total derivative
The derivative of a continuous function of two or more variables with respect to a single parameter, which can be expressed in terms of a series of partial derivatives.

For example, if z = f(x,y) and both x and y are continuous functions of another variable t, then the total derivative of z with respect to t is:

symbol spacedz/dt = (symbol derivativez/symbol derivativex)(dx/dt) + (symbol derivativez/symbol derivativey)(dy/dt)

Related Terms: chain rule, total differential


 
English | Espaņol