first derivative

noun

Meaning

The rate of change of a function with respect to its variable, representing the slope of the tangent line to the function's graph at any point.

Examples

The first derivative of the displacement function provides the velocity of the object.
Calculus students must learn how to compute the first derivative of various polynomial functions.

Synonyms: slope, rate of change, gradient

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first derivative

noun

Pronunciation: /fɜːrst dɪˈrɪv.ə.tɪv/

Definition

The rate of change of a function with respect to its variable, representing the slope of the tangent line to the function's graph at any point.

Examples

The first derivative of the displacement function provides the velocity of the object.
Calculus students must learn how to compute the first derivative of various polynomial functions.
By setting the first derivative to zero, we can identify the local maxima and minima of the curve.

Synonyms of first derivative

Words with a similar meaning to first derivative:

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