noun
derivative
The instantaneous rate of change of a function.
The derivative of position with respect to time gives velocity.
Etymology
Latin de- and rivus evoke drawing water from a stream. A mathematical derivative is drawn from an original function by a specific operation, producing its instantaneous rate of change.
More examples
- The derivative of x squared is twice x.
- A positive derivative shows that the function is increasing.
- We use derivatives to study how quickly temperatures change.
Forms
derivative · derivatives
Similar words
- slope
- Slope measures steepness; a derivative gives the tangent line's slope.