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The derivative is one of the fundamental concepts of calculus. Physics and chemistry (indeed, most sciences) are about changes - changes in position, amount, temperature, etc. Calculus, via the concept of the derivative, provides a consistent, precise language for discussing quantities that change. The companion concept, the integral, allows mathematicians and scientists to use their understanding of how things change to make predictions about the future states of physical systems, and about how changes in ambient conditions will affect the systems. So we set about here to master the language of derivatives, and to understand them graphically, numerically and symbolically.
Velocity
Derivatives
Derivatives at Work and at Play
Differential Equations