differential calculus

noun

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

differential calculus

noun

1. 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 integral calculus

Word History and Origins

Origin of differential calculus¹

First recorded in 1700–05