differential calculus
noun
the branch of mathematics that deals with differentials and derivatives.
Origin of differential calculus
First recorded in 1700–05
Words nearby differential calculus
British Dictionary definitions for differential calculus
differential calculus
noun
the branch of calculus concerned with the study, evaluation, and use of derivatives and differentials
Compare integral calculus
Scientific definitions for differential calculus
differential calculus
The mathematics of the variation of a function with respect to changes in independent variables, especially the use of differentiation to calculate rates of change of a function and the maximum and minimum values of a function. Differential calculus has applications such as calculating compound interest, organic growth, and slopes of curves, and studying the acceleration of moving bodies. Compare calculus of variations integral calculus.