Question

Is dx the same as delta x? Also, can someone define what a differential is (e.g. dx or dy)?

Answer 1

you mean dx and \(\triangle x\)

Answer 2

Yes I do.

Answer 3

I just didn't know how to write the delta sign.

Answer 4

Delta x is usually used to mean the finite change in x, before the limit is evaluated, so before you let the change in x go to nearly zero.
Differentials are also finite but non-zero changes.

Answer 5

@Tonks I understand what delta x equals now, but I'm still confused as to the difference between the two. Would you expand upon it?

Answer 6

what delta x means*

Answer 7

to me, \(\triangle x\) indicates the instantaneous thing, for example, if you want to find out the velocity at a very small change of time , use \(v=\dfrac{\triangle d}{\triangle t}\), If the changing in long time, you must use dx to find out by \(v = \int_{t_1}^{t_2} (distanc)~~ dt\)

Answer 8

delta x is used to indicate a change in x without using limits.