Differential of a Function

The differential of a function y = f(x) measures how the function f(x) changes in response to an infinitesimal change in the independent variable x. $$ dy = f'(x)\, dx $$

Here, dx represents an infinitesimal increment of the variable x.

Meanwhile, f'(x) denotes the first derivative of the function y = f(x).

A Practical Example

Consider the differential of the function y = x2:

$$ dy = y' \, dx $$

$$ dy = D[x^2] \, dx $$

The first derivative of the function is D[x2] = 2x.

$$ dy = 2x \, dx $$

This expression represents the differential of the function y = f(x) with respect to an infinitesimal change in the independent variable x.

And so on.

 

 
 

Please feel free to point out any errors or typos, or share suggestions to improve these notes. English isn't my first language, so if you notice any mistakes, let me know, and I'll be sure to fix them.

FacebookTwitterLinkedinLinkedin
knowledge base

Derivatives

Theorems

Various Derivatives

Exercises