Changes

A '''derivative''' is a measure in [[Calculus]] of how functions change based on how their input values change. Given a graph of a [[real]] curve, the derivative at a specific point will equal the [[slope]] of the line [[tangent]] to that point.  

A '''derivative''' is a measure in [[Calculus]] of how functions change based on how their input values change; otherwise known as 'the rate of change' (second derivatives thus give the rate of change of change, etc). For example, [[speed]] is a first derivative, obtained from distance and time, whereas [[acceleration]] is a second derivative, obtained from the first derivative, speed, and time.

 

Given a graph of a [[real]] curve, the derivative at a specific point will equal the [[slope]] of the line [[tangent]] to that point.  

To calculate the derivative of a function, one must use techniques from the differential branch of calculus. This branch of calculus is related to the integral branch by the first fundamental theorem of calculus: ''differentiation'' (the process of finding a derivative) ''is the reverse process of [[integral|integration]]'' (the process of finding an integral).

To calculate the derivative of a function, one must use techniques from the differential branch of calculus. This branch of calculus is related to the integral branch by the first fundamental theorem of calculus: ''differentiation'' (the process of finding a derivative) ''is the reverse process of [[integral|integration]]'' (the process of finding an integral).