Question

What is the difference between derivative and differential ? Please Help !

Answer 1

The derivative of a function of a real variable measures the sensitivity to change of a quantity which is determined by another quantity (the independent variable).

In calculus, the differential represents a change in the linearization of a function.
The notion of a differential motivates several concepts in differential geometry (and differential topology).
Differentials are also important in algebraic geometry, and there are several important notions.

Answer 2

medal please?

Answer 3

@Dexter810

Answer 4

There you go :)
I still am not clear about it , could you explain in simpler terms

Answer 5

I am reading your answer but not able to imagine it :(

Answer 6

In short :

derivative measures "rate of change"
differential measures "change"

Answer 7

\[\begin{align}
y(x) &= x^2&&\text{(equation)}\\~\\
\mathrm dy &= 2x\,\mathrm dx&&\text{(differentials)}\\~\\
\frac{\mathrm dy}{\mathrm dx}&= 2x&&\text{(derivative)}
\end{align}\]

Answer 8

@Dexter810:
this link will help you I guess

Answer 9

http://math.stackexchange.com/questions/23902/what-is-the-practical-difference-between-a-differential-and-a-derivative

The answer by ARhuro Magdin is quite informatative

Answer 10

and this one too:
http://math.stackexchange.com/questions/21199/is-fracdydx-not-a-ratio/21209#21209

Answer 11

Thanks a ton ! :)