微分 (wēi fēn) — differential (mathematics)

Definition

In calculus, 微分 refers specifically to the differential — the linear approximation of a function's change, distinct from 导数 (the derivative). It appears in set phrases like 微分方程 (differential equation).

noun
differential (mathematics)

Examples

  • ，微分。
    Zài shù xué zhōng, wēi fēn shì yí gè fēi cháng zhòng yào de gài niàn.
    In mathematics, differentials are a very important concept.
  • 微分。
    Wǒ men xū yào yòng wēi fēn lái qiú hán shù de jí xiàn.
    We need to use differentials to find the limit of a function.
  • 微分。
    Zhè ge wēi fēn fāng chéng de jiě yǐ jīng zhǎo dào le.
    The solution to this differential equation has been found.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
偏正piānzhèngModifier + head

The first part narrows down the second: it says what kind of thing the head is.

微wēitiny
分fēndivision

微 means tiny and 分 division, together a mathematical differential.

Characters in this word

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

The old form showed 𡵂 (a variant of 美, a person with long hair) and 攵 (a hand with a tool) splitting or combing hairs, hence minute; 微 later added 彳 to emphasize action.

Open 微 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

分 pairs 八 (to separate) with 刀 (knife), showing something cut apart with a knife.

Open 分 →

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