Mathematical Tools

Mathematical Tools

Vishal kumarUpdated on 02 Jul 2025, 05:43 PM IST

The process of finding the derivative or the differential coefficient of a function w.r.t. the variable, on which it depends is called differentiation. Integration is the process of finding the function, whose derivative is given. for this reason, the process of integration is called the inverse process of differentiation.

This Story also Contains

  1. Differentiation
  2. Integration
  3. Solved Example Based on Differentiation and Integration
  4. Conclusion
Mathematical Tools
Mathematical Tools

In this article, we will cover the mathematical tools used in kinematics. These tools are crucial for studying any chapter, especially in the mechanics section, where a solid understanding of basic mathematics is essential for solving problems.

So let’s read the entire article to know in-depth about the differentiation and integration to use in kinematics to make the calculation easier.

Differentiation

Differentiation is very useful when we have to find rates of change of one quantity compared to another.

  • If y is one quantity and we have to find the rate of change of y with respect to x which is another quantity

Then the differentiation of y w.r.t x is given as dydx

  • For a y V/s x graph

We can find the slope of the graph using differentiation

I.e Slope of yV/s× graph =dydx
- Some important Formulas of differentiation
- ddx(xn)=nxn1

Example-

ddx(x5)=(n=5)dxn dx=nxn1dx5 dx=5x51dx5 dx=5x4

Similarly

ddxsinx=cosxddxcosx=sinxddxtanx=sec2xddxcotx=csc2xddxsecx=secxtanxddxcscx=cscxcotxddxex=exddxax=axlnaddxln|x|=1x

Integration

The opposite process of differentiation is known as integration.
Let x , and y be two quantities, using differentiation we can find the rate of change of y with respect to x , Which is given by dydx

But using integration we can get the direct relationship between quantities x and y

So let dydx=K where K is constant
Or we can write dy=Kdx

Now integrating on both sides we get the direct relationship between x and y

І.e dy=Kdxy=Kx+C

Where C is some constant

  • For a y V/s x graph

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We can find the area of the graph using the integration

Some Important Formulas of Integration

. xndx=xn+1n+1+C where (C = constant) E.g- xndx=,n=3xn+1n+1+Cx3+13+1+Cx44+Cdxx=ln|x|+Cexdx=ex+Caxdx=1lnaax+C. lnxdx=xlnxx+C

sinxdx=cosx+Ccosxdx=sinx+Ctanxdx=ln|cosx|+Ccotxdx=ln|sinx|+Csecxdx=ln|secx+tanx|+Ccscxdx=ln|cscx+cotx|+Csec2xdx=tanx+Ccsc2xdx=cotx+Csecxtanxdx=secx+Ccscxcotxdx=cscx+Cdxa2x2=sin1xa+Cdxa2+x2=1atan1xa+Cdxxx2a2=1asec1|x|a+C

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Solved Example Based on Differentiation and Integration

Example 1. Displacement of a particle as a function of time is given as s=at3+bt2+c. Then rate of Displacement as a function of time is
1) Independent of t
2) 3at
3) 2bt
4) 3at2+2bt

Solution:

The displacement of a particle as a function of time is given as
s=at3+bt2+c.

The rate of Displacement-
dsdt=ddt[at3+bt2+c]=3at2+2bt

Hence, the answer is option (1).

Example 2. If y=x3 then dydx is:
1) 3x2
2) 3x
3) 3
4) 3x3

Solution:

The formula of differentiation
ddx(xn)=nxn1

Given - y=x3
So using the formula we get
dydx=3x2

Hence, the answer is option (1).

Example 3. Then what is the relation between x and y then what is the relation between x and y
1) y=x33
2) y=x22
3) y=x44
4) y=x

Solution:

The formula of integration-

xndx=xn+1n+1+C where (C= constant )

Given-
dydx=x2dy=x2dxy=x2dxy=x33+c

As at x=0,y=0
so, y=x33
Hence, the answer is option (1).

Example 4. The distance travelled by an accelerated particle of mass M is given by the following relation s=6t+3t2. Then the rate of change of s after 2 seconds is
1) 18
2) 12
3) 6
4) 24

Solution:

As we learned
Some important Formulas of differentiation
ddx(xn)=nxn1

So s=6t+3t2
now using the formula
ds/dt=6+6t put t=(2sec)ds/dt=6+(6×2)=18

Hence, the answer is option (1).

