Derivative and Differentiation

The process of acquiring the derivative of a function or slope or gradient is referred to as differentiation or derivation. The derivative is denoted by (dy)/(dx) or f (x) and is provided by dividing the change in y variable by the change in x variable.

The derivative or slope or gradient of a line AB connecting points (x,y) and (x+dx, y + dy) is specified by

(Δy)/(Δx) = (change in y)/(change in x)

= (((y + (dy)) - y)/ (((x + (dx)) - x)

Whereas dy is a small change in y and dx is a small change in x variables.