Differential: meaning, definitions and examples
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differential
[หdษชfษหrษnสษl ]
Definitions
mathematics
A mathematical expression representing the rate of change of a function with respect to an independent variable. It is often used in calculus to find the slope of a curve at a point.
Synonyms
derivative, increment, variation.
Examples of usage
- The differential of y with respect to x is denoted as dy/dx.
- To find the differential of the function f(x) = x^2, we need to differentiate it with respect to x.
general
Relating to or showing a difference; making use of a difference.
Synonyms
discriminatory, disparate, distinctive.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| differential |
Used commonly in scientific, technical, or economic discussions to refer to a difference or variation between things, especially in terms of quantity or quality.
|
| distinctive |
Used to describe something that stands out because of its unique or notable characteristics. Common in descriptive or artistic contexts.
|
| disparate |
Applied when discussing things or groups that are fundamentally different and cannot be easily compared. Often used to emphasize significant differences.
|
| discriminatory |
Often used in social, legal, or human rights contexts with a negative connotation, referring to biased or unfair treatment of different groups of people.
|
Examples of usage
- There is a differential treatment for new employees at the company.
- The pricing strategy includes a differential approach based on customer loyalty.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'differentialis,' meaning 'to differ,' highlighting its core meaning of comparison.
- The term began to be used in calculus in the 17th century to describe how functions change.
- In modern usage, it extends beyond math to various fields like economics and biology, emphasizing its broad application.
Mathematics
- In calculus, a differential represents an infinitesimal change in a variable, crucial for understanding rates of change.
- Differentials help define the derivative, a fundamental concept that measures how a function's output changes in relation to changes in input.
- The application of differentials is key in solving problems in physics, engineering, and economics where change is involved.
Physics
- In physics, differentials are used to express laws of motion and other phenomena, helping predict how systems behave under various conditions.
- The differential equation models many physical systems, such as fluid dynamics and electrical circuits, by showing relationships between changing quantities.
- In thermodynamics, differentials describe changes in temperature and pressure, aiding in the understanding of heat transfer.
Economics
- Economists use the concept of differential to analyze how changes in factors affect supply and demand within markets.
- Price differentials can indicate market imbalances or opportunities for arbitrage in trading.
- Differential analysis helps businesses evaluate various options before making strategic decisions by comparing potential outcomes.
Literature
- In literature, authors often explore themes of differential characters to show how perspectives and experiences shape their narratives.
- The differential approach in reading involves using critical thinking to compare different texts and viewpoints deeply.
- Many literary works use differentiations in style, tone, and structure to enhance their storytelling and convey complex ideas.
Translations
Translations of the word "differential" in other languages:
๐ต๐น diferencial
๐ฎ๐ณ เค เคเคคเคฐ
๐ฉ๐ช Differential
๐ฎ๐ฉ diferensial
๐บ๐ฆ ะดะธัะตัะตะฝััะฐะป
๐ต๐ฑ rรณลผnicowy
๐ฏ๐ต ๅพฎๅ
๐ซ๐ท diffรฉrentiel
๐ช๐ธ diferencial
๐น๐ท diferansiyel
๐ฐ๐ท ์ฐจ๋ ์ฅ์น
๐ธ๐ฆ ุชูุงุถูู
๐จ๐ฟ diferenciรกl
๐ธ๐ฐ diferenciรกl
๐จ๐ณ ๅทฎๅจ
๐ธ๐ฎ diferencial
๐ฎ๐ธ mismunadrif
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะดะธััะตัะตะฝัะธะฐะป
๐ฌ๐ช แแัะตัะตะฝแชแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ diferensial
๐ฒ๐ฝ diferencial