What is the point of a derivative?

A derivative is a rate of change. For example, let y equal some function of x. Then the derivative of y with respect to x is asking how much y changes with respect to x. We can show this for any x and if we substitute a value in for x then we are showing the rate of change of y when x is equal to that value.
Another way to look at it is, if we had a curve, the derivative of y with respect to a certain x is gradient of the tangent that touches y at the point x. The gradient is showing the rate of change of y at the point x.

Answered by Maths tutor

2777 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do you intergrate a function?


Solve the equation 2log (base 3)(x) - log (base 3)(x+4) = 2


Describe the set of transformations that will transformthe curve y=x^ to the curve y=x^2 + 4x - 1


Integrate this funtion f'(x)=2x +4 with respect to x (C1 integration)


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