Available online
Description
This programme uses the ideas of scaling and nests of intervals to demonstrate that the area, A(r), between the x-axis and the graph of x-1/x from x=1 to r, equals loge(r).
This programme uses the ideas of scaling and nests of intervals to demonstrate that the area, A(r), between the x-axis and the graph of x-1/x from x=1 to r, equals loge(r).
| Module code and title: | MS283, An introduction to calculus |
|---|---|
| Item code: | MS283; 07 |
| First transmission date: | 06-11-1978 |
| Published: | 1978 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:24:14 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Jack Koumi |
| Contributors: | Mike Crampin; Allan I.,1936-2013 Solomon |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Nest of intervals; Scaling |
| Footage description: | Allan Solomon introduces the programme. Using three cardboard pieces which have been shaped to fit under the graph of the function x-1/x he demonstrates, by weighing the pieces, that there is a connection between the addition of areas under a curve and the multiplication of their end points. Solomon, with the aid of still graphics and animation, formulates a general rule for the above cases and relates this to the rule for the logarithm of a product rs. Mike Crampin explains how the area under a curve can be calculated by dividing it into a number of squares and rectangles for which areas can be easily calculated. He uses still graphs and animations to illustrate his points. By taking more and more rectangles, Crampin shows that the area under the curve becomes trapped inside smaller and smaller intervals. Taking the area under the curve calculated by Mike Crampin above, Allan Solomon relates this figure to a table of logarithms to the base e (Naperian Logarithms). He shows that A of r is precisely log of r to the base e. Mike Crampin goes on to provide evidence that the logarithmic rule provides for the addition of areas. He manipulates graphs and areas and uses animations to demonstrate that by scaling it can be shown that the areas under x-1/x obey the logarithmic addition rule A(r)+A(s)=A(rs). Allan Solomon sums up the programme. He points out, particularly, the importance of scaling and nests of intervals for showing that the area under the curve, where x maps to 1/x from 1 to r is in fact the logarithm of r. |
| Master spool number: | 6HT/73038 |
| Production number: | 00525_4326 |
| Videofinder number: | 483 |
| Available to public: | no |
