For f(x) = sqrt(x),
d f(x)/dx = 1/(2*sqrt(x))
Since the sqrt function only outputs positive values for real values of x > 0, the range of df(x)/dx does not include any negative numbers, So df(x)/dx > 0 for all x > 0.
Physics will really help you improve your problem solving skills so I'd say its worth it. Its too bad they seemed to have removed electromagnetism out of the course (or so I have heard), that was pretty enjoyable - compared to waves or whatever it is now, which sounds kinda lame.
I rarely ever dip it.
Also I took a look at the COMP1927 assignment. Looks interesting, and pretty difficult for assign1. In COMP2911 we have to implement an array based double ended queue ... pretty straight forward. I guess they made it easy since we've only just started with Java.
Depends...