differential calculus
noun
: a branch of mathematics concerned chiefly with the study of the rate of change of functions with respect to their variables especially through the use of derivatives and differentials
Examples of differential calculus in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Out of approximately 100 human computers working for the U.S. Army during World War II, six women were chosen to write a program for the computer to run differential calculus equations.
—
IEEE Spectrum, 21 Nov. 2022
The technology converts images of math problems from basic arithmetic to differential calculus into text and characters that computers can use to spit out answers.
—Derek Newton, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2021
Two thousand years after Zeno, the founders of differential calculus solved the riddle of instantaneous speed.
—Quanta Magazine, 3 Apr. 2019
His work -- which included the development of differential calculus and integral calculus -- helped lay the groundwork for the computer and smartphone technology used in today's society.
—Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 1 July 2018
In 17 years of formal education, I had only ducked out of one class, that being differential calculus.
—Kevin Fisher-Paulson, San Francisco Chronicle, 7 May 2018
The key is to personalize an individual’s education, even in preschool: If someone is a whiz at differential calculus but can’t discern between her pronouns and her prepositions, maybe moving her out of the 11th grade entirely isn’t the best move.
—Chris Weller, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2014
Math covers general mathematics, geometry and an introduction to differential calculus.
—Karen Zurawski, Houston Chronicle, 15 Feb. 2018
To talk to Lysenko was like trying to explain differential calculus to a man who did not know his 12-times table.
—Sam Kean, The Atlantic, 19 Dec. 2017
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
IEEE Spectrum, 21 Nov. 2022
The technology converts images of math problems from basic arithmetic to differential calculus into text and characters that computers can use to spit out answers.
—Derek Newton, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2021
Two thousand years after Zeno, the founders of differential calculus solved the riddle of instantaneous speed.
—Quanta Magazine, 3 Apr. 2019
His work -- which included the development of differential calculus and integral calculus -- helped lay the groundwork for the computer and smartphone technology used in today's society.
—Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 1 July 2018
In 17 years of formal education, I had only ducked out of one class, that being differential calculus.
—Kevin Fisher-Paulson, San Francisco Chronicle, 7 May 2018
The key is to personalize an individual’s education, even in preschool: If someone is a whiz at differential calculus but can’t discern between her pronouns and her prepositions, maybe moving her out of the 11th grade entirely isn’t the best move.
—Chris Weller, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2014
Math covers general mathematics, geometry and an introduction to differential calculus.
—Karen Zurawski, Houston Chronicle, 15 Feb. 2018
To talk to Lysenko was like trying to explain differential calculus to a man who did not know his 12-times table.
—Sam Kean, The Atlantic, 19 Dec. 2017
Cite this Entry
“Differential calculus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/differential%20calculus. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share