ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY

City of Ilagan Campus

College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

I. Title of the Module

Module 1 – PHYSICAL MEANING OF DERIVATIVES AND INTEGRALS
II. Introduction
This module will discuss the physical meaning of derivatives and integrals by relating
them to real-world examples. Calculus topics are mostly concentrated on the manipulation of
differentiation and integration formulas and have limited actual applications. This topic will
refresh the students on some basic calculus formulas and conventions.

III. Objectives
Upon successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
• Understand the physical meaning of derivatives
• Understand the physical meaning of integrals
• Know when to use derivatives and integrals in real-world CE problems.

IV. Discussion Proper

A. Physical Meaning of Derivatives
It is basic knowledge that the derivative, f’(a) is the instantaneous rate of change of y =
f(x) with respect to x when x = a.
As an illustration, say a water tank is being filled and the volume, in liters, of the water
after t seconds is given by the function V1(t) = (3/4)t.

The slope of the function, 3/4, represents its rate of change. In other words, the tank is
being filled at a rate of 3/4 liters per second. The rate of change of a linear function is always
constant, which makes it relatively to reason about.

Engr. ALEX M. BALUBAL, MEE, CSEE

Associate Professor V
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 ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY
City of Ilagan Campus
College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

Now say a different tank is being filled, and this time the volume function is not linear
which is given by
V2(t) = 0.1t2

Notice how the graph’s growth is gradual at first and becomes steeper towards the end.
The rate of change of V2 is not constant. If we want to analyze the rate of change of V2, we can
talk about its instantaneous rate of change at any given point in time. The instantaneous rate of
change of a function is given by the function’s derivative.
V2‘(t) = 0.2t
For example. V2‘(5) = 0.2(5) = 1. Mathematically, this means that the slope of the line
tangent to the graph of V2 when x = 5 is 1.
What does this mean in the context of the water tank? The tangent line’s slope indicates
the curve’s slope at that particular point in time. Since we already saw how slope gives us the
rate of change, we can interpret V2’(5) = 1 as follows:
At t = 5 seconds, the tank is being filled at a rate of 1 liter per second.
Notice a couple of things about this interpretation:
First, the rate of change is given in liters per second. The units of a derivative are always
a ratio of the dependent quantity (e.g. liters) over the independent quantity (e.g. seconds).
Second, the rate is given for a specific point in time (e.g. t = 5 seconds). This is because
it is instantaneous. Take another point in time, and the rate might be different. Look at an interval
of time, and the rate is not constant.

Engr. ALEX M. BALUBAL, MEE, CSEE

Associate Professor V
2
 ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY
City of Ilagan Campus
College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

Another application of derivative is the relationship between position s(t), velocity v(t) and
acceleration a(t). The first derivative s’(t) = v(t) and the second derivative s’’(t) = v’(t) = a(t).
Say for example that the position of a point is defined with the function s(t) = t3 – 9t2 +24t
- 15. The first derivative s’(t) = v(t) and the second derivative s’’(t) = a(t) are shown below.

Engr. ALEX M. BALUBAL, MEE, CSEE

Associate Professor V
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 ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY
City of Ilagan Campus
College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

B. Physical Meaning of Integrals

You have learned in Integral Calculus that the area under a curve between two points is
found by doing a definite integral between the two points, that is,
𝒃
𝑨𝒓𝒆𝒂 = ∫ 𝒇(𝒙)𝒅𝒙
𝒂

You also learned in Integral Calculus how to find volume of solids by revolving an area
around an axis. Other methods of finding volumes can be done using the Disc Method, Washer
Method, and Shell Method.

Engr. ALEX M. BALUBAL, MEE, CSEE

Associate Professor V
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 ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY
City of Ilagan Campus
College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

Another application that you learned is the determination of deflection of beams using the
Double Integration Method.

In the given figure above, let us assume that the beam has a length of 3 meters with a
variable load of 12 kN/m and we are to find the magnitude and location of the maximum
deflection.
From statics, we can determine that the reaction at A is 6 kN upwards and 12 kN upwards
at B.

12 kN/m
x
y

6 kN 12 kN
3m

Assuming EI to be constant along the length of the beam, the moment at any point of the
beam is given by the equation:
1 𝑥
𝐸𝐼𝑦′′ = 6𝑥 − ( 𝑥𝑦)( )
2 3
But y = 4x (by ratio and proportion)
1 𝑥
𝐸𝐼𝑦′′ = 6𝑥 − ( 𝑥(4𝑥))( )
2 3
4
𝐸𝐼𝑦′′ = 6𝑥 − 𝑥 3
6

Engr. ALEX M. BALUBAL, MEE, CSEE

Associate Professor V
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 ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY
City of Ilagan Campus
College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

Integrating both sides will give us the slope equation:

