What is the derivative of a function and how do you calculate it?

The derivative of a function represents the rate at which the function value changes with respect to its input. In calculus, it is a fundamental concept used to analyze the behavior of functions, such as their increasing and decreasing nature, concavity, and slope of tangents. The derivative of a function can be calculated using various methods, including the power rule, product rule, quotient rule, and chain rule. By finding the derivative, we can uncover critical information about the function's behavior and solve real-world problems involving motion, optimization, and more.

By EduSynth