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Derivative

calender iconUpdated on July 04, 2024
corporate finance
corporate finance and accounting

The derivative is a fundamental concept in mathematics that describes the rate of change of a function. It is a measure of how much the function changes when its input changes.

Definition:

The derivative of a function f with respect to a variable x, denoted by f'(x) or df/dx, is the instantaneous rate of change of f with respect to changes in x. It is the limit of the slope of the tangent line to the graph of f at a particular point as the point approaches that point.

Formula:

The derivative of a function f(x) is given by the formula:

f'(x) = lim (h -> 0) [ (f(x+h) - f(x)) / h ]

where lim represents the limit, h is a small number, and f'(x) is the derivative of f at x.

Interpretation:

  • The derivative of a function measures the slope of the tangent line to the graph of the function at a particular point.
  • The derivative has many applications in calculus, physics, engineering, and computer science.
  • The derivative is used to find critical points, extrema, and to solve differential equations.

Examples:

  • The derivative of the function f(x) = x^2 is f'(x) = 2x.
  • The derivative of the function f(x) = sin(x) is f'(x) = cos(x).

Key Points:

  • The derivative is a measure of the rate of change of a function.
  • The derivative is the instantaneous slope of the tangent line to the graph of the function.
  • The derivative has many applications in various fields.
  • The derivative is used to find critical points, extrema, and to solve differential equations.

FAQ's

What do you mean by derivative?

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In mathematics, a derivative represents the rate at which a function is changing at any given point. It is a measure of how a function’s output value changes in response to changes in its input value. In finance, a derivative is a financial contract whose value is based on the performance of an underlying asset, index, or rate.

What is a simple definition of derivative?

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What do you mean by derivatives and example?

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What is the definition of a derivative in mathematics?

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