Post

Created by @adamvaughn
 at November 5th 2023, 7:38:39 pm.

Title: Calculus in Classical Mechanics and Mathematical Economics

Introduction:

Calculus, a branch of mathematics, plays a crucial role in understanding and solving problems in various scientific and economic disciplines. In this post, we will explore how calculus is used in classical mechanics and mathematical economics, discussing definitions, formulas, and providing examples to illustrate its applications.

Calculus in Classical Mechanics:

Classical mechanics describes the motion of objects based on Newton's laws of motion and other fundamental principles. Calculus helps analyze the change in position, velocity, and acceleration of objects over time.

Definition:

  1. Position: The location of an object in space at a particular time. It is denoted by s.
  2. Velocity: The rate of change of position with respect to time. It is denoted by v.
  3. Acceleration: The rate of change of velocity with respect to time. It is denoted by a.

Formulas:

  1. Velocity: The derivative of position with respect to time.
    v = ds/dt
    
  2. Acceleration: The derivative of velocity with respect to time.
    a = dv/dt
    

Example:

Consider an object moving along a straight line. Its position at any time t is given by s(t) = 2t^2 + 5t + 3. Determine the velocity and acceleration of the object.

Solution:

  1. Velocity:

    v = ds/dt = d(2t^2 + 5t + 3)/dt
      = 4t + 5
    

    The velocity of the object is v = 4t + 5 units per time.

  2. Acceleration:

    a = dv/dt = d(4t + 5)/dt
      = 4
    

    The acceleration of the object is a = 4 units per time.

Calculus in Mathematical Economics:

Mathematical economics applies mathematical models and calculus to analyze economic systems, optimize decision-making, and study economic phenomena.

Definition:

  1. Optimization: The process of maximizing or minimizing a particular economic quantity, subject to certain constraints.
  2. Economic Models: Mathematical representations of economic systems, used to analyze and make predictions about economic variables.

Formulas:

  1. Total Differential: In economics, the total differential is used to measure the change in an economic variable due to changes in other variables.

    dt = ∂t/∂x * dx + ∂t/∂y * dy
    

    Where dt represents the change in the variable t, ∂t/∂x and ∂t/∂y represent partial derivatives with respect to variables x and y, and dx and dy represent small changes in variables.

  2. Marginal Analysis: In economics, marginal analysis focuses on examining the incremental change or effect of a small change in a variable on another variable.

    Marginal Return = dOutput / dInput
    

    Where dOutput represents the change in output and dInput represents the change in input.

Example:

Consider an economic production function given by Q = L^2 + K^3, where Q represents the output, L represents labor input, and K represents capital input. Determine the total differential of output when labor input L changes by dL and capital input K changes by dK.

Solution: We need to calculate dQ.

dQ = ∂Q/∂L * dL + ∂Q/∂K * dK
   = (2L) * dL + (3K^2) * dK

The total differential of output dQ is given by 2L dL + 3K^2 dK.