Jason Ko
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- What's the difference between d,d/dx and dx?
What's the difference between d,d/dx and dx?
The discussion clarifies the distinctions between the symbols d, d/dx, and dx in calculus. The symbol d represents an infinitesimal change but lacks independent meaning. The notation d/dx is identified as the operator that computes the derivative of a function with respect to x, while dx signifies the differential of the variable x, representing an infinitesimal change in x. The derivative itself is expressed as the ratio dy/dx, where dy corresponds to the change in y resulting from the change in x.
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Jason Ko said:Summary:: What's the difference between d,d/dx and dx?
What's the difference between d,d/dx and dx?

Your explanation doesn't distinguish between the action of taking a derivative, versus the derivative itself. I would say that ##\frac d{dx}## is the operator that when applied to a function, produces the derivative of the function with respect to x.PeroK said:d/dx denotes the derivative (of a function) with respect to x.