Answers>Maths>IB>Article

What does differentiation actually mean?

Differentiation is defined as the rate of change of a function. Imagine we had a function f(x), which we shall let equal x2. We all know what the graph of xlooks like.

The derivative of xis 2x. This means that, as the variable x increases, the gradient increases by 2x. In graphing a derivative, effectively the gradient is on the y axis, hence the steeper the curve of y, the higher the derivative.

Answered by Toby T. Maths tutor

2768 Views

See similar Maths IB tutors

Related Maths IB answers

All answers ▸

H(x)=(x^3)*(e^x) what is H'(x)


When do you use 'n choose k' and where does the formula come from?


The quadratic equation x^2 - 2kx + (k - 1) = 0 has roots α and β such that α^2 + β^2 = 4. Without solving the equation, find the possible values of the real number k.


IB exam question: Let p(x)=2x^5+x^4–26x^3–13x^2+72x+36, x∈R. For the polynomial equation p (x) = 0 , state (i) the sum of the roots; (ii) the product of the roots.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences