differential
pronunciation
How to pronounce differential in British English:
UK [ˌdɪfəˈrenʃl]
How to pronounce differential in American English:
US [ˌdɪfəˈrɛnʃəl]
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- Noun:
- the result of mathematical differentiation; the instantaneous change of one quantity relative to another; df(x)/dx
- a quality that differentiates between similar things
- a bevel gear that permits rotation of two shafts at different speeds; used on the rear axle of automobiles to allow wheels to rotate at different speeds on curves
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- Adjective:
- relating to or showing a difference
- involving or containing one or more derivatives
Word Origin
- differential (adj.)
- 1640s, from Medieval Latin differentialis, from Latin differentia (see difference). Related: Differentially.
Example
- 1. Leibniz contributed mightily to our knowledge of differential equations .
- 2. The chapter on non-linear partial differential equations , to be precise .
- 3. Table of laplace transforms - here is a list of laplace transforms for a differential equations class .
- 4. Do you position yourself to catch a ball by solving differential equations in your head , on the fly ?
- 5. A robot programmed to chase and catch a ball would need to compute a series of complex differential equations to track the ball 's trajectory .