
In equations like y = 3x – 2, the independent variable is x. Independent variable – A variable in an equation whose value can be freely chosen without regard for the values of other variables. The dependent variable is what is measured or evaluated in an experiment or mathematical equation. f(x) represents the function.ĭependent variable – A dependent variable is one whose value is determined by an independent variable. The following are some key terms related to differential calculus:įunctions – A function is defined as a relation from a set of inputs to a set of outputs, where each input corresponds to exactly one output. If the function to be differentiated is y=f(x), then the differential calculus notation is f'(x) = dy / dx. The speed of a moving object.įor example, can be interpreted as the rate of change of distance with respect to time.

Differential Calculusĭifferential calculus is the study of a dependent quantity’s rate of change in relation to a change in an independent quantity. In this article, we will learn more about differential calculus, its basics, Equations of Differential Calculus, and applications.


The derivative of a function at a given input value describes the function’s rate of change near that input value. The derivative of a function, related notions such as the differential, and their applications are the primary objects of study in differential calculus. It is one of calculus’ two traditional divisions, the other being integral calculus, which studies the area beneath a curve. Differential calculus is a branch of mathematics that studies the rates at which quantities change.