4
∫ 𝐸𝐼𝑦′′ = ∫ [6𝑥 − 𝑥 3 ]
6
𝑥2 4 𝑥4
𝐸𝐼𝑦 ′ = 6 ( ) − ( ) + 𝐶1
2 6 4

Integrating it one more time gives us the deflection equation:

𝑥2 4 𝑥4
∫ 𝐸𝐼𝑦 ′ = ∫ [6 ( ) − ( ) + 𝐶1 ]
2 6 4

𝑥3 1 𝑥5
𝐸𝐼𝑦 = 3 ( ) − ( ) + 𝐶1 𝑥 + 𝐶2
3 6 5
1 5
𝐸𝐼𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − (𝑥 ) + 𝐶1 𝑥 + 𝐶2
30
Applying the boundary condition @ x = 0, y = 0, we can find that C2 = 0.
1 5
0 = 03 − (0 ) + 𝐶1 (0) + 𝐶2
30
𝐶2 = 0
Applying the other boundary condition @ x = 3, y = 0, we can find that C1 = -6.3.
1 5
0 = 33 − (3 ) + 𝐶1 (3) + 0
30
𝐶1 = −6.3
We can determine the location of the maximum deflection by equating the resulting slope
equation to zero and solve for x:

′
𝑥2 4 𝑥4
𝐸𝐼𝑦 = 6 ( ) − ( ) + 𝐶1
2 6 4
1
𝐸𝐼𝑦 ′ = 3𝑥 2 − (𝑥 4 ) − 6.3 = 0
6
𝑥 = 1.558 𝑚

Engr. ALEX M. BALUBAL, MEE, CSEE

Associate Professor V
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 ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY
City of Ilagan Campus
College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

Finally, we can solve the magnitude of the maximum deflection by substituting the value
of x = 1.558 to the deflection equation:
1 5
𝐸𝐼𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − (𝑥 ) + 𝐶1 𝑥 + 𝐶2
30
1 5
𝐸𝐼𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − (𝑥 ) − 6.3𝑥
30
1
𝐸𝐼𝑦 = 1.5583 − (1.5585 ) − 6.3(1.558)
30
𝐸𝐼𝑦 = −6.340
Therefore, the maximum deflection is 6.340/EI downwards located at 1.558 meters from
the left support.
It can be seen from the graph of the deflection equation (red) that the coordinate of the
maximum deflection is at (1.558, -6.340) verifying the above solution.

Engr. ALEX M. BALUBAL, MEE, CSEE

Associate Professor V
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 ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY
City of Ilagan Campus
College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

Accumulation problems are also solved using definite integrals. Imagine we are given the
following information:
The temperature of an asphalt is increasing at a rate of r(t) = 30e-0.3t degrees Celsius per
minute (where t is the time in minutes). At any time t = 0, the temperature of the asphalt is 23
degrees Celsius.
And imagine we are asked to find the amount by which the temperature increased
between t = 0 and t = 5 minutes. This is an accumulation (or net change) word problem. We
can tell it is so because we are given a function that models the rate of change of a quantity, and
are asked about the change in that quantity over an interval of time.
For any quantity whose rate is given by the function r, the definite integral
𝑏
∫ 𝑟(𝑡)𝑑𝑡
𝑎

describes the amount by which the quantity changed between t = a and t = b.

So in our case, the amount by which the temperature increased between t = 0 and t =
5 minutes is given by:
5
∫ 𝑟(𝑡)𝑑𝑡
0
5 5
∫ 𝑟(𝑡)𝑑𝑡 = ∫ 30𝑒 −0.3𝑡 𝑑𝑡
0 0

30
= [𝑒 −0.3𝑡 ]50
−0.3
= −100[𝑒 −1.5 − 𝑒 0 ]
5
∫ 𝑟(𝑡)𝑑𝑡 ≈ 77.7𝑜 𝐶
0

Now imagine we were asked a different question: what is the asphalt’s temperature at t
= 5 minutes? Notice we are not dealing with a change anymore, we are dealing with an actual
value. But have no fear, because definite integrals can help us with this one too! All we need is
to add the initial condition.
Recall we were given that the temperature of the asphalt at time t = 0 was 23°C. Adding
that to the change in temperature between t = 0 and t = 5 gives us the temperature at t = 5.

Since we already calculated , we can tell that at t = 5 minutes, the temperature

was 23 + 77.7 = 100.7°C.

Engr. ALEX M. BALUBAL, MEE, CSEE

Associate Professor V
8
 ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY
City of Ilagan Campus
College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

Common mistake: Misusing initial conditions

Some accumulation problems ask about a net change, and some ask about an actual
value. The difference is that when looking for an actual value we must use the initial conditions.
A common mistake would be using initial conditions when asked about a net change, or
not using initial conditions when asked about an actual value.

