derivative

The result of differentiating a function; that is, the infinitesimal change in a function caused by an infinitesimal change in the variable(s) upon which it depends. The derivative gives the rate of change of a function (the slope of its curve) at a particular point. Second and third derivatives give the rate at which the rate of change is changing and the rate at which the rate of rate of change is changing, respectively.

In an article in 1996, Hugo Rossi wrote: "In the fall of 1972 President Nixon announced that the rate of increase of inflation was decreasing. This was the first time a sitting president used the third derivative to advance his case for reelection."¹

Reference

Rossi. Hugo. "Mathematics Is an Edifice, Not a Toolbox." Notices of the AMS, 43 (10) (Oct. 1996).

Related category

• CALCULUS AND ANALYSIS

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