partial derivative

American  

noun

Mathematics.

1. the derivative of a function with respect to one of its variables with all other variables held constant.

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partial derivative British  

noun

1. the derivative of a function of two or more variables with respect to one of the variables, the other or others being considered constant. Written ∂f/∂ x

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partial derivative Scientific  

/ pär′shəl /

1. The derivative with respect to a single variable of a function of two or more variables, regarding other variables as constants.

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Etymology

Origin of partial derivative

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

partial derivative

We must also check for the possibility that the denominator of each partial derivative can equal zero, thus causing the partial derivative not to exist.

From Textbooks ● Mar. 30, 2016

There are no points in ℝ2 that make either partial derivative not exist.

From Textbooks ● Mar. 30, 2016

To calculate a partial derivative with respect to a given variable, treat all the other variables as constants and use the usual differentiation rules.

From Textbooks ● Mar. 30, 2016

For the following exercises, calculate the sign of the partial derivative using the graph of the surface.

From Textbooks ● Mar. 30, 2016

The partial derivative fxx is equal to the partial derivative of fx with respect to x, and fyy is equal to the partial derivative of fy with respect to y.

From Textbooks ● Mar. 30, 2016