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
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Derivative Analysis
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
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
Explore more mathematical tools? Check out our concavity calculator and end behavior calculator.
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Step-by-Step Derivative Process:
- Input Function: f(x) = x²
- Identify Rule: Power Rule applies
- Apply d/dx: d/dx[x²] = 2x^(2-1)
- Simplify: f'(x) = 2x
- Evaluate at x = 2: f'(2) = 2(2) = 4
d/dx notation: d/dx[x²] = 2x
Calculator Results:
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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