Common mistake: Using differentiation instead of integration

Applied word problems are common throughout both differential and integral calculus.
When given a word problem, we must decide whether the solution involves derivatives or
integrals. Making a wrong decision will of course result in a wrong answer.
C. When to Use Derivative or Integral
What is given? What is missing What to use?
Differential Calculus Quantity Rate Derivative
Integral Calculus Rate Quantity (change in quantity) Integral

Engr. ALEX M. BALUBAL, MEE, CSEE

Associate Professor V
9
 ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY
City of Ilagan Campus
College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

V. Self-Assessment Questionnaire
Choose one answer from the given choices:

1. Due to the tide, the water level rises and falls daily at Boracay Beach. D gives the depth
of the water, in meters, t hours after midnight on a certain day. What is the best
interpretation for the following statement?

The value of the derivative of D at t = 8 is equal to -0.5.

a. At 8 a.m. the water level decreased at a rate of 0.5 meter per hour.
b. At 8 a.m. the water level decreased at a rate of 0.5 meter.
c. At 8 a.m. the water level was 0.5 meter below sea level.
d. Until 8 a.m. the water level decreased at a rate of 0.5 meter per hour.

2. A tank is being filled with liquid. The function V gives the volume of liquid in the tank, in
liters, after t minutes. What is the best interpretation for the following statement?

The value of the derivative of V at t = 1 is equal to 2.

a. After 1 minute, the tank is being filled at a rate of 2 liters.

b. After 1 minute, the tank had 2 liters of liquid.
c. After 1 minute, the tank is being filled at a rate of 2 liters per minute.
d. During the first minute, the tank is being filled at a rate of 2 liters per minute.

3. Pedro is driving his car from Ilagan to Manila. D gives the total distance Pedro has driven
(in kilometers) after t hours. What is the best interpretation for the following statement?

The slope of the line tangent to the graph of D at t = 3 is equal to 90.

a. During the first 3 hours, Pedro drove 90 kilometers per hour.

b. At time 3, Pedro drove at a rate of 90 kilometers.
c. 3 hours after leaving, Pedro was 90 kilometers away from Ilagan.
d. 3 hours after leaving, Pedro drove 90 kilometers per hour.

Engr. ALEX M. BALUBAL, MEE, CSEE

Associate Professor V
10
 ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY
City of Ilagan Campus
College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

4. A weight that is attached to the end of a spring is pulled and then released. The function
H gives its height, in centimeters, after t seconds. What is the best interpretation for the
following statement?

H’(0) = 3

a. When the weight is released, its height is 3 centimeters.

b. When the weight is released, its mass is increasing at a rate 3 grams per second.
c. When the weight is released, its height is increasing at a rate of 3.
d. When the weight is released, its height is increasing at a rate of 3 centimeter per
second.

5. The amount of cement stored at a silo is decreasing at a rate of r(t) kilograms per minute
where t is in minutes. What does the following integral mean?

𝟐𝟏
∫ 𝒓(𝒕)𝒅𝒕 = −𝟑𝟔𝟎
𝟐𝟎

a. During the 21st minute, the amount of cement at the silo decreased by 360
kilograms.
b. During the first 21 minutes, the amount of cement at the silo decreased by 360
kilograms.
c. During the first 20 minutes, the amount of cement at the silo decreased by 360
kilograms.
d. During the 20th minute, the amount of cement at the silo decreased by 360
kilograms.

6. The air gap (the distance from the bottom of the bridge to the surface of the water) under
a bridge is changing at a rate of r(t) = 0.6 sin (πt/6) meters per hour (where t is time in
hours). At time t = 13, the air gap is 62 meters. What is the air gap when t = 15 hours?

15
a. 62 + ∫13 𝑟(𝑡)𝑑𝑡
15
b. 62 + ∫13 𝑟′(𝑡)𝑑𝑡
c. 𝑟′(15)
d. 𝑟 ′ (13) + 62

Engr. ALEX M. BALUBAL, MEE, CSEE

Associate Professor V
11
 ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY
City of Ilagan Campus
College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

VI. Answers to Self-Assessment Questionnaire

1. a → D’(8) = -0.5 liters/minute
2. c → V’(1) = 2 liters/minute
3. d → D’(3) = 90 km/hr
4. d → H’(0) = 3 cm/sec
5. a
6. a
VII. Summary
Derivative is used to determine the instantaneous rate of change of an object. The first
derivative of the position of an object having a function s(t) is its velocity while the second
derivative is its acceleration.
The area under a curve between two limits can be done using integrals. Volume of solids
can also be determined using various integration methods.
Derivatives are useful when we are given a quantity and asked about its rate, while
integrals are useful when we are given a rate and asked about the quantity.

VIII. References

Applied Numerical Methods with MATLAB for Engineers and Scientists, Fourth Edition, Steven
C. Chapra, McGraw-Hill, 2018.
Numerical Methods for Engineers, Seventh Edition, Steven C. Chapra & Raymond P. Canale,
McGraw-Hill, 2015.

Engr. ALEX M. BALUBAL, MEE, CSEE

Associate Professor V
12