differential calculus

noun

Updated on: 21 Mar 2018

Definition of differential calculus

: 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

Recent Examples of differential calculus from the Web

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, "America Hates Its Gifted Kids," 16 Jan. 2014
Math covers general mathematics, geometry and an introduction to differential calculus.

— karen zurawski, Houston Chronicle, "Klein High School team prepares for state academic decathlon," 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, "The Soviet Era's Deadliest Scientist Is Regaining Popularity in Russia," 19 Dec. 2017
Imagine acing differential calculus and then failing geometry.

— justin chang, latimes.com, "Michael Fassbender won't melt your heart in the dreadfully incoherent thriller 'The Snowman'," 19 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'differential calculus.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.