What is Differentiation?

We use differentiation to generally find the rate of change for a function. This could also be interpreted as finding the gradient of a curve. e.g. y = x ^ 2.

If you consider the curve, it has a different gradient at various points. We could draw a tangent at the point however a more accurate answer would be to differentiate.

There is a simple method to differentiate curves. We denote the differential of y as dy/dx.

Please feel free to message me to ask more details.

JP
Answered by Jigar P. Maths tutor

5014 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

A cup of coffee is cooling down in a room following the equation x = 15 + 70e^(-t/40). Find the rate at which the temperature is decreasing when the coffee cools to 60°C.


Simplify: (3x+8)/5 > 2x + 1


What is the chain rule and how is it used?


The gradient of a curve is given by dy/dx = 3 - x^2. The curve passes through the point (6,1). Find the equation of the curve.


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning