Maths Dictionary · SS 3
Derivative
Also called: differential coefficient
Simple meaning
The gradient function of a curve, written dydx. It tells you how steep the curve is at every point.
Example
If y = x2, then dydx = 2x.
See it
From the Rules of Differentiation lesson. Try moving things around.
curve · tangent at P
y = x2 → dy/dx = 2x
- x2 → 2 × 1x1 = 2x
P(1, 1): dy/dx = 2 × 1 = 2
P: x1
a1
power n2
b0
c0