Mathematical Musings of a Urologist

Abstract

The derivatives with respect to the variable $r$ of $\pi r^2$ and $\frac{4}{3}\pi r^3$ are $2\pi r$ and $4\pi r^2$, respectively. This relates, through the derivative, the area enclosed in a circle to the length of that circle and, likewise, the volume of a sphere to the surface area of that sphere. The reasons why this works are basic to a first course in calculus. In this brief article, we expand on these ideas to shapes other than circles and spheres. Our approach is with the first year calculus student in mind.