Definition:Differentiation

Definition

The process of obtaining the derivative of a differentiable function $f$ with respect to $x$ is known as:

differentiation (of $f$) with respect to $x$

or

differentiation WRT $x$

Also known as

The technique of differentiation was called the method of fluxions by Isaac Newton.

The word fluxion evokes the concept of quantities flowing towards zero.

Hence the implicit dependence upon continuity.

Sources

• 1960: P.J. Hilton: Partial Derivatives ... (previous) ... (next): Chapter $1$: Partial Derivatives and Partial Differentiation
• 1989: Ephraim J. Borowski and Jonathan M. Borwein: Dictionary of Mathematics ... (previous) ... (next): differentiation
• 2008: Ian Stewart: Taming the Infinite ... (previous) ... (next): Chapter $8$: The System of the World: Calculus