differential calculus
Americannoun
noun
-
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.
Etymology
Origin of differential calculus
First recorded in 1700–05
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Megyn Kelly knows as much about the Vatican as I know about differential calculus, which is nothing,” he said.
From Washington Times • Jun. 20, 2022
To restrain her enthusiasms, Lady Byron introduced Ada to mathematics: She would soon enough swear that differential calculus made for the best company.
From New York Times • Nov. 30, 2018
Imagine acing differential calculus and then failing geometry.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 19, 2017
He showed an aptitude for mathematics and in high school won a statewide science contest with his paper on finite differential calculus.
From Washington Post • May 14, 2016
Two years later he invented the differential calculus.
From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
