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
q'(x) represents the derivative of the function q(x). It measures how quickly or slowly the output value of q(x) changes with respect to changes in the input value, x.
This term represents a mathematical function that takes an input value, x, and returns the output value based on a specific rule or equation.
Tangent line: This term refers to a straight line that touches a curve at only one point. The slope of this tangent line at each point gives us the derivative of the curve at that point.
Chain rule: This term describes a rule in calculus used for finding derivatives of composite functions, where one function is nested inside another. It helps break down complex functions into simpler parts for differentiation.