Mathematics - Calculus Basics
In calculus, the derivative measures the sensitivity to change of the function value with
respect to a change in its argument. It essentially gives the instantaneous rate of change or
the slope of the tangent line to the function's curve at a specific point.
Notation: Often written as f'(x) or dy/dx.
Power Rule: A basic rule for finding the derivative of a polynomial. If f(x) = x^n, then f'(x) =
n*x^(n-1).
Derivatives are used extensively in physics to find velocity and acceleration from position
functions.
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