Using Newtons notation V. Leibniz notation

In summary, when differentiating a function, it is convenient to use Leibniz notation if there is a need to emphasize with respect to what variable the derivative is being taken. However, Newton's notation can also be used interchangeably with Leibniz notation.
  • #1
thharrimw
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0
when is it better to use Newtons Notation nsted of Lebiniz notation?
 
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  • #2
I guess you are talking about the notation of derivatives. Well, i don't really know when is it better to use Newtons notation instead of Leibniz ones, but i'll go the other way around, it is very convinient to use Leibniz notation when you need to emphasize with respect to what variable you are taking the derivative of the function...like think when you have related rates, and you are differentiating implicitly.
 
  • #3
sorry i should have said that I'm talking about derivatives! I was wondering becouse in my physics book it has Newtons and in my calc book it uses leibinz and i didn't know if it made a difference or not.
 
  • #4
Say you have this function y=f(x) then the following expressions all indicate that you are taking the derivative of this function, so you can use them interchangebly, however, as i pointed out using one notation vs the other has it's advantages when you want to indicate the derivative with respect to what variable you are taking, especially when you go to partial derivatives, or multivariable calculus, then leibniz notation is all you'll see.

[tex]f'(x)=\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{d}{dx}f(x)=D_x[/tex] etc convey the same msg.
 

1. What is the difference between Newtons notation and Leibniz notation?

Newtons notation, also known as "dot notation", uses dots above a variable to represent its derivative, while Leibniz notation uses the symbol "d" to represent the derivative.

2. Which notation is more commonly used in calculus?

Leibniz notation is more commonly used in calculus, especially in introductory courses, as it is easier to understand and use.

3. Are there any advantages of using Newtons notation over Leibniz notation?

One advantage of Newtons notation is that it can represent higher-order derivatives more easily, as the number of dots above the variable indicates the order of the derivative. In contrast, Leibniz notation can become more cumbersome for higher-order derivatives.

4. In what situations would it be more appropriate to use Newtons notation?

Newtons notation is often used in physics and engineering, as it is more convenient for representing rates of change in physical systems.

5. Can the two notations be used interchangeably?

Yes, the two notations can be used interchangeably as they represent the same mathematical concept of derivatives.

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