Example 5. If sinθ=1/3, then find the value of cosθ
1) 89
2) 43
3) 223
4) 34

Solution:

cosθ=1sin2θ=1(1/3)2=8/9=223

Hence, the answer is the option (3).

Conclusion

The derivative or differential coefficient of a function is the limit to which the ratio of the small increment in the function to the corresponding small increment in the variable (on which it depends) tends to, when the small increment in the variable approaches zero. The concept of integration is used in physics to make measurements when a physical quantity varies in continuous manner.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the significance of the fundamental theorem of calculus in motion problems?
A:
The fundamental theorem of calculus is significant in motion problems because it connects the concepts of differentiation and integration. It states that the definite integral of a function over an interval is equal to the difference of the antiderivative of that function evaluated at the endpoints of the interval.
Q: How do we use the concept of antiderivatives in motion analysis?
A:
Antiderivatives are crucial in motion analysis because they allow us to reverse the process of differentiation. When we know the acceleration function, we can find the antiderivative to determine the velocity function (plus a constant of integration). Similarly, finding the antiderivative of the velocity function gives us the position function (plus another constant). This process is essential for solving problems where we're given information about acceleration or velocity and need to determine position or displacement.
Q: How do we use the concept of limits to understand instantaneous acceleration?
A:
The concept of limits is essential in understanding instantaneous acceleration, just as it is for instantaneous velocity. Instantaneous acceleration is defined as the limit of average acceleration as the time interval approaches zero. Mathematically, this is expressed as the second derivative of position with respect to time, or the first derivative of velocity with respect to time. Limits allow us to transition from the idea of average acceleration over an interval to the more precise concept of acceleration at an exact moment.
Q: What is the role of vector calculus in understanding straight-line motion?
A:
While straight-line motion is often treated as one-dimensional, vector calculus provides a more general framework that can be applied to all types of motion. Even in straight-line motion, treating position, velocity, and acceleration as vectors helps maintain consistency with more complex motion scenarios. Vector calculus also provides tools like the dot product and cross product, which, while not always necessary for straight-line motion, offer a unified approach to motion analysis that becomes crucial in more advanced physics.
Q: How do we use implicit differentiation in motion problems?
A:
Implicit differentiation is a useful tool in motion problems when we have relationships between variables that are not explicitly solved for one variable. For example, if we have an equation relating position and time that can't be easily solved for position as a function of time, we can use implicit differentiation to find velocity and acceleration. This technique expands our ability to analyze more complex motion scenarios where explicit functions might not be available.
Q: What is the significance of the average value theorem in motion analysis?
A:
The average value theorem is significant in motion analysis because it relates the average value of a continuous function over an interval to the function's values within that interval. In the context of motion, this theorem can be used to show that the average velocity over an interval is equal to the instantaneous velocity at some point within that interval. This provides a deeper understanding of the relationship between average and instantaneous quantities and can be useful in various motion problems.
Q: What is the role of differential equations in describing motion?
A:
Differential equations play a crucial role in describing motion because they relate the rates of change of different quantities. For example, the equation dv/dt = a describes how velocity changes with time under constant acceleration. By solving these differential equations, we can obtain expressions for velocity and position as functions of time. This approach is particularly powerful because it allows us to describe motion even when acceleration is not constant, leading to more general and flexible descriptions of motion.
Q: What is the importance of initial conditions in solving motion problems?
A:
Initial conditions are crucial in solving motion problems because they provide the starting point for our calculations and help determine the constants of integration when using calculus. For example, knowing the initial position and velocity allows us to solve for the constants in the general solution of a differential equation describing motion. Without these initial conditions, we would have infinite possible solutions, and we couldn't determine the specific motion of the object in question.
Q: How do we use integration to find displacement from a non-constant velocity?
A:
To find displacement from a non-constant velocity, we integrate the velocity function with respect to time over the desired time interval. This process essentially sums up all the tiny displacements over infinitesimal time intervals. Mathematically, if v(t) is the velocity function, the displacement s between times t₁ and t₂ is given by the definite integral: s = ∫[t₁ to t₂] v(t) dt. This method allows us to calculate displacement even when velocity is continuously changing.
Q: How do we use the concept of relative motion in straight-line problems?
A:
The concept of relative motion is important even in straight-line problems because it allows us to analyze motion from different frames of reference. For example, if two cars are moving along a straight road, we can describe the motion of one car relative to the other by subtracting their velocities. This approach simplifies many problems and helps us understand how motion appears from different perspectives. It's a crucial concept that bridges simple straight-line motion and more complex scenarios.