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y'

Definition

The derivative of a function with respect to the independent variable. It represents the rate of change of the function at any given point.

Analogy

Think of y' as a speedometer in a car. Just like how the speedometer tells you how fast you're going at any moment, y' tells you how fast a function is changing at any point.

Related terms

Tangent Line: A line that touches a curve at only one point and has the same slope as the curve at that point.

Piecewise Functions: Functions that are defined by different formulas or rules for different intervals or subdomains.

Chain Rule: A rule used to find the derivative of composite functions.



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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.