FLUXIONS Meaning and
Definition
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Fluxions refer to a mathematical concept, particularly associated with Isaac Newton's method of calculus in the late 17th century. The term is derived from the Latin word "fluxio," meaning "flowing," which emphasizes the idea of a continuous change. Fluxions are essentially the infinitesimal changes or rates of change in the values of mathematical quantities, such as functions, over infinitely small intervals.
In Newton's approach, fluxions were introduced as the fundamental concepts of calculus, allowing for the investigation of instantaneous change and motion. Fluxions capture how a quantity, such as the slope of a curve at a particular point or the velocity of an object at an instant, changes in response to extremely small changes in the independent variable.
The concept of fluxions was further developed by Newton in his famous publication "Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy," where he outlined the foundations of calculus. Although the concept of fluxions eventually fell out of use, it paved the way for the modern idea of derivatives, which are fundamental to calculus.
Fluxions play a crucial role in solving mathematical problems involving functions, rates of change, and optimizing quantities. By studying the fluxions of various quantities, mathematicians can understand how these quantities behave over time, allowing for predictions and analysis in various scientific fields, such as physics, engineering, and economics.
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The branch of mathematics which treats of the analysis of infinitely small variable quantities-called also the differential calculus.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for FLUXIONS
- dluxions
- cluxions
- vluxions
- gluxions
- tluxions
- rluxions
- fkuxions
- fpuxions
- fouxions
- flyxions
- flhxions
- fljxions
- flixions
- fl8xions
- fl7xions
- fluzions
- flucions
- fludions
- flusions
Etymology of FLUXIONS
The word "Fluxions" was coined by the English mathematician Sir Isaac Newton in the late 17th century. It is derived from the Latin word "fluxus" which means "flowing". Newton used this term to describe the mathematical concept of calculus, particularly the idea of finding the rate at which a quantity is changing or "flowing". The term "Fluxions" was used by Newton in his early works on calculus, but later it was replaced by the term "infinitesimal calculus" which became more widely accepted.
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