MATHEMATICS AND DERIVATIVES IN DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS: A SURVEY FOR MOBILE DEVICES

Abstract

This study addresses the use of mobile applications as resources to support the teaching of derivatives, considering the possibilities offered by digital technologies within the context of Mathematics Education. The general objective was to catalog and classify applications available on the Google Play Store that could assist in teaching derivatives, analyzing their functionalities and potential contribution to the learning process. The research employed both quantitative and qualitative approaches, involving the survey, selection, and analysis of applications identified using the keyword "mathematical derivatives." Among the resources investigated, Photomath and Derivative Calculator stood out; both are free and classified as educational. Photomath features optical expression recognition, automatic solving, and step-by-step explanations, whereas Derivative Calculator is specifically designed for calculating derivatives, offering simplifications, solution steps, and graphical representations. The results demonstrated that these applications can contribute to visualizing procedures, verifying calculations, understanding concepts, and facilitating more interactive activities. However, their use requires planning and teacher mediation to avoid the mechanical reliance on ready-made answers. The study concludes that these resources can complement pedagogical practices and enhance the teaching of derivatives, although empirical studies are needed to evaluate their effects directly with students.