second derivative
What second derivative means in Mathematics A-Level, as defined for Pearson Edexcel, WJEC.
Definitions of second derivative
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Reference: Pearson Edexcel
The rate of change of the gradient; where it is greater than zero the curve is convex, where less than zero it is concave.
Obtained by differentiating the first derivative dy/dx with respect to x, written d²y/dx² or f''(x).
Measures the rate of change of the gradient, quantifying the curvature of a function.
Topics that use second derivative
- Differentiation (Pearson Edexcel A-Level)
- Differentiation (A2 Unit 3: Pure Mathematics B) (WJEC A-Level)
- Differentiation (AS Unit 1: Pure Mathematics A) (WJEC A-Level)
Related terms
- differentiation from first principles
- Chain rule
- connected rates of change
- Derivative
- Implicit differentiation
- Parametric differentiation
- Product rule
- Quotient rule
Using second derivative in the exam
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