differential calculus

noun

1. the branch of mathematics that deals with differentials and derivatives.

differential calculus

noun

1. See integral calculus
   the branch of calculus concerned with the study, evaluation, and use of derivatives and differentials Compare integral calculus

differential calculus

1. The mathematics of the variation of a function with respect to changes in independent variables, especially the use of differentiation to calculate rates of change of a function and the maximum and minimum values of a function. Differential calculus has applications such as calculating compound interest, organic growth, and slopes of curves, and studying the acceleration of moving bodies.
2. Compare calculus of variations

Word History and Origins

Origin of differential calculus¹

First recorded in 1700–05

Example Sentences

You,” said I. “You drive a nail as if it were an abstruse problem in differential calculus.

From Project Gutenberg

Then he dived into differential calculus and philosophical abstrusities.

From Project Gutenberg

He had also mastered trigonometry, surveying, navigation, geometry and differential calculus.

From Project Gutenberg

Socialism has no more to do with the state of nature than has differential calculus with a Bible class.

From Project Gutenberg

We postpone for the present the problems of differential calculus which arise from these considerations.

From Project Gutenberg