x) + f'(x) Δx

✅ Key Points for JEE

  • 1The core idea is that for a very small change in x (Δx), the actual change in y (Δy) is approximately equal to the differential of y (dy).
  • 2The approximation formula f(x + Δx) ≈ f(x) + f'(x)Δx is derived from dy/dx ≈ Δy/Δx.
  • 3Always identify 'x' as a value near the desired input for which f(x) is easily calculable, and 'Δx' as the small difference between the desired input and 'x'.
  • 4Ensure Δx is sufficiently small for the approximation to be reasonably accurate; larger Δx values lead to greater errors.
  • 5The differential dy represents the change in y along the tangent line at x, while Δy is the actual change in y along the curve.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

  • Confusing the actual change in y (Δy) with the approximate change in y (dy).
  • Incorrectly identifying or choosing the base value 'x' and the increment 'Δx'. Often students pick 'x' and 'Δx' such that 'x' is not easily computable or 'Δx' is too large.
  • Errors in calculating the derivative f'(x) or substituting values into the approximation formula.

📝 Practice Questions

See all

NCERT Chapters

  • Class 12 Maths Ch 6: Application of Derivatives (Section: Differentials)