Position function and its derivatives

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the origins of the position function in calculus and its relationship to velocity and acceleration. It highlights the awe of discovering the connections between these concepts, emphasizing the beauty of mathematics. The question posed is whether Newton invented the position function with the intention of deriving velocity and acceleration or if it was a discovery. The conversation acknowledges that much of modern mathematical abstraction and notation developed after Newton's time. Ultimately, the discussion reflects a deep curiosity about the foundational aspects of calculus and its evolution.
PapalPhysicist
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Okay so I'm currently in cal 3. I've also taken physics 1 and 2. When I first saw the position function differentiated into velocity and then to acceleration I was awestruck. Math is beautiful and divinely structured. That's what I thought.

But as I've gone on and worked with it more and more a question has occurred. Newton created the basics of calculus. Much of what I have learned has been additions to his foundation, all the theorems and methods that allow for more complex integration and differentiation.

Now to my question. Did Newton create the position function? Was it created with the ability to then derive velocity and acceleration from it in mind?

Or was it something "discovered"?

I may be asking the wrong question here. Please guide me in the right direction if I am. The more math I've studied the more I see its beauty. I may not be the most studious but I'm definitely a curious person.
 
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Mathematics was primitive when Newton was alive. Newton expressed his thinking more in sentences and diagrams than in functions and equations. A lot of the abstraction and symbology we use today in mathematics was developed since then.
 
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