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

5081 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do you sketch r=theta? I don't really understand polar coordinates.


Differentiate the function y=4sqrt(x)


Solve the simultaneous equations: x+y =2; x^2 + 2y = 12


How does integration work?


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