differential calculus
nounUK /ˌdɪfəˈrɛnʃəl ˈkælkjʊləs/
US /ˌdɪfəˈrɛnʃəl ˈkælkjələs/
A kind of math that studies how things change and how fast they change.
In differential calculus, we learn how to find the speed of a car at any exact moment.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The branch of mathematics that uses derivatives and limits to study rates of change and curves.
Engineers use differential calculus to design smooth roller coaster tracks.
3. A school or university course that teaches derivatives and their applications.
She signed up for differential calculus in her first year of college.
4. The part of calculus focused on instantaneous change, as opposed to total amounts.
Differential calculus tells you how fast water fills a tank; integral calculus tells you how much water is in it.