Derivative at a point: Difference between revisions

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In [[mathematics]], derivative of a [[Mathematical function|function]] is a measure of how rapidly the function changes locally when its argument changes.
In [[mathematics]], derivative of a [[Mathematical function|function]] is a measure of how rapidly the function changes locally when its argument changes.


Formally, the '''derivative''' of the function ''f'' at ''a'' is the [[limit (mathematics)|limit]]
Formally, the '''derivative''' of the function ''f'' at ''a'' is the [[Limit of a function|limit]]
:<math>f'(a)=\lim_{h\to 0}{f(a+h)-f(a)\over h}</math>
:<math>f'(a)=\lim_{h\to 0}{f(a+h)-f(a)\over h}</math>
of the difference quotient as ''h'' approaches zero, if this limit exists.  If the limit exists, then ''f'' is ''differentiable'' at ''a''.
of the difference quotient as ''h'' approaches zero, if this limit exists.  If the limit exists, then ''f'' is ''differentiable'' at ''a''.

Revision as of 20:59, 23 November 2007

In mathematics, derivative of a function is a measure of how rapidly the function changes locally when its argument changes.

Formally, the derivative of the function f at a is the limit

of the difference quotient as h approaches zero, if this limit exists. If the limit exists, then f is differentiable at a.


See also