Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A differentiable function is a type of function that has derivatives at every point within its domain. This means that the slope or rate of change can be determined at any point on the graph.
The derivative measures how much a function changes as its input changes. It represents the instantaneous rate of change or slope at any given point on the graph.
A line that touches and "hugs" the curve of a differentiable function at only one point, representing the instantaneous rate of change (slope) at that specific point.
A critical point occurs when either the derivative is zero or undefined. These points are important for determining maximums, minimums, and inflection points on graphs.