Derivative

From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A derivative is something created from a primary source. This meaning is important in etymology. There, a derivative is a word that is made from a more basic word. Similarly, in chemistry, a derivative is a compound that is made from a similar compound.

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In finance, derivative is a common short word for derivative security.

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In mathematics, the derivative of a function is a central idea of calculus. The derivative of a function at a point shows how fast a function changes as its argument changes. In addition to that, derivative of a function at a certain point is the slope of the point's tangent line. Therefore the derivative is only a numerical value.

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In Chemistry, a derivative is a substance that has similar properties as the original. However, one or more components of the original are replaced. That way, if a reaction can be observed in the original, it will also be there in its derivative. It may be stornger, or weaker in nature, though.