Finding the derivative, or dy/dx, of a function is a fundamental operation in calculus. It measures the instantaneous rate of change of a function with respect to its independent variable. To find the derivative of a function, we use a set of rules and techniques.
The derivative has many important applications in science, engineering, and economics. For instance, in physics, the derivative of position with respect to time gives velocity, and the derivative of velocity with respect to time gives acceleration. In economics, the derivative of a function can be used to find the marginal cost of production or the marginal revenue of a product.
