Hello,
In my begining calculus class, my professor explained the process for finding higher order derivatives of a function, the derivative of a derivative. And eventually we reach a point were the function is derived to a constant value and since the derivative of a constant is zero, we cannot proceed any further. So my question is this: What is the advantage or purpose of finding the higher order derivatives of a function? I can only guess; does this allow us to be more precise in describing the curve of the function or the slope of the tangent line at x=a?
In my begining calculus class, my professor explained the process for finding higher order derivatives of a function, the derivative of a derivative. And eventually we reach a point were the function is derived to a constant value and since the derivative of a constant is zero, we cannot proceed any further. So my question is this: What is the advantage or purpose of finding the higher order derivatives of a function? I can only guess; does this allow us to be more precise in describing the curve of the function or the slope of the tangent line at x=a?
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