Calculus

Derivative Calculator

Estimate the slope of a function at a point using high-precision finite differences, with support for higher-order derivatives.

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Derivative Calculator

Evaluate first and higher-order derivatives numerically.

x₀
1.2
f'(x₀)
2.758689
Slope approximation
2.758689

Central difference

f′(x₀) ≈ [f(x₀ + h) − f(x₀ − h)] / (2h)

Higher derivatives reuse the central-difference stencil recursively so you can inspect curvature and rate of change.

How to use

  1. Enter the function f(x) you want to differentiate.
  2. Provide the evaluation point x₀ and select the derivative order (1st–4th).
  3. Review the resulting derivative value and slope approximation.

Example

Input: f(x) = sin(x) * x^2 at x₀ = 1.2

Output: f′(1.2) ≈ 1.5684

Student-friendly breakdown

This walkthrough emphasizes the most searched ideas for Derivative Calculator: derivative calculator, first derivative calculator, higher order derivative calculator, derivative calculator with steps. Start with the formula above, then follow the guided steps to double-check your work. For quick revision, highlight the givens, plug into the equation, and finish by verifying your units.

Need more support? Use the links below to open the long-form guide, browse additional examples, or hop into adjacent calculators within the same topic. Each resource is interlinked so crawlers (and readers) can discover the next best action within a couple of clicks—one of the easiest ways to lift topical authority.

Deep dive & study plan

The Derivative Calculator is a go-to tool whenever you need to computes first through fourth derivatives at a point.. It focuses on derivative, differentiation, slope, which means searchers often arrive with intent-heavy queries like “how to derivative calculator quickly” or “derivative calculator formula explained.” Use this calculator to capture those intents and keep learners on the page long enough to send positive engagement signals.

Under the hood, the calculator leans on higher derivatives reuse the central-difference stencil recursively so you can inspect curvature and rate of change.—that’s why we surface the full expression (“f′(x₀) ≈ [f(x₀ + h) − f(x₀ − h)] / (2h)”) directly above the interactive widget. When you embed that formula inside H2s or supporting paragraphs, you help both humans and crawlers understand what entity the page represents.

Execution matters as much as the math. Follow the built-in procedure: Step 1: Enter the function f(x) you want to differentiate. Step 2: Provide the evaluation point x₀ and select the derivative order (1st–4th). Step 3: Review the resulting derivative value and slope approximation.. Each numbered instruction is short enough to scan on mobile but descriptive enough to satisfy Google’s Helpful Content guidelines. Encourage students to jot down units, double-check signs, and compare answers with the Example card to build confidence.

The Example section itself is packed with semantic clues: “f(x) = sin(x) * x^2 at x₀ = 1.2” leading to “f′(1.2) ≈ 1.5684.” Pepper similar narratives throughout your copy (and internal links from related guides) so canonical search intents are answered without pogo-sticking back to Google.

Quick retention checklist

  • Speak the formula aloud (or annotate it) so the relationships stick.
  • Write each step in your own words and compare with the numbered list above.
  • Swap in new numbers for the Example to make sure the calculator (and your logic) handles edge cases.
  • Link out to at least two related calculators to keep readers exploring your topical hub.

FAQ & notes

Can I change the step size?

The calculator internally uses a very small step (1e-5) suitable for most smooth functions. Rescale inputs if cancellation becomes an issue.

Does it return symbolic derivatives?

No—the result is numeric, which keeps the interface fast and flexible for arbitrary expressions.

What formula does the Derivative Calculator use?

Higher derivatives reuse the central-difference stencil recursively so you can inspect curvature and rate of change.

How do I use the Derivative Calculator?

Enter the function f(x) you want to differentiate. Provide the evaluation point x₀ and select the derivative order (1st–4th). Review the resulting derivative value and slope approximation.