D• D[f, x] gives the partial derivative . • D[f, {x, n}] gives the multiple derivative . • D[f, , , ... ] gives . • D can be used to find the rate of change of a function. • D[f, x] can be input as . The character is entered as pd or \[PartialD]. The variable x is entered as a subscript. • An alternative notation for taking the derivative of a function of one variable is f'[x] which is equivalent to D[f[x], x].
f''[x] denotes the second derivative of f with respect to x. • All quantities that do not explicitly depend on the are taken to have zero partial derivative. • The derivatives of built-in mathematical functions are evaluated when possible in terms of other built-in mathematical functions. • D uses the chain rule to simplify derivatives of unknown functions. • D[f, x, y] can be input as . The character \[InvisibleComma], entered as , , can be used instead of an ordinary comma. It does not display but is still interpreted just like a comma. • See also: Integrate, ND.
Examples Using InstantCalculatorsHere are the InstantCalculators for the D function. Enter the parameters for your calculation and click Calculate to see the result.
Out[1]= |  |
Out[2]= |  |
Entering Commands DirectlyYou can paste a template for this command via the Text Input button on the D Function Controller. Here is the derivative of with respect to x.
Out[3]= |  |
Out[4]= |  |
Here is the Chain Rule of first-year calculus.
Out[5]= |  |
If you differentiate a function with respect to x, say, all other parameters are treated as constants.
Out[6]= |  |
This gives the fourth derivative of with respect to x.
Out[7]= |  |
Here is the partial derivative .
Out[8]= |  |
Mathematical Input NotationThis also gives the fourth derivative of with respect to x.
Out[9]= |  |
This also gives the partial derivative .
Out[10]= |  |
|