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Derivative for Dummies

noun

pronunciation: dɪ'rɪvətɪv

What does Derivative really mean?

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Hey there! So, the word "derivative" can mean a few different things, but let's start with the main definition. In simple terms, a derivative is something that comes from something else. It's kind of like when you bake a cake using a recipe - the cake is the derivative of the recipe because it's made from the recipe.

In math, a derivative is a bit different. It's a value that tells you how much a function is changing at a certain point. Think of it like driving a car - the speedometer tells you how fast you're going at a specific moment. The derivative of a function works the same way, telling you how the function is "moving" at a specific point.

Now, let's talk about derivatives in the world of finance. In this context, a derivative is a type of financial instrument that gets its value from another asset, like stocks or bonds. It's kind of like when you make a copy of a drawing - the copy is a derivative of the original drawing because it's based on it.

So, in a nutshell, "derivative" can mean something that comes from something else (like in cooking), a value that shows how a function is changing (in math), or a financial instrument based on another asset (in finance).

I hope that helps you understand what "derivative" means! It's a word that can be used in different ways, but the main idea is that it's something that comes from something else. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!

Revised and Fact checked by Isabella Thomas on 2023-11-09 19:22:40

Derivative In a sentece

Learn how to use Derivative inside a sentece

  • When you learn to drive a car, you are using the derivative of your previous knowledge of riding a bicycle to help you understand how to operate a vehicle.
  • A baby learning to speak is using the derivative of the sounds they hear around them to form their own words and phrases.
  • When you are baking cookies and make a mistake in the recipe, you have to find the derivative of the original recipe in order to adjust the ingredients and correct the error.
  • In math, if you have an equation for the distance an object travels over time, you can find the derivative of that equation to see how fast the object is moving at any point in time.
  • When you are learning to play a new song on the piano, you can use the derivative of your knowledge of scales and chords to help you figure out the correct notes and finger positions.

Derivative Synonyms

Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.

Derivative Hypernyms

Words that are more generic than the original word.

Derivative Hyponyms

Words that are more specific than the original word.

Derivative Similar Words

Words that similar to the original word, but are not synonyms.

Derivative Category

The domain category to which the original word belongs.