second derivative

American  

noun

Mathematics.

1. the derivative of the derivative of a function.

   Acceleration is the second derivative of distance with respect to time.

---

Example Sentences

To find extrema of functions of two variables, first find the critical points, then calculate the discriminant and apply the second derivative test.

From Textbooks • Mar. 30, 2016

Find the second derivative of the position function and explain its physical meaning.

From Textbooks • Mar. 30, 2016

Determine the second derivative of the Holling type I equation and explain physically what the derivative implies.

From Textbooks • Mar. 30, 2016

Here we examine how the second derivative test can be used to determine whether a function has a local extremum at a critical point.

From Textbooks • Mar. 30, 2016

From this simple animism the belief shades off by insensible gradations into the second, derivative form or phase above referred to, which is a more or less articulate belief in an inscrutable preternatural agency.

From Theory of the Leisure Class by Veblen, Thorstein