directional derivative

American

noun

Mathematics.

the limit, as a function of several variables moving along a given line from one specified point to another on the line, of the difference in the functional values at the two points divided by the distance between the points.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A directional derivative represents a rate of change of a function in any given direction.

From Textbooks • Mar. 30, 2016

The directional derivative can also be generalized to functions of three variables.

From Textbooks • Mar. 30, 2016

Another approach to calculating a directional derivative involves partial derivatives, as outlined in the following theorem.

From Textbooks • Mar. 30, 2016

Figure 4.40 Finding the directional derivative in a given direction u at a given point on a surface.

From Textbooks • Mar. 30, 2016

The slope of the black arrow on the graph indicates the value of the directional derivative at that point.

From Textbooks • Mar. 30, 2016

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023