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derivative |
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derivative: see calculus calculus, branch of mathematics that studies continuously changing quantities. The calculus is characterized by the use of infinite processes, involving passage to a limit —the notion of tending toward, or approaching, an ultimate value. ..... Click the link for more information. . derivativeIn mathematics, a fundamental concept of differential calculus representing the instantaneous rate of change of a function. The first derivative of a function is a function whose values can be interpreted as slopes of tangent lines to the graph of the original function at a given point. The derivative of a derivative (known as the second derivative) describes the rate of change of the rate of change, and can be thought of physically as acceleration. The process of finding a derivative is called differentiation. derivative 1. Chem a compound that is formed from, or can be regarded as formed from, a structurally related compound 2. Maths a. the change of a function, f(x), with respect to an infinitesimally small change in the independent variable, x; the limit of [f(a + Δx)--f(a)]/Δx, at x = a, as the increment, Δx, tends to 0. Symbols: df(x)/dx, fʹ(x), Df(x) b. the rate of change of one quantity with respect to another 3. Psychoanal an activity that represents the expression of hidden impulses and desires by channelling them into socially acceptable forms How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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| There was, however, a serious conflict within the mix of evolutionary theory and social liberation: how was it possible to imagine that the derogation of human nature from something little less than angelic to something not differentiable from animal nature could in any sense be a liberation? Finally, these quantities will be extended into the source space by matching functions so that the overall field is continuously differentiable (2) in the aperture plane and the bidirectional transport of energy through the aperture is also expressed by continuous functions. Given the fact that contributions are not always tangible, measurable, or differentiable, many organizations may resort to bureaucratic tools, such as policies, rules, and procedures, in order to determine a minimum level of behavioral compliance from their employees. |
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