What is the difference between derivative and differential?
The derivative dy/dx is a rate (slope); the differential dy = f'(x)dx is the small change it predicts for a small dx.
The derivative dy/dx is a rate (slope); the differential dy = f'(x)dx is the small change it predicts for a small dx. A reliable way to keep them apart is to focus on what each one is defined by, not just the similar-sounding words.
Key point
derivative vs differential
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