MathLiveDifference quotient
The difference quotient gives the average rate of change of a function over an interval of width h, which equals the slope of the secant line between two points on its graph. It is the expression whose limit as h approaches zero defines the derivative.
\frac{f(x_0+h) - f(x_0)}{h}What the symbols mean
| the function being examined | |
| the starting point of the interval | |
| the width of the interval (step size), nonzero |
About this formula
- FieldMathematics
- TopicDifferential calculus
- LevelHigh school
- Also calledaverage rate of change, secant slope, slope of secant line, difference quotient formula, rate of change over interval, Newton difference quotient
- SourceWikidata Q1224446
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