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Calculus Tool

Derivative Calculator with Steps - Online Derivative Solver

Free online derivative calculator with step-by-step solutions. Find derivatives,solve d/dx, and calculate differentials instantly. Our derivative solverhandles polynomials, trigonometric functions, exponentials, and more to help you understand calculus concepts.

Last updated: December 15, 2024

Step-by-step derivative calculation
Slope and tangent line analysis
Critical points and function behavior

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Derivative Calculator
Calculate derivatives, slopes, and analyze function behavior

Derivative Analysis

Function TypeQuadratic
Derivative f'(x)2x
Simplified Form2x
Derivative at x = 24.0000
Slope at Point4.0000
Tangent Liney = 4.00x + -4.00
Complexity LevelBasic

Critical Points

  • x = 0

Increasing Intervals

  • x > 0

Online Derivative Calculator Types

Our derivative solver handles all types of calculus problems with step-by-step solutions

Basic Derivative Calculator

Functions: Polynomials, Linear

Examples: x², x³, 2x+1

Rules: Power Rule, Constant Rule

Also called: Calculator for derivatives

d/dx[x²] = 2x

Trigonometric Derivative Calculator

Functions: sin(x), cos(x), tan(x)

Examples: sin(x), cos(2x)

Rules: Trigonometric Rules

Also called: Derivatives calculus calculator

d/dx[sin(x)] = cos(x)

Exponential Derivative Calculator

Functions: e^x, ln(x), a^x

Examples: e^x, ln(x), 2^x

Rules: Exponential, Logarithmic

Also called: Derivative formula calculator

d/dx[e^x] = e^x

Step-by-Step Derivative Calculator

Features: Detailed solutions

Shows: Each rule application

Best for: Learning calculus

Also called: Derivative calculator steps

Shows: Power Rule → 2x

Derivative at a Point Calculator

Function: Any f(x)

Input: Point value (x)

Output: f'(x) at point

Also called: Find the derivative

f'(2) = 4 for f(x) = x²

Differential Calculator

Purpose: Calculate differentials

Notation: dy/dx, df/dx

Applications: Rate of change

Also called: Differential of a function calculator

dy/dx = 2x for y = x²

Common Derivative Formulas (d/dx)

x^n

nx^(n-1)

sin(x)

cos(x)

e^x

e^x

ln(x)

1/x

How Our Online Derivative Calculator Works

Our online derivative calculator provides comprehensive analysis of mathematical functions using fundamental calculus principles. This derivative solver applies derivative rules to find rates of change, slopes, and critical behavior patterns essential for mathematical analysis.

Online Derivative Calculator Features

  • Step-by-step solutions showing each derivative rule application
  • Multiple function types including polynomials, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic
  • Derivative at a point calculation for specific x-values
  • d/dx notation support for standard mathematical notation
  • Instant results with detailed explanations and interpretations

The Calculation Method

Power Rule: d/dx[x^n] = nx^(n-1)
Trigonometric: d/dx[sin(x)] = cos(x), d/dx[cos(x)] = -sin(x)
Exponential: d/dx[e^x] = e^x
Logarithmic: d/dx[ln(x)] = 1/x
Tangent Line: y - f(a) = f'(a)(x - a)

These fundamental rules form the basis for calculating derivatives of more complex functions through the application of the chain rule, product rule, and quotient rule.

Derivative Applications

Mathematical Analysis

  • • Rate of change calculations
  • • Slope determination at points
  • • Critical point identification
  • • Function behavior analysis
  • • Optimization problem solving

Real-World Applications

  • • Physics: velocity and acceleration
  • • Economics: marginal cost and revenue
  • • Engineering: rate of change analysis
  • • Biology: population growth rates
  • • Chemistry: reaction rate calculations

Scientific Basis

Our derivative calculations are based on established mathematical principles from differential calculus, including the fundamental theorem of calculus and standard derivative rules. The calculator implements these rules systematically to provide accurate results for educational and professional applications.

  • Derivative rules follow standard mathematical notation and conventions
  • Calculations use precise mathematical formulas from calculus textbooks
  • Results are verified against known mathematical properties and theorems
  • Critical point analysis follows standard mathematical procedures

Sources & References

  • Calculus: Early Transcendentals - James Stewart's Comprehensive Calculus TextbookStandard reference for derivative rules and calculus principles
  • Mathematical Association of America - Calculus Education StandardsProfessional standards for calculus instruction and assessment
  • International Mathematical Union - Mathematical Notation StandardsGlobal standards for mathematical notation and calculus terminology

Example Calculation

Step-by-Step Derivative Calculator Example
How to find the derivative of f(x) = x² using our derivative solver

Step-by-Step Derivative Process:

  1. Input Function: f(x) = x²
  2. Identify Rule: Power Rule applies
  3. Apply d/dx: d/dx[x²] = 2x^(2-1)
  4. Simplify: f'(x) = 2x
  5. Evaluate at x = 2: f'(2) = 2(2) = 4

d/dx notation: d/dx[x²] = 2x

Calculator Results:

Derivative Formula: f'(x) = 2x
Derivative at Point: f'(2) = 4
Slope: m = 4
Tangent Line: y = 4x - 4

Function Type: Quadratic (Power Rule)

Step-by-Step Interpretation: Our derivative calculator shows that at x = 2, the function f(x) = x² has a slope of 4, meaning it's increasing at a rate of 4 units per unit increase in x.

This demonstrates how our online derivative calculator provides both the derivative formula and evaluates it at specific points, making it perfect for learning calculus concepts.

d/dx[x³]

3x²

d/dx[sin(x)]

cos(x)

d/dx[e^x]

e^x

Frequently Asked Questions

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