What does dy/dx represent?

dy/dx represents the gradient of a curve. The d represents an infinitesimally small range so it is essentially as though you are doing change in y over change in x like you would for a y = mx +c graph but over a very small range. This is why if you work out dy/dx for a straight line you would get a number whereas for a curve you will get a function of x as the gradient of the line changes depending where on the curve you are. 

MD
Answered by Madeleine D. Maths tutor

33737 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do you find a turning point of a function using differentiation?


Why does 'x' need to be in radians to differentiate 'sin x'?


How to differentiate tan(x)?


Differentiate x^x


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning