Martínez-Torregrosa, Joaquín, López Gay, Rafael, Gras Martí, Albert
Mathematics in physics education: scanning historical evolution of the differential to find a more appropriate model for teaching differential calculus in physics
MARTÍNEZ TORREGROSA, Joaquín; LÓPEZ GAY, Rafael; GRAS MARTÍ, Albert. "Mathematics in physics education: scanning historical evolution of the differential to find a more appropriate model for teaching differential calculus in physics". Science & Education. Vol. 15, No. 5 (Febr. 2006). ISSN 0926-7220, pp. 447-462
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10045/2777
DOI: 10.1007/s11191-005-0258-y
ISSN: 0926-7220
Abstract: 
Despite its frequent use, there is little understanding of the concept of differential
among upper high school and undergraduate students of physics. As a first step to identify the origin of this situation and to revert it, we have done a historic and epistemological study aimed at clarifying the role and the meaning of the differential in physics and at improving curricular and teaching models in the sense of Gilbert et al. (Gilbert J.K., Boulter C., &
Rutherford, M.: 1998a, International Journal of Science Education 20(1), 83–97, Gilbert J.K., Boulter C., & Rutherford, M.: 1998b, International Journal of Science Education 20(2),187–203). We describe the contributions of Leibniz and Cauchy and stress their shortcomings, which are overcome by the alternative definition proposed by the French mathematician Frechet, dating from early 20th century. As a result of this study, we answer to some fundamental questions related to a proper understanding of the differential in physics education(for 17–19 years old students).
Keywords:Mathematics in physics education, Conceptual change
Springer Netherlands
info:eu-repo/semantics/article